Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Choose Your Salmon: Select fresh salmon fillets, preferably skin-on for added flavor and moisture.
- Pat Dry: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear.
- Season the Fillets: Season both sides of the salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper.
- Melt the Butter: In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat.
- Add Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden.
- Incorporate Lemon: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
- Add Parsley: Mix in the dried parsley (or fresh if using).
- Season the Sauce: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Set aside.
- Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving.
- Flip the Fillets: Gently flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).
- Baste with Garlic Butter: Spoon some garlic butter sauce over the salmon during the last minute of cooking.
- Plate the Salmon: Transfer the cooked salmon to a serving platter.
- Drizzle with Sauce: Spoon the remaining garlic butter sauce over the salmon.
- Garnish: Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- Opt for wild-caught salmon for the best flavor.
- Avoid overcooking the salmon to prevent it from drying out.
- Customize the garlic butter sauce with herbs or spices to suit your taste.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes