Introduction
The Lemon Butter Salmon recipe is the epitome of quick, elegant dining. This dish, a staple in modern coastal cuisine, is celebrated for its irresistible combination of rich, flaky salmon, bright lemon zest, and velvety garlic butter. It requires minimal effort but delivers a deeply satisfying, restaurant-quality result. By pan-searing the salmon, we achieve perfectly crispy skin while keeping the flesh moist and tender. It’s the ideal choice for a healthy weeknight dinner, taking less than 20 minutes from start to finish.
Ingredients
- 4 Salmon fillets (skin-on recommended), approximately 170g / 6 oz each
- 60g / 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil
- 1 large Lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- ½ teaspoon Dried thyme (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Step-by-step Preparation
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. This step is critical for achieving crispy skin. Season the flesh side heavily with salt and pepper, and lightly season the skin side.
- Sear the Fillets: Heat the olive oil in a large, non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan. Sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes. The skin should be golden-brown and crisp.
Tip: Do not move the fish during this searing phase. This allows the skin to crisp up properly and prevents sticking. - Flip and Finish Cooking: Reduce the heat to medium. Flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, depending on the thickness, until the salmon is nearly cooked through (internal temperature should reach 63°C / 145°F).
- Create the Lemon Butter Sauce: Push the salmon fillets to one side of the pan. Add the butter, minced garlic, and dried thyme (if using) to the empty side of the pan. Let the butter melt and cook the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Tip: Keep the heat low during the sauce stage to prevent the butter solids from burning. - Baste and Finish: Add the fresh lemon juice and zest to the butter mixture. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to continuously baste the salmon fillets with the sauce for 1 minute. Remove the salmon from the pan immediately.
- Serve: Garnish the salmon generously with the chopped fresh parsley and spoon any remaining lemon butter sauce over the fillets. Serve hot.
Nutritional Information
Salmon is renowned as a nutritional powerhouse, rich in essential Omega-3 fatty acids (EPA and DHA), which support cardiovascular health and reduce inflammation. It is also an excellent source of high-quality lean protein and Vitamin D. While the butter adds richness, this dish remains a healthy option. An average 6 oz serving (with sauce) contains approximately 350-400 calories, 35g of protein, and healthy fats.
Storage
Store leftover Lemon Butter Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat without drying out the fish, avoid the microwave. Instead, place the salmon on a lined baking sheet and reheat in a preheated oven at 150°C / 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes until warmed through. The gentle heat will help maintain the flaky texture.
Conclusion
This Lemon Butter Salmon is best served with complementary sides that soak up the luscious sauce. Consider pairing it with roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a simple risotto. For a slight variation, try substituting fresh dill for parsley for a more traditional Nordic flavor, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick of heat. Enjoy this quick, elegant meal!