Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce Recipe – Fresh, Light & Melt-in-Your-Mouth Good 

This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is the kind of recipe that looks and tastes gourmet—but takes just 20 minutes from start to finish. Juicy, flaky salmon fillets are pan-seared to golden perfection and smothered in a bright, buttery sauce infused with garlic, lemon, and herbs. It’s simple, elegant, and pairs beautifully with everything from rice and roasted veggies to pasta or salad.

🛒 Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon (plus more for serving)
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Optional: red pepper flakes or a pinch of paprika for extra flavor

🔄 Substitutions

Salmon: Use steelhead trout or cod fillets
Butter: Swap with ghee or vegan butter for dairy-free
Lemon: Try lime for a zesty twist
Garlic: Garlic powder works in a pinch (use ½ tsp)
Herbs: Swap parsley for dill, thyme, or basil

👨‍🍳 How to Make

Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat
Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) and sear for 3–4 minutes until crispy
Flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork
Remove salmon from the pan and set aside
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt
Stir in garlic and cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant
Add lemon juice, zest, and fresh herbs. Stir to combine
Return salmon to the pan and spoon sauce over the fillets
Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges and a sprinkle of herbs

🍚 Serving Suggestions

Garlic mashed potatoes or lemon herb rice
Steamed green beans, asparagus, or roasted broccoli
Pasta tossed with olive oil and Parmesan
Crusty bread to soak up the sauce

✅ Recipe Tips

Don’t overcook the salmon—it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork
Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor
Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine for extra depth
Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving for juicy results

📦 Storage

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon (without sauce) for up to 1 month
Reheat: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a little butter or broth

🌀 Recipe Variations

Creamy Garlic Lemon Salmon: Add ¼ cup heavy cream to the sauce
Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne
Baked Style: Bake salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then pour sauce over before serving
Grilled: Grill salmon fillets and drizzle with warm garlic lemon butter afterward

❓ FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
You can prep the sauce ingredients ahead, but for best results, cook the salmon fresh

What’s the best kind of salmon to use?
Atlantic, sockeye, or king salmon fillets all work great—just choose what’s fresh or available

Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
Yes! Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, then pour the sauce on top before serving

Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes—just make sure all ingredients (like butter or broth if using) are certified gluten-free

This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is light, flavorful, and elegant—perfect for a quick dinner that feels fancy without the fuss.