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Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

A quick, bright, garlic butter salmon that cooks fast and tastes fresh, perfect for a weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 4 fillets salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
  • 3 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 5 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 each Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 each Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and cracked black pepper to taste
  • Lemon slices (for garnish) Optional
  • 1/2 tsp chili flakes Optional for heat

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear fillets for 3–4 minutes per side until crispy on the outside and juicy inside.
Cooking
  1. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet and toss in the minced garlic.
  2. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and parsley. Let it bubble for 30 seconds.
  4. Nestle the salmon back into the pan, spoon the lemon garlic butter over the fillets, and simmer for another 1–2 minutes.
Serving
  1. Top with fresh lemon slices and extra parsley. Serve with rice, veggies, or roasted potatoes.

Notes

Dry the salmon well so it sears and gets a nice crust. Watch the garlic so it browns but does not burn. Use juice and zest of a fresh lemon for best flavor.