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Quick Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon – Easy 15-Minute Dinner

garlic butter salmon - featured image

A simple, no-fuss salmon recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results in just 15 minutes. Garlic butter and lemon create a rich, glossy sauce that coats tender, flaky salmon with crispy edges.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon slices (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Let them sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes.
  2. Season both sides of each fillet with salt and pepper.
  3. Heat a large non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat for about 2 minutes until shimmering.
  4. Place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Press down gently with a spatula for a few seconds. Cook undisturbed for 4 minutes.
  5. Flip the fillets carefully. Add the butter to the pan, letting it melt around the salmon. Tilt the pan and spoon the melting butter over the tops of the fillets.
  6. Add the minced garlic to the pan. Stir it into the butter and continue spooning over the salmon. Cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  7. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the fillets. Let it sizzle for about 30 seconds, then remove the pan from the heat.
  8. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and add lemon slices for garnish. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry thoroughly for a good sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Watch the garlic closely to prevent burning. Let the salmon rest for a minute before serving. For dairy-free, substitute butter with ghee or vegan butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, lemon salmon, quick salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner, 15-minute salmon, pan-seared salmon