At Eminent Recipes, we’ve spent years crafting dishes that bring comfort, flavor, and ease to every kitchen. Lemon Butter Salmon is one of those recipes that combines quick preparation with gourmet taste. Inspired by family dinners and weeknight meals that don’t compromise on flavor, this dish highlights flaky salmon drenched in zesty lemon butter sauce. Whether you’re cooking for busy evenings or a special occasion, it’s a recipe that turns simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal everyone will love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Lemon Butter Salmon is a dish you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick, easy, and family-friendly, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions. The buttery, zesty sauce complements the rich, tender salmon, creating a balance of flavors that satisfies everyone. You can customize it with garlic, herbs, or a creamy twist for pasta dishes. Pan-seared, baked, or Filipino-style panlasang pinoy, lemon butter salmon turns simple ingredients into an impressive meal that’s healthy, flavorful, and visually appealing.
Keywords included: lemon butter salmon, pan-seared, baked, creamy lemon butter salmon.
Ingredients for This Recipe
To make perfect lemon butter salmon, start with fresh salmon fillets and build a sauce that’s rich, zesty, and aromatic. Garlic, butter, and fresh lemon juice bring the flavors alive, while parsley adds freshness. Optional cream transforms the sauce for pasta or extra richness. These ingredients are simple but powerful, creating a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes.
🛒 Ingredients:
Salmon fillets (6–8 oz each);
Salt and black pepper, to taste;
Olive oil;
Unsalted butter;
Garlic, minced;
Juice and zest of 1 lemon;
Chopped fresh parsley;
Optional: heavy cream for creamy lemon butter salmon;
Lemon slices for garnish;
Steamed vegetables, rice, or pasta for serving;
How to Make This Recipe
Cooking lemon butter salmon is simple and rewarding. Start by seasoning and pan-searing or baking the salmon to perfection. While it cooks, prepare the lemon butter sauce, melting butter and sautéing garlic, then adding lemon juice, zest, and parsley. Pour the sauce over the salmon and serve immediately. This method ensures tender, flaky salmon with a rich, tangy flavor that works well for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
🛒 Steps:
Pat salmon dry and season;
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat;
Pan-sear salmon 4–5 minutes per side or bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes;
Melt butter in skillet, sauté garlic until fragrant;
Add lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and optional cream;
Pour lemon butter sauce over salmon;
Garnish with lemon slices and serve with sides;
Expert Cooking Tips
Perfect lemon butter salmon depends on timing and technique. Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and avoid overcooking—it should remain slightly pink in the center. Pan-searing gives a crisp texture, while baking ensures even cooking. Enhance the sauce with garlic, fresh herbs, or cream for richness. Lemon butter salmon pairs beautifully with rice, pasta, or steamed vegetables. Quick, customizable, and flavorful, this recipe works for family dinners, weeknight meals, or special occasions.
💡 Expert Tips:
Use fresh, high-quality salmon;
Avoid overcooking for tender, flaky texture;
Pan-sear for crispy skin, bake for gentle cooking;
Add garlic, herbs, or cream for flavor variations;
Serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables;
Reheat sauce gently if prepared in advance;
Customize lemon butter salmon for weeknight or festive meals;
FAQs
What is the easiest way to cook lemon butter salmon?
Pan-searing or baking works best for quick, tender results.
Can I make creamy lemon butter salmon?
Yes! Add heavy cream while making the sauce for a richer, pasta-friendly dish.
How do I prevent salmon from sticking when pan-frying?
Use a hot skillet with olive oil, and avoid moving the salmon too early.
What are variations of lemon butter salmon?
Try baked, pan-seared, panlasang pinoy, or creamy pasta versions.
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Lemon Butter Salmon is a quick, delicious, and versatile dish perfect for any occasion. With fresh salmon, zesty lemon, and buttery sauce, it combines simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. Easy to customize and family-friendly, it works for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. Serve with pasta, rice, or vegetables, and enjoy a meal that’s as beautiful as it is flavorful. Lemon Butter Salmon proves elegant cooking can be effortless and satisfying.
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Lemon Butter Salmon
- Total Time: ~25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A buttery, zesty salmon fillet cooked to perfection with a creamy lemon sauce. Quick and easy, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners or a special meal. Can be baked, pan-seared, or pan-fried depending on your preference.
Ingredients
🛒 Ingredients (serves 4):
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
For the Lemon Butter Sauce:
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon, juiced and zested
¼ cup chicken or vegetable broth
1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Optional for Serving:
Steamed vegetables (broccoli, asparagus, green beans)
Rice, mashed potatoes, or pasta
Instructions
📝 Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Pat salmon dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cook Salmon
Pan-Seared: Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Baked: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and bake for 12–15 minutes.
Step 3: Make Lemon Butter Sauce
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, broth, and honey (if using). Simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Step 4: Combine & Serve
Pour the lemon butter sauce over cooked salmon. Garnish with fresh parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Extra Creamy: Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the sauce.
- Make Ahead: Prepare the sauce in advance and reheat gently before serving.
- Crispy Skin: For skin-on fillets, press lightly with a spatula while pan-searing to avoid curling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12–15 minutes (pan or oven)
- Category: Main Course / Dinner
- Method: Pan-Seared / Baked
- Cuisine: American / International