Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe

Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly flaky, melt-in-your-mouth piece of salmon draped in a velvety, aromatic Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce. The bright citrus notes cut through the richness of the butter, while the garlic adds a savory depth that transforms this simple fish into an extraordinary meal. This restaurant-quality dish might seem intimidating, but it’s surprisingly simple to create in your own kitchen with just a handful of fresh ingredients and about 20 minutes of your time. You’ll learn how to perfectly sear salmon fillets and create a sauce so delicious you’ll want to drizzle it over everything.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce hits all the right notes, balancing rich, tangy, and savory elements in perfect harmony. The exterior of the salmon develops a gorgeous golden crust while the inside remains tender and succulent—creating that irresistible textural contrast between the slightly crisp exterior and the buttery soft interior.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and simplicity. With just a few pantry staples, you can create a meal impressive enough for special occasions yet easy enough for busy weeknights. The sauce comes together in minutes while your salmon cooks, meaning dinner is on the table in less than 25 minutes from start to finish.

Health-conscious diners will appreciate that this lemon garlic salmon dish delivers omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein while remaining low-carb and gluten-free. It’s the perfect balance of indulgence and nutrition that leaves you feeling satisfied rather than weighed down.

Ingredients

For the perfect Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce, quality ingredients make all the difference:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz/170g each), skin-on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 4 tablespoons (2 oz/56g) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced (about 1½ tablespoons)
• ¼ cup (60ml) fresh lemon juice (approximately 1-2 lemons)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• Lemon slices for garnish

Choose center-cut salmon fillets of equal thickness for even cooking. Wild-caught salmon offers a more robust flavor, while farm-raised tends to be milder and more buttery. For the sauce, fresh-squeezed lemon juice provides a brightness that bottled versions simply can’t match, and high-quality butter creates the silky texture that makes this sauce irresistible.

Pro Tips

Pat the Salmon Dry: Before cooking your salmon for the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce, thoroughly pat the fillets dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures you’ll get that beautiful golden crust instead of steaming the fish. Moisture is the enemy of a proper sear!

The Cold Pan Method: For perfectly crispy skin, place your seasoned salmon skin-side down in a cold, oiled pan, then turn on the heat to medium-high. As the pan gradually heats, the skin releases its fat slowly, resulting in crispier skin without curling the fillet.

Don’t Overcook: Salmon continues cooking after you remove it from heat. For perfectly tender, medium salmon, remove it from the pan when it reaches 125°F (52°C) at the thickest part. Let it rest for a few minutes, during which it will reach the ideal final temperature of 130°F (54°C). Overcooked salmon quickly becomes dry and loses its luxurious texture that pairs so beautifully with the garlic lemon butter sauce.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to bring them closer to room temperature. Pat them thoroughly dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. This temperature adjustment ensures even cooking from edge to center.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot pan and cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin becomes crispy and golden. Gently press down on each fillet with a spatula for the first 10 seconds to prevent curling and ensure even contact with the pan.

Step 3: Flip and Finish

Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes for medium doneness, or until the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C). Transfer the salmon to a plate and tent loosely with foil to rest while you make the sauce.

Step 4: Create the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Using the same pan with its flavorful remnants, reduce heat to medium-low and add the butter. Once it’s melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned—garlic can become bitter when overcooked. Pour in the lemon juice, using a wooden spoon to scrape up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan (these add incredible flavor to your sauce!).

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Let the sauce simmer for 1-2 minutes until slightly reduced and emulsified. Stir in the lemon zest and parsley, then taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Return the salmon to the pan, spooning some of the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce over each fillet. Alternatively, plate the salmon and drizzle the sauce generously over each portion. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and additional parsley for a beautiful presentation.

Variations

Herbs and Spices Twist: Elevate your Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce by incorporating different herbs. Replace parsley with dill for a classic Scandinavian flavor profile, or try tarragon for a French-inspired dish with subtle anise notes. For a Mediterranean twist, add 1 teaspoon of capers and a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a piquant kick that complements the richness of the salmon.

Creamy Adaptation: Transform the sauce into a luxurious creamy version by adding 3 tablespoons of heavy cream after the garlic has been sautéed. This creates a silkier, more indulgent sauce that clings beautifully to the salmon. Finish with a tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of savory depth.

Honey Garlic Lemon Salmon: For those who enjoy a sweet-savory balance, add 1 tablespoon of honey to the lemon garlic butter mixture. The honey caramelizes slightly, creating a glaze-like consistency that adds another dimension to this already delicious dish while beautifully balancing the acidity of the lemon.

Storage and Serving

Properly stored, Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce keeps well for up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat to prevent the salmon from drying out. The sauce may separate slightly when chilled—simply warm it slowly while stirring to re-emulsify.

For an elegant dinner, serve this salmon over a bed of creamy risotto or alongside roasted fingerling potatoes with the sauce drizzled over everything. The starchy accompaniments soak up the flavorful sauce beautifully. For a lighter option, pair with steamed asparagus and a fresh arugula salad dressed simply with lemon juice and olive oil.

This dish also works wonderfully for meal prep—portion the cooled salmon and sauce into containers with steamed vegetables and grains for a balanced lunch that will make your coworkers jealous. Just remember to reheat gently to maintain the salmon’s texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this garlic lemon butter salmon recipe?
Yes, but ensure it’s completely thawed and patted very dry before cooking. Frozen salmon often releases more moisture, which can prevent proper searing. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight for best results.

How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked?
Perfectly cooked salmon should be opaque on the outside but still slightly translucent in the center. It should flake easily with a fork but remain moist. For precision, use an instant-read thermometer—125°F (52°C) for medium, which will rise to the ideal 130°F (54°C) while resting.

Can I make this sauce without butter?
While butter creates the signature richness in this Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce, you can substitute with olive oil or ghee. The flavor profile will change slightly, but it will still be delicious.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! This recipe is naturally low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making it perfect for keto dieters.

Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Fresh lemon juice is strongly recommended. Bottled juice lacks the bright, vibrant flavors of fresh citrus and often contains preservatives that can impart a metallic taste to the delicate sauce.

Conclusion

This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is comfort food at its finest — elegant yet approachable, rich yet light, and absolutely bursting with flavor in every bite. It’s the kind of dish that transforms an ordinary evening into a special occasion, without demanding hours in the kitchen or advanced culinary skills. Whether you’re cooking to impress dinner guests or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe delivers on all fronts. The combination of perfectly seared salmon and velvety lemon garlic butter sauce creates a harmony of flavors that will keep you coming back to this recipe time and again.

Print