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Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon: Perfect Family Dinner

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This easy lemon garlic butter salmon is quick enough for a busy weeknight, impressive enough for company, and simple enough that even a beginner cook can nail it on the first try. The combination of crispy golden edges, tender flaky fish, and that glossy, fragrant butter sauce is honestly hard to beat.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces or 170 grams each)
  • 1 teaspoon salt (5 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (2 grams)
  • ½ teaspoon paprika (2 grams)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (42 grams)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30 ml, from about 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from about ½ lemon)
  • ¼ cup chicken broth (60 ml)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
  • Extra fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon: Take salmon fillets out of the fridge about 10 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. Pat them dry very thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and paprika. Set aside.
  2. Prep the aromatics: Mince garlic cloves and chop parsley. Zest and juice lemon. Have everything ready before cooking.
  3. Heat the pan: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and let it get hot. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and let it melt, swirling to coat the bottom.
  4. Sear the salmon: Carefully place salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook without moving for 4 to 5 minutes, until the skin is golden and crispy. The salmon should release easily from the pan when ready to flip.
  5. Flip and finish cooking: Using tongs, gently flip each fillet. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, depending on thickness. Salmon should be opaque on the outside and just barely translucent in the center. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm.
  6. Make the sauce: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the same pan. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  7. Add lemon and broth: Pour in lemon juice and chicken broth, then add lemon zest. Stir together, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for 1 to 2 minutes until slightly thickened. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
  8. Combine and serve: Return salmon to the pan, spooning sauce over the top. Let warm through for about 1 minute. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon slices on the side.

Notes

Pat salmon dry thoroughly for best sear. Let salmon come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking. Don’t overcook garlic; it goes from fragrant to burnt quickly. Use a thermometer if unsure; pull salmon off at 130-135°F for moist results. Double the sauce for extra. Start side dishes before salmon for perfect timing.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, family dinner, quick salmon, pan-seared salmon, healthy dinner, low-carb salmon, keto salmon

Find it online: https://platebelle.com/easy-lemon-garlic-butter-salmon-perfect-family-dinner/