Golden pan-seared salmon spooned with a bright lemon garlic butter sauce, ready in 15 minutes.
Prep5 min
Cook10 min
Total15 min
Serves4
LevelEasy
What makes it special
Salmon
Butter
Garlic
Lemon
This lemon garlic butter salmon is the fast dinner that always feels special. The fillets sear until golden, then a quick sauce of melted butter, garlic and lemon gets spooned over the top.
It takes about 15 minutes from start to finish and uses only a few simple ingredients, so it works on a busy weeknight.
Serve it with rice, roasted potatoes or a simple green salad.
Pan-seared salmon in a lemon garlic butter sauce, ready in 15 minutes with just a few simple ingredients. Serves 4.
Seafood Easy American
Prep
5 min
Cook
10 min
Total
15 min
Servings
4
Ingredients 11 items
Tap to check off as you go
For the salmon
For the garlic butter
Instructions 6 steps
1
Season the salmon
Pat the fillets dry and season with the paprika, salt and pepper.
2
Sear the first side
Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the fillets 4 minutes, without moving them, until golden.
3
Flip
Turn the fillets and cook 3 to 4 minutes more until just cooked through. Move to a plate.
4
Make the garlic butter
Lower the heat, add the butter and garlic to the skillet and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
5
Add the lemon
Stir in the lemon juice and zest and cook 1 minute.
6
Spoon and serve
Return the salmon to the skillet, spoon the sauce over the top and sprinkle with parsley. Serve with lemon slices.
Nutrition per serving
Calories
420
Protein
35g
Carbs
2g
Fat
30g
Sugar
0g
Fiber
0g
Sodium
480mg
Questions, answered
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw it fully in the fridge and pat it very dry before cooking.
Can I bake it instead?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12 to 15 minutes and spoon the garlic butter on top.
What should I serve with it?
Steamed rice, roasted potatoes or green beans all work well.
How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge up to 3 days and reheat gently.
Recipe by
Denise
Home cook, baker and serial recipe tweaker. I share the dishes my family asks for most, written step by step so they turn out right in your kitchen too.
