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Juicy Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

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A quick and elegant stovetop salmon recipe featuring crispy skin and a rich, tangy lemon garlic butter sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish comes together in under 20 minutes using simple pantry staples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin-on)
  • 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or light olive oil)
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2–3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes.
  2. Heat a skillet (cast iron or heavy-bottomed) over medium-high heat. Add neutral oil and heat until shimmering.
  3. Place salmon fillets in the pan skin-side down. Press gently for 10 seconds to prevent curling. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until sides turn opaque halfway up.
  4. Flip salmon carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes on the flesh side until it flakes easily with a fork. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
  5. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same pan. Once melted and foaming, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 30-60 seconds without browning.
  6. Remove pan from heat. Stir in lemon juice and lemon zest. Taste and adjust seasoning.
  7. Return salmon to the pan, flesh-side up. Spoon the warm sauce over the fillets and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes

Do not overcook the fish; it continues to cook slightly after removal from heat. Ensure the pan is hot enough to sear the skin but not so hot that the garlic burns. For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil or plant-based butter. If using frozen salmon, thaw completely in the refrigerator and pat very dry before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon garlic butter, quick dinner, weeknight meals, stovetop salmon, healthy seafood, gluten-free, keto-friendly

Find it online: https://livelybite.com/juicy-salmon-with-lemon-garlic-butter-5-min-dinner/