Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

After years of testing quick dinners that don’t sacrifice flavor, this lemon garlic butter salmon has become a weeknight staple in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that tastes like you’ve spent hours on it, but really, it comes together in just 20 minutes. The salmon turns out perfectly flaky every time, with a golden crust that soaks up every drop of the silky, garlicky lemon butter.

What I love most about this lemon garlic butter salmon recipe is how effortless it is—simple ingredients like fresh lemon, minced garlic, and real butter transform into something that feels special. Whether it’s a quiet dinner at home or a table full of friends, this lemon garlic butter salmon always brings that wow-factor without the stress. Trust me—once you try this lemon garlic butter salmon, it’ll become your go-to too.

Why This Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe Works

This lemon garlic butter salmon has earned its place as a true staple in my kitchen—it’s that reliable, go-to recipe I turn to when I need something both comforting and impressive. The pan-seared technique gives the salmon a beautiful golden crust while keeping the center tender and flaky, and the lemon herb butter sauce brings just the right touch of brightness to cut through the richness.

What I love most is how simple it is: no fancy techniques, just everyday ingredients that come together effortlessly. Whether I’m serving it with roasted veggies or a scoop of rice pilaf, this lemon garlic butter salmon fits every mood and meal. It's also easy to adapt—try it baked or on a sheet pan with seasonal vegetables, and you’ve got a one-pan dinner that never gets old. If you haven’t already made lemon garlic butter salmon part of your regular dinner rotation, this is the one to start with.

Jump to:

• Ingredients
• Instructions
• Recipe Variations & Substitutions
• Equipment
• Storage
• The Quiet Secret Behind Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
• FAQ
• Why This Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Will Always Have a Place at Your Table
• Related
• Pairing
• Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• Wild-caught salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• Olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Paprika (optional, for extra color)

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:

• Unsalted butter
• Garlic cloves, minced
• Fresh lemon juice (about 2 large lemons)
• Lemon zest
• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Frozen salmon: Thaw completely and pat dry before cooking
• Butter alternatives: Use ghee or vegan butter for dairy-free options
• Lemon juice: Fresh is best, but bottled works in a pinch
• Fresh garlic: Can substitute with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, though fresh tastes better

See recipe card for quantities.

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon and Pan

1. Remove salmon from refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to bring to room temperature.
2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels – this step is crucial for getting that beautiful golden sear.
3. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
4. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers slightly (about 2-3 minutes).

Pro tip: Removing excess moisture is key to preventing the salmon from sticking to the pan and achieving that restaurant-style crust.

Sear the Salmon to Perfection

1. Gently place salmon fillets in the hot pan, skin-side up if using skin-on fillets.
2. Let them cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until you see a golden crust forming around the edges.
3. Flip the salmon carefully using a thin spatula and cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness.
4. Check that internal temperature reaches 135-145°F, then remove salmon from pan and set aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm.

Important: Resist the urge to move or flip the salmon too early – patience gives you that perfect sear.

Create the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter.
2. As butter melts and starts to foam, add the minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add fresh lemon juice and lemon zest to the pan, stirring to combine with the garlic butter.
4. Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors, then stir in fresh parsley and red pepper flakes if using.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt as needed.

Important: Keep the heat moderate to prevent the garlic from burning, which would make the sauce bitter.

Finish and Serve Your lemon garlic butter salmon

• Return the salmon to the pan for 30 seconds to warm through.
• Spoon the lemon butter garlic sauce over each fillet while in the pan.
• Transfer to serving plates and drizzle with extra sauce.
• Serve immediately while hot for the best flavor and texture.

Hints and Tips for Perfect lemon garlic butter salmon

Temperature Control: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness. Salmon continues cooking slightly after removing from heat, so pulling it at 135°F internal temperature gives you perfectly cooked fish that's not dry.

Pan Choice: A stainless steel or cast-iron skillet works best for achieving that golden crust. Non-stick pans work too, but won't give you the same level of browning.

Dietary Benefits & Serving Suggestions of lemon garlic butter salmon

This healthy salmon recipe provides an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and heart-healthy fats. It's naturally keto-friendly fish recipe and fits perfectly into Mediterranean diet salmon meal plans. The citrus marinade qualities of the lemon add vitamin C while the garlic provides immune-boosting properties.

This versatile salmon dinner pairs beautifully with:

• Vegetables: Steamed asparagus, roasted vegetables, green beans, or steamed broccoli
• Starches: Garlic mashed potatoes, quinoa side dish, or rice pilaf
• Salads: Simple mixed greens with lemon vinaigrette

For a complete one-pan salmon meal, try serving it alongside roasted vegetables cooked on the same sheet pan.

Recipe Variations & Substitutions

• Mediterranean Style: Add capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano to the butter sauce for a Mediterranean twist.
• Asian-Inspired: Replace lemon with lime juice and add a splash of soy sauce and fresh ginger.
• Herb Crusted: Mix chopped fresh herbs like dill, thyme, and rosemary with breadcrumbs for a crusted top.
• Baked Version: For baked salmon recipes, place seasoned fillets in a 400°F oven for 12-15 minutes, then broil with the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
• Grilled Salmon: This lemon herb sauce works perfectly with grilled salmon – just prepare the sauce separately and spoon over cooked fish.

Equipment

Essential Equipment:

• Large skillet or cast-iron pan (10-12 inches)
• Thin, flexible spatula for flipping
• Meat thermometer for perfect doneness

Nice to Have:

• Microplane grater for lemon zest
• Tongs for easy handling
• Sheet pan for oven variations

A quality skillet makes a significant difference in achieving even heat distribution and that perfect sear. Cast-iron skillets retain heat beautifully and create an excellent crust on the salmon.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The butter sauce may solidify when cold – simply reheat gently to restore consistency.
• Reheating: Warm leftover salmon gently in a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes, or briefly in the microwave at 50% power to prevent overcooking.
• Freezing: While fresh is best, cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Make-Ahead Tips: You can prep the lemon butter sauce ingredients ahead of time. Season the salmon up to 2 hours in advance, but cook just before serving for best results.

FAQ

Why This Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Will Always Have a Place at Your Table

If there's one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the meals we return to again and again aren’t always the fanciest—they’re the ones that comfort, impress, and never let us down. This lemon garlic butter salmon is exactly that kind of recipe: fast, flavorful, and full of heart. It’s the perfect choice when you want dinner to feel like a small celebration, whether it’s a quiet weeknight or you’re feeding loved ones.

And if you're craving more inspired seafood, don’t miss our crowd-pleasing Bang Bang Salmon Bites, another recipe that turns simple ingredients into something special. Or, round out your night with the creamy elegance of our Lemon Posset Brulee—the dreamiest way to finish a meal that started with buttery salmon and bright citrus. From my kitchen to yours, I hope this lemon garlic butter salmon becomes a favorite you come back to time and time again.

Related

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Pairing

These are my favorite dishes to serve with this lemon garlic butter salmon recipe: