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Easy 20-Minute Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

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A quick and delicious lemon garlic butter salmon that comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers crispy skin and flaky, buttery fish with a bright lemon kick.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon: Let fillets sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  2. Get the pan hot: Place a large non-stick skillet or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering.
  3. Sear the salmon skin-side down: Place fillets skin-side down in the pan. Press gently with a spatula. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until skin is golden and crispy.
  4. Flip and add the butter: Carefully flip the salmon. Add butter to the pan around the fillets. Once melted, add minced garlic and lemon zest. Tilt the pan and baste the salmon with the garlic butter.
  5. Finish cooking: Cook for another 2-3 minutes until internal temperature reaches 125°F for medium or 130°F for medium-well. Squeeze half the lemon over the salmon in the last minute.
  6. Rest and serve: Remove from heat. Let salmon rest for 2 minutes. Spoon remaining garlic butter over the top. Garnish with parsley, red pepper flakes, and lemon slices.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for crispy skin. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Add garlic after flipping to prevent burning. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, 20-minute salmon, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon, keto salmon, gluten-free salmon

Find it online: https://merrymorsel.com/easy-20-minute-lemon-garlic-butter-salmon-recipe/