Lemon Butter Salmon

Lemon Butter Salmon

This Lemon Butter Salmon recipe is a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the rich flavor of salmon with a luscious lemon butter sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish is quick to prepare and sure to impress.

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Ingredients

(Serves 4)

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin on or off)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional, for color)

For the Lemon Butter Sauce:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/4 cup chicken broth (or white wine for a more robust flavor)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Lemon slices (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using).

2. Cook the Salmon

• Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
• Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if applicable, and cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the edges are golden.
• Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Lemon Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add the butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
• Add the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth (or white wine). Simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.

4. Combine and Serve

• Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the lemon butter sauce over the fillets to coat them. Let them warm through for 1-2 minutes.
• Transfer the salmon to serving plates and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices.

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Tips

• Cooking Time: Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon. For a fillet about 1 inch thick, aim for 4-5 minutes per side.
• Substitutions: If you don’t have fresh lemon, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, though fresh will give the best flavor.
• Pairing: Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

This Lemon Butter Salmon is a delightful combination of buttery richness and tangy citrus, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing dish. 🐟🍋✨