If you are looking for a dish that is both elegant and effortless, the Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is an absolute winner. This recipe brings together perfectly cooked salmon fillets bathed in a luscious, tangy garlic lemon butter sauce that is guaranteed to brighten up your plate and your mood. The balance of zesty lemon, rich butter, and aromatic garlic creates a harmony of flavors that feels indulgent yet fresh. Whether you’re cooking a weekday dinner or impressing guests, this dish will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple but essential ingredients that each play a starring role in flavor, texture, and appearance. From the tender salmon to the brightness of fresh lemon and the silky texture of butter, every component works in harmony to create a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
- Salmon fillets: Four 6-ounce pieces, skinless and about an inch thick, perfect for even cooking and tender flakes.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that elevate the natural flavor of the salmon.
- Olive oil: For a non-stick sear that crisps the surface while keeping the inside moist.
- Garlic cloves, minced: Infuses the butter sauce with fragrant, savory depth.
- Low-sodium chicken broth: Adds gentle savoriness and helps create a vibrant sauce base.
- Fresh lemon juice: Provides zesty brightness that cuts through the richness of butter.
- Unsalted butter: Used in two stages for richness and to craft that velvety garlic lemon butter sauce.
- Honey: A touch of natural sweetness that balances the acidity of lemon and sharpness of garlic.
- Fresh parsley, minced: Adds a fresh herbal note and a splash of green color on top.
- Lemon slices (optional): Perfect for garnish and an extra punch of citrus aroma.
How to Make Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Rest the Salmon
To ensure your salmon cooks evenly and stays tender, start by letting the fillets sit out of the refrigerator for about 10 minutes before cooking. This simple step makes a big difference, preventing the outside from overcooking while the inside reaches the perfect temperature.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce
Begin by melting 1 teaspoon of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it’s just turning golden and fragrant — about 1 to 2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Next, pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, then let it simmer until the liquid reduces by half, intensifying the flavors in about 3 minutes. Finally, whisk in the remaining butter pieces and honey until the sauce is smooth and glossy. This sauce is a silky, bright companion to the rich salmon.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture; this helps achieve a crisp, golden sear. Generously season each side with salt and freshly ground black pepper — simple seasoning brings out the fish’s natural deliciousness without overpowering the sauce.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Heat 2 teaspoons of olive oil in a large 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if the skin is on, and cook for about 4 minutes to develop a beautiful golden crust. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The timing perfectly balances a crisp exterior and a tender, juicy interior.
Step 5: Serve
Transfer the salmon fillets to serving plates, drizzle each generously with the homemade garlic lemon butter sauce, and sprinkle with fresh minced parsley. Garnish with lemon slices if you like for that extra visual pop and citrus aroma. Serve immediately to enjoy every luscious bite.
How to Serve Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley brightens the plate and adds a fresh herbal note that balances the rich sauce. Thin lemon slices or wedges not only enhance the dish aesthetically but also offer guests a chance to add a splash of extra citrus brightness right before eating. A little extra cracked black pepper on top can also add subtle texture and flavor contrast.
Side Dishes
This salmon dish pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides that complement rather than compete with the sauce’s vibrant flavors. Think steamed asparagus, roasted baby potatoes tossed with herbs, or a simple mixed greens salad dressed in a lemon vinaigrette. Garlic mashed potatoes or fluffy quinoa also soak up the butter sauce beautifully, making every bite a delight.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant touch, serve the salmon on a bed of sautéed spinach or wilted kale, letting the leafy greens soak up the sauce’s richness. Alternatively, try plating the fillets alongside colorful roasted vegetables or atop a creamy polenta base for a restaurant-quality presentation that is sure to impress friends and family alike.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sauce separate if possible to maintain the best texture and flavor. Chilling promptly and reheating carefully helps preserve that fresh-from-the-pan taste.
Freezing
While you can freeze cooked salmon, it’s best to freeze the fish and sauce separately if you plan to store for longer periods. Wrap the salmon fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze the sauce in a small, sealed container. Frozen salmon and sauce are best consumed within 1 to 2 months for optimal flavor.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the salmon gently in the oven at a low temperature around 275°F (135°C) until just heated through to avoid drying it out. Warm the sauce separately over low heat, stirring until smooth. Then drizzle the sauce over the salmon right before serving to enjoy the dish’s full, fresh flavor.
FAQs
Can I use salmon with skin on for this Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! Cooking salmon with the skin on adds extra flavor and helps keep the fish moist. Just start cooking skin-side down to get a nice crispy crust, then flip to finish cooking.
What can I substitute for chicken broth in the sauce?
If you prefer a vegetarian option or don’t have chicken broth, vegetable broth or even water with a pinch of salt can be used. The key is to maintain the savory base that balances the lemon and butter.
How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork but still feels moist inside. The internal temperature should reach 125°F to 130°F for medium doneness, which ensures tenderness and juicy texture.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger crowd?
Yes! Just cook the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can prevent a good sear. The sauce can be prepared in a larger quantity all at once without any issues.
Is it possible to make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with a non-dairy alternative like vegan margarine or olive oil. Keep in mind this will change the sauce’s texture and richness slightly, but it will still taste delicious with the salmon.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe is a come-to-favorite for so many wonderful reasons — it’s quick, flavorful, and feels like a special meal any day of the week. Once you try it, you’ll love how the tender salmon sings with the bright, buttery sauce, inspiring you to bring it back to your table again and again. Give it a go and savor every melt-in-your-mouth bite with the people you love.
Print
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
A quick and flavorful Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce recipe that perfectly balances tender pan-seared salmon fillets with a bright, buttery garlic lemon sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is ideal for a healthy and elegant weeknight dinner.
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 let them sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes to ensure even cooking throughout.
- Prepare the sauce: In a small saucepan, melt 1 tsp of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté until it turns lightly golden, approximately 1-2 minutes. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, then let the sauce simmer until it reduces by half, about 3 minutes. Stir in the remaining butter pieces and honey, whisking until the sauce is smooth. Set aside.
- Season salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Cook salmon: Heat 2 tsp olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if skin is present. Cook for about 4 minutes until the bottom is golden brown. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve: Transfer the cooked salmon fillets to serving plates. Drizzle each fillet generously with the prepared garlic lemon butter sauce. Sprinkle with minced parsley and garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- Allowing the salmon to rest at room temperature before cooking helps it cook evenly.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to control salt levels in the sauce.
- Do not overcook the salmon; it should flake easily but remain moist.
- Fresh lemon juice brightens the sauce but can be adjusted to taste.
- Garnishing with fresh parsley and lemon slices adds color and freshness to the presentation.
