Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter: 1 Pan Meal

Name: Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter: 1 Pan Meal
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless); 1 tablespoon olive oil; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon); 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish); Optional: lemon slices for serving

by Manar Jota

September 10, 2025

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Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter has a way of making even a Tuesday feel like a special occasion. I remember the first time I made this dish for my family; the aroma of sizzling garlic and bright lemon filled my kitchen, and the look on their faces as they tasted that flaky, tender salmon coated in a rich sauce was pure joy. It’s truly an easy salmon garlic lemon butter that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. This salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce is now a staple in my rotation, and I can’t wait for you to try it. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter

Incredible flavor: the perfect balance of rich butter, zesty lemon, and savory garlic.
Super quick prep: ready in just 5 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Healthy and light: lean protein packed with omega-3s, making it a guilt-free indulgence.
Budget-friendly: uses simple, accessible ingredients you likely already have.
Family-approved: even picky eaters adore this delicious garlic butter salmon recipe.
Versatile: pairs beautifully with almost any side dish you can imagine.
Elegant presentation: looks sophisticated enough for guests but is easy enough for any day.
This garlic butter salmon recipe is a guaranteed winner!

Ingredients for Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to creating this delightful lemon garlic butter salmon. You’ll need four beautiful salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each, and it doesn’t matter if they have skin or not. I like to use skin-on for extra flavor and crispiness, but skinless is just as wonderful. We’ll start with 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided. The butter is key to that luscious sauce! You’ll also need 4 garlic cloves, minced – don’t skimp on the garlic, it’s essential for that punchy flavor in our salmon garlic lemon butter. For the tangy, bright notes, grab 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (that’s about one whole lemon) and 1 tablespoon lemon zest. Finally, 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, adds a burst of color and freshness, with a little extra for garnish. Optional lemon slices are perfect for serving this easy salmon garlic lemon butter.

Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter: 1 Pan Meal - Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter - main visual representation

How to Make Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter

Let’s get this delicious meal started! First things first, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). While the oven heats up, grab your salmon fillets. Pat them completely dry with paper towels – this is a crucial step for getting that perfect sear. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. Now, in a large, non-stick skillet, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon of the unsalted butter over medium-high heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is nice and hot, carefully place your salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if you’re using skin-on. You’ll hear that satisfying sizzle! Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until the salmon is beautifully golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. This pan seared salmon garlic lemon butter is already looking amazing!

Next, reduce the skillet’s heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. As it melts, stir in your minced garlic. Sauté it for just about 30 seconds until it’s wonderfully fragrant – watch it closely so it doesn’t burn! Pour in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring everything together. Let this glorious sauce bubble gently for about a minute; you’ll see it thicken slightly. Now, return your cooked salmon fillets back into the skillet. Spoon that luscious garlic lemon butter sauce over each piece of salmon, coating it completely. Let it warm through for another 1-2 minutes. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top, add lemon slices if you like, and serve your pan seared salmon garlic lemon butter immediately. Enjoy the amazing aroma and taste!

Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter: 1 Pan Meal - Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter - additional detail

Pro Tips for the Best Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter

I’ve learned a few tricks over the years that elevate this simple salmon garlic lemon butter from good to absolutely amazing. These tips will help you achieve perfect results every time:

Always start with dry salmon fillets before seasoning. This is key for achieving a beautiful sear and preventing the fish from steaming.
Don’t overcrowd the skillet. Cook salmon in batches if necessary to ensure each fillet gets perfectly browned and cooked through.
Taste and adjust the sauce! Lemon juice and zest can vary in intensity, so a quick taste before spooning over the salmon is a good idea.
Use fresh ingredients whenever possible – fresh garlic, lemon, and parsley make a noticeable difference in this garlic butter salmon recipe.

What’s the secret to perfect Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter?

The real secret to perfect salmon garlic lemon butter is the panade technique used in the sauce. Soaking breadcrumbs in milk before adding them to meatloaf creates moisture; similarly, letting the garlic sauté briefly in butter before adding the lemon juice helps meld the flavors beautifully, creating an irresistible garlic butter sauce for salmon. For more culinary techniques, you can explore resources on cooking techniques.

Can I make Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter ahead of time?

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor, you can prep some elements ahead. You can pat the salmon dry and season it a few hours in advance, storing it covered in the refrigerator. The garlic lemon butter sauce can also be made a day ahead and stored separately, then gently reheated before adding to the cooked salmon.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter?

The most common pitfall is overcooking the salmon, which makes it dry. Also, be careful not to burn the garlic; it should be fragrant, not bitter. Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding the salmon for a proper sear, which locks in moisture for that lovely lemon garlic butter salmon.

Best Ways to Serve Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter

This versatile salmon garlic lemon butter is a dream to pair with your favorite sides. For a truly healthy salmon garlic lemon butter meal, I love serving it alongside roasted asparagus or a simple quinoa salad. The bright, zesty sauce complements the earthy flavors perfectly. Another fantastic option is to serve it with creamy mashed potatoes or fluffy rice to soak up every last drop of that amazing garlic lemon butter sauce. It’s also wonderful with a side of steamed green beans or a fresh mixed green salad for a lighter, yet still satisfying, dinner. If you enjoy flavorful chicken dishes, you might also like our Indian Butter Chicken recipe.

Nutrition Facts for Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter

This salmon garlic lemon butter recipe is not only delicious but also quite nutritious! Here’s a breakdown of the estimated nutritional information per serving, which is one fillet. This healthy salmon garlic lemon butter provides a good balance of macronutrients.

Calories: 350
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 250mg
Cholesterol: 100mg

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes used in your salmon garlic lemon butter preparation. For more healthy recipes, check out our recipes section.

How to Store and Reheat Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter

Even though this salmon garlic lemon butter is best enjoyed right after cooking, I know sometimes life gets in the way! To store your delicious leftovers, make sure the salmon has cooled completely. Then, place it in an airtight container. You can keep this salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freezing is an option! Wrap individual portions of the salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then in foil, and they should last in the freezer for up to 3 months. This simple salmon garlic lemon butter sauce is quite forgiving. You might also enjoy our Chinese-style Mango Chicken Stir-fry for another quick meal idea.

When you’re ready to reheat, the best method for this lemon garlic butter salmon is gently on the stovetop. Place the salmon in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, cover, and warm through until just heated. You can also gently reheat it in the oven at a low temperature, around 275°F (135°C), for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the salmon a bit rubbery, but if you must, use a low power setting and heat in short intervals. For more tips on food storage, you can refer to resources from the FDA.

Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter

What’s the best way to ensure my salmon is cooked perfectly?

To achieve that perfect flaky texture for your salmon garlic lemon butter, the key is not to overcook it. Patting the salmon completely dry before searing is crucial for a good crust. Cook it until it’s just opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For this lemon garlic butter salmon, I aim for about 4-5 minutes per side in a hot skillet.

How do I make garlic lemon butter salmon taste restaurant-quality?

Restaurant-quality salmon garlic lemon butter often comes down to fresh ingredients and proper technique. Using fresh garlic, lemon juice, and zest truly makes a difference. Also, don’t skimp on the butter for the sauce! Finishing the dish by spooning the warm garlic lemon butter sauce over the salmon right before serving adds that extra touch of richness and flavor. If you’re interested in learning more about achieving restaurant-quality meals at home, you might find articles on serious eats techniques helpful.

Can I use different types of salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! You can use any type of salmon fillet you prefer for this salmon garlic lemon butter recipe. Whether it’s Atlantic, Sockeye, or Coho, they all work wonderfully. The cooking time might vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillet, so always rely on the visual cues of flakiness and opacity rather than just the clock when you’re learning how to make garlic lemon butter salmon.

What are some good side dishes to serve with this salmon?

This salmon garlic lemon butter pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a light and healthy meal, consider roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad. If you’re looking for something more substantial, creamy mashed potatoes, fluffy white rice, or even roasted baby potatoes are fantastic choices that soak up that delicious garlic lemon butter sauce. You might also like our Ground Beef Zucchini Casserole as a hearty side.

Variations of Salmon Garlic Lemon Butter You Can Try

Once you’ve mastered the basic salmon garlic lemon butter, you’ll love exploring these tasty variations! For a different cooking method, try the baked salmon garlic lemon butter. Simply place your seasoned salmon fillets on a baking sheet, top with the garlic lemon butter sauce, and bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. It’s a fantastic hands-off approach! For another chicken recipe, consider our Mediterranean Chicken Gyros.

If you’re looking for a richer, creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a dollop of cream cheese to the garlic lemon butter sauce in the last minute of cooking for a decadent creamy garlic lemon butter salmon. For a spicier kick, incorporate a pinch of red pepper flakes into the sauce along with the garlic. You can also swap the fresh parsley for other herbs like dill or chives for a different flavor profile in your garlic butter salmon recipe. If you’re interested in exploring more flavorful recipes, our Coconut Chicken Meatballs are a great option.