Irresistible Lemon Butter Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter (1/2 stick)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme or fresh thyme leaves
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon slices, for serving
Instructions
1. Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
2. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add Lemon Flavor: Stir in the fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and thyme. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Remove from heat and set aside.
4. Heat the Skillet: In a large non-stick skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat.
5. Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin side down if applicable. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on the first side, without moving them, until the skin is crispy (if using skin). Flip the salmon carefully.
6. Baste with Sauce: Pour half of the lemon butter sauce over the salmon after flipping. Cook for another 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
7. Serve: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the skillet and place on serving plates. Drizzle the remaining lemon butter sauce on top and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve with lemon slices on the side.
Notes
- Substitutions: You can substitute the salmon with trout or another oily fish that suits your taste.
- Additions: Feel free to add veggies like asparagus or green beans into the skillet halfway through the cooking process for a full meal.
- Storage: Leftover salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet.
- Additions: Feel free to add veggies like asparagus or green beans into the skillet halfway through the cooking process for a full meal.
- Storage: Leftover salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on a skillet.