Irresistible Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe to Delight You

The aroma of lemon butter salmon wafts through the kitchen, instantly making your mouth water. Imagine succulent salmon fillets kissed by a rich, buttery sauce that dances with zesty lemon and fresh herbs. Each bite melts in your mouth, a delightful medley of flavors that leaves you craving more.

This dish isn’t just for fancy dinner parties; it’s perfect for a cozy weeknight meal or impressing friends on the weekend. Picture yourself serving this alongside roasted vegetables and fluffy rice, turning an ordinary evening into an extraordinary culinary experience. Get ready to savor a flavor explosion that will elevate your dining game!

Sharing this delightful dish with friends always leads to smiles and compliments. They can’t resist coming back for seconds, wanting to know my secret!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh wild-caught salmon works best for flavor and texture; look for bright color and firm flesh.

• Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for a creamy sauce; avoid margarine as it lacks flavor.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it.

• Garlic: Fresh garlic enhances the flavor beautifully; minced garlic gives the sauce depth.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and freshness; feel free to substitute with dill or basil.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.

• Lemon Zest: Adds an aromatic citrus note that elevates the overall flavor profile.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prep Your Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and prepping them. Chop parsley, mince garlic, and zest your lemons to have everything within reach.

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) while you prepare the salmon. A hot oven ensures that the fish cooks evenly.

Prepare the Salmon Fillets: Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season generously with salt and pepper for added flavor.

Create the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic, stirring until fragrant, about one minute.

Add Lemon Goodness: Pour in freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest into the melted butter mixture, stirring well to combine all flavors.

Bake It Up!: Drizzle half of your lemon butter sauce over the fillets before placing them in the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes until flaky and cooked through.

Enjoy this easy-to-make lemon butter salmon dish that’s sure to impress!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

To achieve perfectly cooked lemon butter salmon, start by searing the fillets in a hot skillet before finishing them in the oven. This method ensures a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out the lemon for lime, or add fresh herbs like dill or thyme for an aromatic twist. You can also toss in some capers for an extra punch of flavor.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover lemon butter salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat to keep it moist.

Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of my first dinner party where everyone raved about how delicious it was. I felt like a culinary superstar!

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for best results.

What sides pair well with lemon butter salmon?

Roasted vegetables and rice pilaf complement this dish beautifully.

How do I know when my salmon is done cooking?

Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque center.

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Lemon Butter Salmon

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Indulge in the exquisite flavors of lemon butter salmon, where tender salmon fillets are enveloped in a rich, buttery sauce infused with zesty lemon and fresh herbs. This dish is not only quick to prepare but also elevates any meal from ordinary to extraordinary. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it promises a delightful culinary experience that will leave your guests asking for more.

• Author: Jennifer
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

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• 2 (6 oz) salmon fillets
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tsp lemon zest

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Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon fillets on it. Season generously with salt and pepper.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant.
4. Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest into the butter mixture.
5. Drizzle half of the lemon butter sauce over the salmon fillets.
6. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 120mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 90mg