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Easy One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

one-pan lemon garlic butter salmon - featured image
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A quick and elegant 20-minute weeknight dinner featuring seared salmon fillets in a bright, creamy lemon garlic butter sauce, cooked entirely in one skillet.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (approx. 6 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes
  • 2 tablespoons fresh flat-leaf parsley, chopped
  • Kosher salt
  • Freshly cracked black pepper

Instructions

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
  2. Heat a 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and swirl until melted and foaming.
  3. Place salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the color changes from translucent to opaque pink up the sides.
  4. Flip the salmon gently. Reduce heat to medium.
  5. Add the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter, minced garlic, and lemon zest to the pan. Stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the fish and into the pan. Let it bubble and reduce slightly.
  7. Baste the top of the salmon with the sauce using a spoon. Cook for another 1 minute or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  8. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and let rest for 1 minute before serving.

Notes

Ensure salmon is patted very dry before cooking to ensure a good sear rather than steaming. Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary. For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil. Internal temperature should reach 145°F, though 125°F is preferred for medium doneness.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, lemon garlic butter, one-pan dinner, quick weeknight meal, healthy seafood, keto friendly, gluten free

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/easy-one-pan-lemon-garlic-butter-salmon-best-20-minute-dinner/