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Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Restaurant-quality salmon with a rich, creamy garlic lemon butter sauce that's perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. Features a golden sear and tender, flaky interior.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Calories: 420
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets 6-8 ounces each, skin-on or skinless
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon paprika optional, for extra flavor
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
  • 1 lemon zest from 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Separate saucepan
  • meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Place salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Sear for 3-4 minutes without moving them to develop a golden crust.
  4. Flip salmon and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
  5. Transfer skillet to oven and roast for 10-12 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and is slightly opaque in center.
  6. While salmon is in oven, melt butter in a separate saucepan over medium heat.
  7. Add minced garlic to melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  8. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until mixture reduces slightly and thickens.
  9. Season sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
  10. Remove salmon from oven, pour garlic lemon butter sauce over fillets, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Don't move salmon during initial searing for best crust. Salmon is done when it flakes easily and is slightly opaque in center. Use fresh lemon juice for optimal flavor. Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 2 days.