Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This ensures a nice sear. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Cook the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the pan is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if your fillets have skin). Cook for 4-5 minutes on the first side without moving the fillets. This allows the salmon to sear and form a beautiful crust. Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C).
3. Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce: Once the salmon is cooked, transfer it to a plate and cover loosely with foil to keep warm. In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant and golden brown. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
4. Add Lemon Juice and Zest: Once the garlic is sautéed, pour in the lemon juice and zest. Stir the sauce together, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan (these bits add flavor). Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
5. Combine the Salmon and Sauce: Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over the top of each fillet. Let the salmon sit in the sauce for another 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
6. Serve: Garnish the salmon with chopped parsley and, if desired, lemon slices. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.

Tips for Perfect Salmon

• Freshness is Key: For the best flavor, always use fresh, high-quality salmon. Wild-caught salmon has a richer flavor compared to farmed salmon.
• Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, and overcooking can lead to dry, tough fish. To test for doneness, gently press the salmon with a fork. If it flakes easily, it’s done.
• Adjust the Sauce to Taste: You can adjust the garlic, lemon, or butter ratio to suit your taste preferences. If you like a tangier sauce, add more lemon juice. For a richer sauce, increase the butter.

Variations

• Herb Variations: For added flavor, try mixing in other fresh herbs like thyme, dill, or rosemary to the garlic butter sauce.
• Spicy Salmon: If you enjoy a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
• Crispy Skin: If you prefer crispy skin, cook the salmon skin-side down for longer, ensuring it becomes crisp before flipping it over to finish cooking.

Why This Recipe Works

Salmon is a versatile fish that pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery flavor of garlic and the bright acidity of lemon. The garlic lemon butter sauce enhances the natural flavor of the fish without overpowering it. This dish is both light and satisfying, making it a great option for a healthy meal that doesn’t sacrifice taste.

With minimal effort and just a few ingredients, this salmon with garlic lemon butter sauce is sure to become one of your go-to recipes for an elegant yet easy meal. Enjoy the burst of flavors with every bite, and impress everyone around the dinner table!