There's something magical about a perfectly cooked piece of Salmon with a buttery, garlicky crust and bright lemon flavor. This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is the definition of effortless elegance – a restaurant-quality dish that comes together in just 20 minutes with minimal cleanup. Tender, flaky, and bursting with flavor, this dish transforms ordinary weeknights into special occasions. Perfect for busy professionals, health-conscious eaters, or anyone looking to add more seafood to their Easy dinner recipes rotation, this Salmon dish is guaranteed to become a regular on your table.
Why You'll Love This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
This Salmon recipe stands out for its perfect balance of rich buttery flavor and bright citrus notes that complement the natural taste of the fish without overpowering it. The one-pan approach means you'll save money on both ingredients and utilities – no need for multiple pots and pans or expensive pre-marinated fish from the seafood counter. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and lemon creates an aromatic experience that fills your kitchen with mouthwatering scents while the butter brings everything together in a silky, luxurious sauce that's perfect for drizzling.
Best of all, this dish feels like self-care on a plate – nutritious, delicious, and impressive enough for company but simple enough for a Monday night. Why not treat yourself to this foolproof Salmon recipe tonight?
How to Make One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Quick Overview
This Salmon dish comes together in just 20 minutes from start to finish. The fish cooks quickly in a hot skillet while the sauce essentially makes itself in the same pan. You'll need just one skillet and about 5 minutes of prep time for a meal that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
Key Ingredients
- 4 Salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon (juice and zest)
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and fresh ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the Salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously on both sides with salt and pepper. Let sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients.
- Heat the pan: Heat a large skillet (preferably cast iron) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and wait until it's shimmering hot.
- Sear the salmon: Place the Salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot pan. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked about ¾ of the way through.
- Flip and add butter: Carefully flip the fillets and immediately add butter to the pan. As butter melts, tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melting butter over the salmon.
- Add aromatics: Add minced garlic to the butter and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add lemon zest and juice to the pan.
- Baste and finish: Continue spooning the lemon garlic butter sauce over the Salmon for another 2-3 minutes until the fish is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve directly from the pan or transfer to plates with extra sauce drizzled on top.
What to Serve One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon With
This Salmon dish pairs beautifully with simple sides that won't compete with its delicate flavors. Try serving it with roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a light arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. For heartier Easy dinner recipes, add garlic mashed potatoes, lemon herb rice, or crusty bread to soak up the amazing sauce. A chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio completes this elegant yet easy meal.
Top Tips for Perfecting One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
- Room temperature salmon: Always let your Salmon sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking for the most even results.
- Don't overcook: Salmon is at its best when just cooked through – look for an internal temperature of 125°F for medium or 145°F for well-done.
- Keep the skin on: Even if you don't plan to eat the skin, cooking Salmon with the skin on helps the fillets hold together and provides a barrier against overcooking.
- Use fresh herbs: While dried herbs work in a pinch, fresh herbs make a noticeable difference in this simple recipe.
- High-quality butter: Since butter is a star ingredient, use the best you can afford – European or cultured butter adds extra richness.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Properly stored in an airtight container, leftover Salmon will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. For best results when reheating, warm the Salmon gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to create steam, which helps prevent the fish from drying out.
Alternatively, reheat in a 275°F oven until just warmed through, about 10-15 minutes. While freezing cooked Salmon is possible (up to 2 months), the texture will change slightly upon thawing, so it's best used in Salmon cakes or salads rather than as a standalone main dish.
Conclusion
This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal in just 20 minutes. With its foolproof technique and incredible flavor, it's the perfect introduction to cooking seafood at home. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive date night, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. Give this Salmon dish a try tonight – your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen Salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight. Pat it very dry before cooking to ensure you get that beautiful sear and crispy skin.
What can I substitute for fresh dill?
If you don't have fresh dill, you can use 1 teaspoon dried dill, fresh tarragon, or additional parsley. Each will give a slightly different flavor profile but will still complement the Salmon beautifully.
Is this recipe keto/low-carb friendly?
Absolutely! This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is naturally keto, low-carb, and gluten-free, making it perfect for various dietary preferences. The butter-based sauce adds healthy fats while keeping carbs to a minimum.
