This Salmon with Lemon Butter recipe is the perfect combination of simple ingredients and bold flavors. The salmon is pan-seared to crispy perfection, while a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce elevates the dish with brightness. This dish is not only delicious but also easy to prepare, making it ideal for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You’ll love how the zesty lemon enhances the tender, flaky salmon, creating a meal that's light yet satisfying.
Prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
Heat the pan. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if applicable.
Cook the salmon. Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on one side without moving it, allowing the skin or the bottom to crisp up. Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.
Make the lemon butter sauce. In the same pan, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and minced garlic, cooking for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the lemon juice and stir to combine. Let the sauce simmer for a minute, then remove from heat.
Serve. Drizzle the lemon butter sauce over the cooked salmon fillets. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.
Make sure the pan is hot before adding the salmon to ensure a crisp exterior. Don’t overcook the salmon; it’s best when it’s just cooked through and still moist. For an extra flavor boost, try adding a splash of white wine to the lemon butter sauce. You can also bake the salmon in the oven at 400°F for 12-15 minutes if you prefer a hands-off approach.