Luscious Salmon With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Succulent salmon dances with a vibrant garlic lemon butter sauce that promises pure culinary delight.

Every bite bursts with zesty Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Fresh salmon fillets absorb the tangy, rich marinade effortlessly.

The combination of bright citrus and creamy butter creates a harmonious balance that elevates the fish’s natural delicacy.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions call for this elegant yet simple recipe.

Home cooks can master this dish with just a few ingredients and minimal preparation.

Prepare to be amazed by how quickly you can transform a basic salmon fillet into a restaurant-worthy masterpiece.

Why You’ll Crave This Garlic Butter Salmon

• Combine crispy salmon with a velvety garlic lemon butter sauce that delivers incredible taste without complicated preparation steps.
• Master a foolproof technique that works perfectly for busy home cooks, allowing you to create a gourmet dish with simple skillet skills and basic pantry staples.
• Elevate your cooking game with a recipe that looks sophisticated but requires zero advanced culinary training, making it ideal for date nights, family dinners, or impromptu gatherings.

Ingredients for Garlic Lemon Salmon Sauce

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality fish that serves as the star of the dish with a rich, tender texture.
• Olive Oil: Provides a smooth cooking surface and helps achieve a crispy salmon skin.
• Butter: Creates a rich, creamy sauce and adds luxurious flavor to the dish.

• Garlic: Adds a warm, pungent flavor that complements the salmon perfectly.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the salmon.
• Fresh Parsley: Brings a bright, fresh garnish that adds color and a light herbal note.

• Chicken Broth, Lemon Juice: Work together to create a light, tangy sauce base that cuts through the richness of the salmon.

How to Cook Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Salmon Fillets

Pat salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels.

Season both sides generously with salt and pepper to enhance natural flavors.

Step 2: Sear Salmon Perfectly

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Place salmon skin-side down, cooking for 4-5 minutes until skin becomes crispy and golden.

Carefully flip and cook opposite side for 3-4 minutes.

Transfer salmon to a separate plate.

Step 3: Create Aromatic Sauce Base

Reduce skillet heat to medium.

Add butter and mince garlic into the pan.

Sauté for 30 seconds, releasing incredible garlic fragrance without burning.

Pour chicken broth, allowing mixture to simmer for 2-3 minutes.

Use spatula to scrape delicious browned bits from pan bottom.

Step 4: Develop Luxurious Sauce

Incorporate lemon juice and remaining butter into sauce.

Whisk continuously until sauce transforms into smooth, glossy liquid.

Taste and adjust seasonings according to preference.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Return salmon to skillet, gently spooning sauce over fillets.

Warm salmon for approximately 1 minute.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Serve immediately while sauce and fish remain hot and flavorful.

Tips for Making Flavorful Garlic Butter Salmon

• Pat salmon completely dry before searing to achieve a perfectly golden, crispy exterior that locks in moisture and adds delightful texture.
• Watch salmon closely during cooking; it's done when the fish flakes easily and appears slightly translucent in the center to maintain tenderness and prevent dryness.
• Let minced garlic sauté briefly but carefully to release aromatic oils without burning, which can create a bitter taste that overwhelms the delicate salmon.
• Whisk butter into the sauce gradually and off direct heat to create a silky, emulsified consistency that coats the salmon beautifully without separating.
• Swap chicken broth with white wine or vegetable stock for different flavor profiles, and use dairy-free butter alternatives to make the recipe suitable for various dietary needs.

How to Store and Reheat Garlic Lemon Salmon

• Wrap cooled salmon tightly in an airtight container or plastic wrap. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, keeping the sauce separate to prevent soggy fish.
• Place salmon and sauce in freezer-safe containers. Seal completely, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place salmon on microwave-safe plate. Add a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover with damp paper towel. Warm at 50% power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon in baking dish with small amount of broth. Cover with foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

What to Eat with Garlic Butter Salmon

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc with bright citrus notes that complement the lemon in the sauce, cutting through the richness of the salmon.
• Herbal Garnish Boost: Sprinkle fresh dill or chives alongside the parsley to enhance the herb profile and add a light, aromatic dimension to the dish.
• Texture-Rich Side Dish: Serve with roasted asparagus or a quinoa pilaf to provide a complementary texture and absorb the delicious garlic lemon butter sauce.
• Refreshing Accompaniment: Prepare a quick cucumber salad with light vinaigrette to balance the rich salmon and provide a cool, crisp counterpoint to the warm, buttery fish.

Flavorful Swaps for Garlic Lemon Salmon

• Dairy-Free Delight: Replace butter with olive oil or coconut oil for a lactose-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth to enhance the plant-based profile.
• Herb-Crusted Salmon: Coat salmon with a mixture of fresh herbs like dill, thyme, and parsley before searing. Create a herb-infused sauce by adding chopped herbs directly into the garlic butter sauce.
• Mediterranean Style: Swap chicken broth with white wine and add capers and cherry tomatoes to the sauce. Finish with a sprinkle of feta cheese for a Greek-inspired variation.
• Low-Carb Keto Option: Keep the original recipe as is, ensuring you use high-quality olive oil and butter. Serve with roasted asparagus or zucchini noodles instead of traditional sides to maintain low-carb macros.

FAQs

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Fresh wild-caught salmon like sockeye or king salmon gives the best flavor and texture. Choose fillets that are similar in size for even cooking.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, thaw frozen salmon completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat dry thoroughly before cooking to ensure a good sear and prevent excess moisture.

• How do I know when salmon is perfectly cooked?

Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and slightly pink in the center.

• Is it necessary to use chicken broth, or can I substitute?

Chicken broth adds depth, but you can replace it with white wine, vegetable broth, or water. Each will slightly alter the sauce’s flavor profile.

Salmon With Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Succulent salmon meets zesty garlic lemon butter sauce in this Mediterranean-inspired culinary delight. Creamy, tangy flavors dance across tender fish, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can easily craft at home.

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Ingredients

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Main Proteins:

• 4 pounds chicken pieces (breasts, thighs, drumsticks, or wings; bone-in, skin-on)

Dry Seasoning Blend:

• 4 tablespoons smoked paprika
• 3 tablespoons onion powder
• 3 tablespoons garlic powder
• 3 tablespoons kosher salt
• 2 tablespoons coarsely ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 3 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper

Coating and Frying Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 cups buttermilk
• 1/4 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce
• 3 cups all-purpose flour
• 1 cup cornstarch
• 5 teaspoons baking powder
• 4 cups peanut oil for frying

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Instructions

1. Prepare the salmon by thoroughly drying each fillet with paper towels to ensure optimal searing. Generously season both sides with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high temperature until shimmering. Carefully place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes, developing a crispy exterior. Flip and cook the opposite side for 3-4 minutes until fish is just cooked through.
3. Remove salmon from pan and set aside. Reduce heat to medium and add butter, allowing it to melt. Introduce minced garlic and sauté quickly for 30 seconds, being careful not to brown.
4. Pour chicken broth into the skillet, allowing it to simmer for 2-3 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to scrape accumulated browned bits from the pan’s surface, incorporating those flavorful remnants.
5. Incorporate lemon juice and remaining butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth, glossy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, balancing the flavors.
6. Gently return salmon to the skillet, spooning the warm sauce over the fillets. Allow fish to reheat for approximately 1 minute, ensuring even sauce distribution.
7. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, presenting the salmon with its rich, aromatic sauce.

Notes

• Pat salmon dry thoroughly to ensure a perfect golden-brown sear and crispy skin texture.
• Use high-quality fresh salmon fillets for the best flavor and most tender results.
• Control heat carefully when sautéing garlic to prevent burning and creating bitter undertones.
• Whisk butter slowly into sauce to create a smooth, glossy emulsion that coats the fish beautifully.
• Swap chicken broth with vegetable broth for a vegetarian-friendly version of the sauce.
• For a lighter option, replace butter with olive oil and reduce quantity for fewer calories.
• Choose wild-caught salmon for more robust flavor and higher omega-3 content.
• Let salmon rest briefly after cooking to retain moisture and ensure even temperature distribution.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 750
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 1500 mg
• Fat: 50 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 150 mg