![- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon (juiced and zested) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for garnish) When you make Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon, these ingredients bring the dish to life. The salmon fillets are the star. Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best taste. The butter adds richness, while the garlic gives a deep flavor. The lemon juice and zest brighten the dish. Dried thyme and oregano add a nice herbal note. Don't forget the salt and pepper. They enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley and lemon slices make great garnishes. They look pretty on the plate and add flair. For the full recipe, check out the detailed steps above. Start by getting your salmon fillets ready. Pat each fillet dry with a paper towel. This step helps the seasoning stick. Next, season both sides with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. These spices add great flavor. Set the fillets aside while you prepare to cook. Grab a large skillet and place it over medium heat. Melt the butter in the skillet until it bubbles. This will make your kitchen smell amazing! Once the butter is ready, add the minced garlic. Sauté it for about one minute, just until it is fragrant. Now, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the skillet. Let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes. This will give the skin a nice crisp. After that, flip the fillets over. Squeeze in the lemon juice and sprinkle the zest over the top. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes. You will know the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. As the salmon cooks, baste it with the garlic butter. This adds extra flavor and keeps it moist. Once the salmon is fully cooked, take the skillet off the heat. Garnish the fillets with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Your Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon is now ready to serve! If you want to see the full recipe, check out [Full Recipe]. To cook salmon perfectly, keep a few tips in mind. First, always start with dry fillets. Wet salmon will steam instead of sear. This can lead to dryness. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and herbs before cooking. Next, use medium heat. This allows the salmon to cook evenly without burning. Basting is key to keeping the salmon moist. As you cook, spoon the garlic butter over the fillets. This adds flavor and helps retain moisture. Flip the salmon carefully to avoid breaking it. Cook until it flakes easily with a fork. You can boost flavor with herbs and spices. Fresh dill or tarragon pairs well with salmon. They add a fresh taste. For a kick, try adding red pepper flakes. Adjust the lemon flavor to your liking. If you want it tangy, add more lemon juice. If you prefer milder, use less. Plating is important for a beautiful dish. Serve the salmon on a bed of bright green asparagus. This adds color and makes the dish pop. For garnish, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Add lemon slices for a fresh look. Drizzling some extra garlic butter over the salmon makes it shine. For a restaurant-style finish, arrange the salmon with care on the plate. Enjoy your meal! {{image_2}} You can easily switch out the salmon for other fish. Trout and cod work great in this recipe. They have mild flavors that pair well with garlic and lemon. Use the same cooking method for these fish. Just make sure to adjust cooking times based on thickness. Trout cooks quickly, so check it sooner than cod. If you need a dairy-free option, simply swap out the butter for olive oil. Olive oil gives a nice flavor and keeps the fish moist. Use the same amount of olive oil as butter in the recipe. This change makes the dish lighter while still being tasty. Pair Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon with delicious sides to make a full meal. Quinoa adds a nutty flavor and is full of protein. Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus add color and nutrients. You can also serve it with a fresh green salad for a crisp bite. These sides balance the richness of the salmon and keep the meal light. For the full recipe, check out the earlier section. To store leftover Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the salmon cools down before sealing. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days. This helps keep the flavors fresh. If you want to freeze the salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer bag. This will help keep the salmon's texture. Use the frozen salmon within three months for the best taste. When reheating, use a skillet on low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover the skillet to trap steam. You can also use the microwave, but do it in short bursts. This helps prevent drying out the salmon. Enjoy your meal like it was just cooked! To tell if salmon is cooked, look for a few signs. First, check the color. Salmon should look opaque and no longer bright pink. Second, you can test the texture. Use a fork to gently flake the salmon. If it flakes easily, it’s done. The internal temperature should reach 145°F. This means it's safe to eat. Remember, overcooking salmon can make it dry. So, keep an eye on it! Yes, you can cook Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon in the oven. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Start by preparing the salmon as you would for the skillet. Place the seasoned salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Melt the butter and mix it with minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Pour this mixture over the salmon. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. This method makes for easy cleanup and still keeps the fish moist. Several sides go well with Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon. Here are some great options: - Steamed asparagus - Roasted broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - Fresh green salad These sides enhance the meal and balance the flavors. You can mix and match based on your taste! For more ideas, check out the Full Recipe. This blog post covers how to make Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon. You learned about key ingredients like salmon, butter, and garlic. I shared step-by-step instructions for preparing, cooking, and garnishing the dish. Tips helped ensure perfect cooking and suggested flavor enhancements. You explored variations and storage tips for leftovers. Try this recipe to enjoy a tasty and easy meal. Simple steps lead to great flavors. Happy cooking!](https://lisadishes.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/09b22e6c-c53b-409f-84ec-53f69a23ad94-250x250.webp)
Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon
Delight your taste buds with this mouthwatering garlic butter lemon salmon recipe! In just 20 minutes, you can serve up tender salmon fillets infused with rich garlic and zesty lemon flavors. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this dish is sure to be a hit. Ready to impress? Click through to discover the step-by-step instructions and presentation tips that will make your dinner unforgettable!