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