If you’re craving a dish that feels both elegant and effortlessly comforting, this Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. It’s a brilliant balance of tender salmon fillets bathed in a richly flavored sauce where bright lemon meets savory garlic and velvety butter, creating a harmonious melody for your taste buds. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe never fails to impress with its vibrant flavors and simple preparation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might seem straightforward, but each one plays a vital role in making the Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe burst with flavor and perfect texture. From the fresh brightness of lemon juice to the silky smoothness of butter, every component has its place.
- 4 (6 oz) skinless salmon fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets about 1-inch thick for even cooking and the best texture.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning, enhancing the salmon’s natural flavor without overpowering it.
- 2 tsp olive oil: Helps achieve a beautiful, golden sear while keeping the salmon moist.
- 2 garlic cloves, minced: Adds a wonderful aromatic depth that complements the lemon perfectly.
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth: Provides a light, savory liquid base for the sauce without heaviness.
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice: Brings vibrancy and brightness to the sauce that cuts through the richness.
- 3 Tbsp + 1 tsp unsalted butter, diced: The star of the sauce, creating a rich, luscious texture and flavor.
- 1/2 tsp honey: Balances acidity with a touch of sweetness, rounding out the taste.
- 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley: Adds fresh color and a subtle herbal note just before serving.
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional): Perfect for an extra pop of citrus and pretty presentation.
How to Make Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Rest the Salmon
Start by removing your salmon fillets from the refrigerator and letting them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. This simple step ensures the fish cooks evenly, giving you that perfect texture from edge to center and avoiding the dreaded cold spot in the middle.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
While the salmon rests, focus on creating the luscious garlic lemon butter sauce. Melt 1 teaspoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, then add the minced garlic. Sauté just until it turns a light golden color; this releases its wonderful aroma without burning, which could make the sauce bitter. Next, pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, letting the mixture simmer until it reduces by half. This concentrates the flavors beautifully. Finish by whisking in the remaining butter and a touch of honey until the sauce becomes velvety smooth — then set it aside, ready to bring your dish to life.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Before cooking, be sure to pat your salmon dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps to achieve a perfect sear. Generously sprinkle both sides with salt and freshly ground pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the fish.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers gently, place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if there’s skin. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 minutes until the outsides turn a gorgeous golden brown. Flip each fillet and continue cooking for 2 to 3 minutes more until the salmon is cooked through and flakes effortlessly with a fork.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer your beautifully seared salmon to plates and generously drizzle the garlic lemon butter sauce over each fillet. Sprinkle with fresh minced parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor, then add lemon slices if you want that extra citrus charm. Serve immediately to enjoy the dish at its peak.
How to Serve Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley is a classic, bright garnish that adds a splash of color and a fresh, crisp bite. Lemon slices work beautifully to add visual appeal and an option for anyone wanting an extra burst of citrus. A light dusting of cracked black pepper just before serving can also elevate the flavors subtly.
Side Dishes
This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides. Think sautéed green beans, roasted asparagus, or a vibrant quinoa salad. Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice also soak up the delicious sauce perfectly, making every bite more memorable.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to get a bit fancy? Serve the salmon on a bed of wilted spinach or place atop a nest of linguine tossed in olive oil and herbs. You can also carefully drizzle the sauce in a decorative pattern around the plate and top the fish with microgreens or edible flowers for a restaurant-style presentation at home.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, store the salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the sauce and fish apart helps preserve the texture and freshness.
Freezing
Though fresh salmon is best, you can freeze cooked salmon fillets without sauce by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and placing them in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. The sauce does not freeze well due to the butter and lemon, so it’s best to prepare it fresh upon reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a low oven (around 275°F) for about 10–15 minutes to avoid drying it out. Warm the garlic lemon butter sauce separately on the stove over low heat, whisking gently before drizzling over. This careful reheating keeps your leftovers as delicious as the original meal.
FAQs
Can I use salmon with skin on for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you prefer skin-on salmon, simply cook it skin-side down first to get a crispy texture, then flip to finish cooking. The skin adds extra flavor and helps keep the fish moist.
What if I don’t have chicken broth? Can I substitute it?
You can replace chicken broth with vegetable broth, fish stock, or even water with a pinch of salt. Just keep in mind that broth adds depth and richness to the sauce.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still appears slightly translucent in the center. Overcooking makes it dry, so keep an eye on the timing and texture.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can make the garlic lemon butter sauce a few hours ahead and gently reheat it before serving. Just whisk well to re-emulsify if it separates.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Definitely! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure any chicken broth you use does not contain gluten additives.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe truly stands out as a flavorful, elegant dish that’s surprisingly easy to master. It’s perfect for anyone looking to impress without stress and enjoy a meal that feels both fresh and indulgent. Give this recipe a try—you might just find it becoming one of your go-to favorites you want to share with everyone you know.
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Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce recipe offers a quick and flavorful way to prepare tender, perfectly seared salmon fillets complemented by a rich, tangy garlic lemon butter sauce. The dish is enhanced with fresh parsley and optional lemon slices, making it an elegant and healthy meal ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 (6 oz) skinless salmon fillets (about 1-inch thick)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tsp olive oil
Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 Tbsp + 1 tsp unsalted butter, diced into 1 Tbsp pieces
- 1/2 tsp honey
- 2 Tbsp minced fresh parsley
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Rest the salmon: Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator and allow them to sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to ensure even cooking throughout the fillets.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 1 teaspoon of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it becomes lightly golden, approximately 1 to 2 minutes. Next, pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice. Let the mixture simmer until it reduces by half, about 3 minutes. Stir in the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter and honey, whisking until the sauce is smooth and well combined, then set aside to keep warm.
- Season salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Generously season both sides of each fillet with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance flavor.
- Cook salmon: Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if skin is present. Cook for about 4 minutes, allowing the bottom to become golden brown. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon fillets to serving plates. Generously drizzle each fillet with the prepared garlic lemon butter sauce. Sprinkle with minced fresh parsley and garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Allowing the salmon to reach room temperature before cooking promotes even cooking and better texture.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control the saltiness of the sauce.
- If you prefer, substitute olive oil with avocado oil for a higher smoke point.
- The sauce can be prepared in advance and gently reheated before serving.
- To add a spicy kick, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce while simmering.
