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Cozy Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon – Easy 30-Minute Dinner

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This cozy garlic butter salmon with lemon is a quick and easy 30-minute dinner featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets in a silky garlic butter sauce with bright lemon. It’s comfort food that nourishes, perfect for weeknights or cozy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4–5 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon: Let salmon fillets sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, mix salt, pepper, and paprika. Sprinkle evenly over both sides of the salmon.
  2. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Sear the salmon: Place salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until edges look opaque and bottom is golden brown.
  4. Flip and finish: Gently flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature 145°F). Transfer to a plate and tent with foil.
  5. Make the garlic butter sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice. Simmer for 1 minute, scraping up browned bits.
  6. Combine and serve: Return salmon to the skillet, spoon sauce over the top. Warm through for 1 minute. Sprinkle with parsley and red pepper flakes if using. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges.

Notes

Let salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking for even cooking. Don’t move salmon while searing; it will release naturally. Watch garlic closely to avoid burning. Season just before cooking for best crust. For thicker fillets, add 1-2 minutes per side or finish in a 400°F oven for 5 minutes. Zest lemon before juicing.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, lemon salmon, easy salmon recipe, 30-minute dinner, salmon fillet, garlic butter sauce, quick dinner, healthy salmon

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/cozy-garlic-butter-salmon-with-lemon-easy-30-minute-dinner/