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Easy 15-Minute Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon

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A quick and easy garlic butter salmon with lemon that’s ready in 15 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. This recipe delivers a crispy, golden crust and tender, flaky interior with a nutty garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • Lemon slices or wedges for serving (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt for garnish (optional)
  • Red pepper flakes for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers.
  3. Sear the salmon: Lay fillets in the skillet, presentation side down. Press gently with a spatula. Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes.
  4. Flip and add butter: Carefully flip the fillets. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon foaming butter over the salmon for about 2 minutes.
  5. Finish with lemon: Add lemon juice and zest to the pan, swirling to combine. Cook for 30 seconds, spooning sauce over the salmon.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with parsley. Let rest for 1 minute before serving.

Notes

Pat salmon dry for best crust. Don’t crowd the pan. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. Add lemon juice at the end to prevent butter from seizing. For a medium finish, cook to 125-130°F internal temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, lemon salmon, quick salmon recipe, 15-minute dinner, weeknight salmon, easy salmon recipe

Find it online: https://breezybake.com/easy-15-minute-garlic-butter-salmon-with-lemon/