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Easy Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe – Best Flaky Dinner

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This flaky lemon garlic butter salmon comes together in a single skillet in under 20 minutes. With a crispy golden crust, tender interior, and a bright, buttery garlic sauce, it’s the perfect quick weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-quality.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Take salmon fillets out of the fridge 10 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Zest the lemon (about 1 teaspoon zest). Cut lemon in half and juice (about 2 tablespoons juice). Set aside.
  3. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and heat until shimmering, about 1 minute. Swirl in 1 tablespoon butter until melted and foamy.
  4. Place salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook for 4 minutes without moving them, until edges turn opaque and golden.
  5. Carefully flip fillets using a fish spatula. Add remaining 3 tablespoons butter, minced garlic, and lemon zest to the pan. Tilt pan slightly and spoon (baste) the melting butter over the salmon. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  6. Squeeze lemon juice over the salmon and let bubble for 30 seconds. Add red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Remove pan from heat. Spoon lemon garlic butter sauce over fillets. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra flaky salt if desired. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

Pat salmon very dry for a good sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Watch garlic closely to avoid burning. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness (125°F to 130°F for medium). Let salmon rest 2 minutes before serving. For crispy skin, leave it on; to remove, slide a spatula between flesh and skin after cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon garlic butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, skillet salmon, quick salmon dinner, flaky salmon, one-pan salmon, weeknight salmon

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