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Perfect Quick Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon

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This quick garlic butter salmon with lemon is a fast, impressive weeknight dinner that comes together in under 20 minutes. With a crispy golden crust, rich garlic butter sauce, and bright lemon finish, it’s a crowd-pleaser that uses simple ingredients.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • ¼ teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (e.g., Kerrygold)
  • 5 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon: Remove salmon from refrigerator 10 minutes before cooking. Pat extremely dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of fillets.
  2. Zest and juice the lemon: Zest the lemon using a microplane (avoid white pith). Cut lemon in half and set aside.
  3. Mince the garlic: Peel and finely mince garlic cloves. For a paste-like consistency, sprinkle a little salt on the cutting board and use the flat side of a knife to smash and drag the garlic.
  4. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering and just starting to smoke, about 2 minutes.
  5. Sear the salmon: Gently place fillets in the hot pan, presentation side down. Cook without moving for 3-4 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes for medium doneness.
  6. Make the garlic butter: Reduce heat to medium-low. Push salmon to one side, add butter to empty space. Let it melt and foam, then add minced garlic and lemon zest. Stir constantly for 30-45 seconds until fragrant and just starting to turn golden.
  7. Baste and finish: Tilt the pan so garlic butter pools. Spoon butter over salmon for about 30 seconds.
  8. Add lemon juice: Squeeze juice of half a lemon over everything. Give the pan a gentle shake, then remove from heat immediately.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat salmon extremely dry for best crust. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. Let salmon rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking. For even cooking, fold thin tail ends under. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or broth over medium-low heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: quick garlic butter salmon, lemon salmon, weeknight dinner, easy salmon recipe, garlic butter sauce, salmon fillet

Find it online: https://shimmersnack.com/perfect-quick-garlic-butter-salmon-with-lemon/