Lemon Garlic Salmon
Servings: 4 Prep: 10 minutes Cook: 12–15 minutes
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets, 5–6 oz each (skin on or off), patted very dry
1 tsp kosher salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tsp paprika (sweet or smoked)
1 tbsp olive oil
Lemon–garlic butter
3 tbsp unsalted butter
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
Zest of 1 lemon
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp low‑sodium chicken broth or dry white wine
1 tbsp honey (optional, balances acidity)
2 tbsp chopped parsley or chives
Lemon slices, for garnish
Instructions
Season
Pat salmon dry. Mix salt, pepper, and paprika; season all sides.
Sear
Heat a large oven‑safe skillet over medium‑high. Add olive oil.
When shimmering, add salmon flesh‑side down. Sear 2 minutes until lightly golden; flip so the skin side is down.
Make the lemon–garlic butter
Drop the heat to medium. Add butter to the pan around the salmon. When melted and foamy, add garlic; cook 20–30 seconds.
Stir in lemon zest, lemon juice, broth/wine, and honey if using. Spoon the sauce over the fillets.
Finish in oven
Transfer the skillet to a 400°F (204°C) oven and roast 6–8 minutes, just until salmon flakes easily (internal temp ~125–130°F for medium; 135°F for more done). Thicker pieces may need a minute more.
Serve
Spoon pan sauce over salmon. Sprinkle with parsley/chives and tuck in lemon slices.
Tips
Extra glossy sauce: swirl 1 more tablespoon cold butter into the pan off heat.
Crispiest skin: sear skin side first 3–4 minutes, then flip and finish on the stovetop instead of the oven.
Sheet‑pan option: place seasoned fillets on a lined tray, dot with the lemon–garlic butter mixture, and bake at 425°F for 9–12 minutes.
Sides: roasted baby potatoes, asparagus, green beans, or a lemony rice pilaf.
Quick marinade (optional, 15 minutes max)
1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp lemon juice + 1 grated garlic clove + pinch salt/pepper. Pat dry before searing to avoid sputter.
Enjoy the juicy salmon with that bright, garlicky lemon butter!