Name: Lemon Butter Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Ingredients: Salmon Fillets: (4 fillets, about 6 ounces each) – Choose skin-on or skinless based on your preference. Skin-on salmon can be crisped up beautifully, while skinless cooks a bit faster. Look for fillets that are vibrant in color and firm to the touch, indicating freshness.; Unsalted Butter: (½ cup, 1 stick) – Butter is the heart of this sauce, providing richness and a luxurious texture. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.; Fresh Lemon: (2 lemons) – We’ll use both the juice and zest of lemons for maximum flavor. The zest adds a bright, aromatic citrus note, while the juice provides acidity to balance the richness of the butter.; Garlic: (3-4 cloves) – Fresh garlic, minced, is essential for that savory, aromatic base that complements the lemon and butter perfectly.; Fresh Parsley: (¼ cup, chopped) – Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous element and a pop of color. It brightens up the dish and provides a lovely finishing touch.; Dried Dill: (1 teaspoon) – Dill adds a subtle, slightly tangy and grassy flavor that pairs wonderfully with salmon and lemon.; Salt: (½ teaspoon, or to taste) – Enhances all the flavors and seasons the salmon and sauce. Sea salt or kosher salt is recommended for better flavor.; Black Pepper: (¼ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste) – Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.; Olive Oil: (1 tablespoon) – Used for cooking the salmon, olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds a healthy fat.

Ingredients

Salmon Fillets: (4 fillets, about 6 ounces each) – Choose skin-on or skinless based on your preference. Skin-on salmon can be crisped up beautifully, while skinless cooks a bit faster. Look for fillets that are vibrant in color and firm to the touch, indicating freshness.
Unsalted Butter: (½ cup, 1 stick) – Butter is the heart of this sauce, providing richness and a luxurious texture. Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish.
Fresh Lemon: (2 lemons) – We’ll use both the juice and zest of lemons for maximum flavor. The zest adds a bright, aromatic citrus note, while the juice provides acidity to balance the richness of the butter.
Garlic: (3-4 cloves) – Fresh garlic, minced, is essential for that savory, aromatic base that complements the lemon and butter perfectly.
Fresh Parsley: (¼ cup, chopped) – Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous element and a pop of color. It brightens up the dish and provides a lovely finishing touch.
Dried Dill: (1 teaspoon) – Dill adds a subtle, slightly tangy and grassy flavor that pairs wonderfully with salmon and lemon.
Salt: (½ teaspoon, or to taste) – Enhances all the flavors and seasons the salmon and sauce. Sea salt or kosher salt is recommended for better flavor.
Black Pepper: (¼ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste) – Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice and depth of flavor.
Olive Oil: (1 tablespoon) – Used for cooking the salmon, olive oil helps prevent sticking and adds a healthy fat.

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Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear if you are pan-searing or for ensuring even cooking in the oven. Season both sides of the salmon fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the seasoning; it’s essential to bring out the best flavors of the fish.
Zest and Juice the Lemons: Using a zester or a fine grater, zest both lemons, being careful to only grate the yellow part and avoid the bitter white pith underneath. Set the lemon zest aside. Next, juice both lemons using a lemon juicer or by hand. Aim for about 2-3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Set the juice aside as well.
Mince the Garlic and Chop Parsley: Peel and mince the garlic cloves finely. You can use a garlic press or mince them with a knife. Set the minced garlic aside. Wash and thoroughly dry the fresh parsley. Finely chop the parsley leaves and set them aside.
Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a skillet large enough to hold the salmon fillets in a single layer, melt the unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and shimmering, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1-2 minutes, or until it becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Stir constantly while sautéing.
Create the Lemon Butter Sauce: Pour the fresh lemon juice into the skillet with the sautéed garlic and melted butter. Stir well to combine all the ingredients. Add the lemon zest and dried dill to the sauce. Stir again to incorporate the zest and dill evenly. Let the sauce simmer gently for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully and slightly thicken. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Remember that the salmon will also absorb some of the salt, so ensure the sauce is slightly more seasoned than you might think.
Cook the Salmon (Pan-Searing Method): If pan-searing, add the olive oil to the skillet with the lemon butter sauce. Increase the heat to medium-high. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Sear the salmon for about 4-5 minutes per side for fillets that are about 1 inch thick, or until golden brown and cooked through to your desired doneness. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. You’ll know the salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and is no longer translucent in the center. If you prefer your salmon more well-done, cook it a little longer. For medium-rare, aim for a slightly pink center.
Cook the Salmon (Baking Method): Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Again, cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon.
Finish and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the skillet or oven. Spoon the remaining lemon butter sauce from the skillet or baking dish over the salmon fillets. Garnish generously with the freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately while hot. The bright flavors are best enjoyed right away.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Serving Size: one normal portion
Calories: 450
Fat: 30g
Protein: 40g