This easy lemon butter salmon is a restaurant-quality dish made in just 20 minutes! The salmon is pan-seared or baked to perfection and coated in a rich, flavorful lemon butter sauce. It’s a simple yet elegant meal that pairs well with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy – Ready in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavor-packed – The lemon butter sauce adds a deliciously tangy and rich taste.
- Healthy and nutritious – Salmon is high in protein and omega-3s.
- Versatile – Pairs well with a variety of sides.
- Simple ingredients – Made with basic pantry staples.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- Salmon fillets
- Butter
- Garlic, minced
- Fresh lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper
- Paprika (optional, for added flavor)
- Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
Directions
- Season the salmon – Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
- Sear the salmon – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until fully cooked.
- Make the lemon butter sauce – In the same pan, add butter and minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Coat the salmon – Spoon the lemon butter sauce over the salmon. Let it cook for another minute to absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and serve – Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 2-4
- Prep time: 5 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Oven-baked version – Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, then drizzle with lemon butter sauce.
- Grilled salmon – Grill over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side.
- Spicy twist – Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.
- Herb-infused – Mix in rosemary, thyme, or basil for extra flavor.
- Creamy sauce – Add a splash of heavy cream or coconut milk to the lemon butter sauce.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Not recommended, as salmon may dry out when reheated.
- Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat or microwave in short intervals to avoid overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking for best results.
How do I know when salmon is cooked?
It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
What sides go well with lemon butter salmon?
Rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad are great options.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, but butter gives the best flavor and richness.
What’s the best way to prevent salmon from sticking?
Use a well-oiled pan and let the salmon cook undisturbed before flipping.
Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
Yes! Make the sauce and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.
What’s the best type of salmon to use?
Wild-caught salmon has the best flavor, but farmed salmon works well too.
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute butter with olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.
Can I air-fry the salmon?
Yes! Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, then drizzle with the lemon butter sauce.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs and perfect for a keto meal.
Conclusion
This easy lemon butter salmon is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether pan-seared, baked, or grilled, it’s a quick and nutritious meal that’s sure to impress. Try it today and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality salmon dinner at home!
PrintEasy Lemon Butter Salmon
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean, American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A simple and flavorful salmon dish with a rich lemon butter sauce—ready in just 20 minutes! Perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter (or dairy-free alternative)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for spice)
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- Lemon slices, for garnish
Notes
- For a crispier texture, use a cast-iron skillet and sear the salmon without moving it for the first few minutes.
- Baking option: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- Want extra richness? Add 1 tbsp heavy cream or coconut milk to the sauce.
- Leftovers? Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days and reheat gently.
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