Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 large lemon, both juiced and zested - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices, for garnish These ingredients make this dish shine. Salmon provides a rich flavor. Garlic adds depth with its strong aroma. Butter adds richness, while lemon brings a bright, zesty punch. Thyme and oregano give a hint of earthiness. Don’t forget to season well with salt and pepper for balance. - 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat) - 1 tablespoon honey (for sweetness) - Fresh dill or basil (for a fresh twist) If you want to spice it up, add red pepper flakes. Honey can add a nice touch of sweetness to balance the lemon. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can enhance the flavor profile too. Feel free to experiment! - Large non-stick skillet - Spatula - Knife and cutting board - Measuring spoons - Zester or grater Using a non-stick skillet helps prevent sticking and makes cooking easier. A spatula is key for flipping the salmon without breaking it. A good knife and cutting board are essential for prepping garlic and lemon. Having measuring spoons on hand ensures your flavors are spot on. A zester or grater is great for getting the lemon zest just right. For the complete method, check the Full Recipe. Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This step helps the fish sear well. Next, season both sides of each fillet with salt, black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Let them sit for a few minutes so the flavors can soak in. In a large, non-stick skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch as the butter melts and bubbles. Make sure it doesn’t brown, as this can change the flavor. Once bubbling, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté it for about 1 minute, stirring often. Your kitchen will smell amazing! Gently lay the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes. This helps the skin crisp nicely. After this time, carefully flip each fillet over using a spatula. Pour the lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over the top. Cook for another 4 to 5 minutes until the salmon turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. While the salmon cooks, use a spoon to baste the fillets with the garlic butter sauce. This will add more flavor and keep the fish nice and moist. The basting step is key to a juicy salmon! When the salmon is done, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle the fillets with chopped fresh parsley and add lemon slices on the side. To serve, place the salmon on plates and drizzle with any remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet. You can find the full recipe for more details on how to make this dish. For a beautiful presentation, serve the salmon on a bed of steamed asparagus or next to a fresh salad. Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon! Use a non-stick skillet for easy cooking. Heat your skillet over medium heat before adding butter. This keeps the salmon from sticking. Start with the skin-side down to get a nice crisp. Cook without moving the fish for the best results. Keep an eye on the salmon as it cooks. Salmon cooks fast, about 4-5 minutes per side. You want it to be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If it looks too dry or hard, it’s overcooked. Basting with garlic butter helps keep it moist and flavorful. You can add extra flavor with herbs and spices. Try using fresh dill or parsley for a fresh taste. A pinch of red pepper flakes can give a nice kick. For a fun twist, add a splash of white wine when cooking. This adds depth and complements the lemon well. For the full recipe, check out the detailed instructions on Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon Delight. {{image_4}} You can swap salmon for other fish like tilapia or trout. These options cook fast and absorb flavors well. If you prefer seafood, shrimp works great too. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they are perfectly done. For a meaty twist, try chicken breasts. They pair well with garlic butter and lemon too! Boost your dish with different spices. Try paprika for a smoky kick or chili flakes for heat. Fresh herbs like dill or basil add a bright touch. You might also marinate the protein in lemon juice and olive oil for an hour before cooking. This adds depth and makes it extra tasty. For a casual dinner, serve the salmon with rice and a simple salad. If you're hosting, add roasted veggies for a colorful plate. For a special occasion, present the dish on a bed of couscous and drizzle with extra garlic butter. This makes it look fancy and tastes amazing! Check out the Full Recipe for more details on cooking and serving. To keep leftover salmon fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure the salmon is cool before sealing it. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you're ready to eat your leftover salmon, gentle reheating is best. I recommend using the oven. Preheat it to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. This method keeps the salmon moist and tasty. Avoid the microwave, as it can make the fish dry. If you want to freeze your salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. To thaw, move it to the fridge overnight before reheating. This keeps the flavor and texture just right. For more detailed instructions, check the Full Recipe. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just thaw it first. This helps the fish cook evenly. To thaw, place the salmon in the fridge overnight or use cold water. Great sides for this dish include: - Steamed asparagus - Garlic mashed potatoes - Fresh garden salad - Quinoa with herbs These sides balance the rich flavors of the salmon. Salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily. Use a fork to check. The ideal internal temperature is 145°F. To check, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part. Yes, you can! Try this with trout, cod, or halibut. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish. Each type has its unique flavor that pairs well with garlic and lemon. While fresh garlic gives the best flavor, you can use garlic powder if needed. Fresh garlic offers a strong aroma and taste that enhances the dish. For a milder flavor, try roasted garlic instead. For the full recipe, check out the detailed section above. Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon Delight is a simple yet tasty dish. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special. Here’s what you need and how to make it. - 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 large lemon, both juiced and zested - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices, for garnish 1. Prepare the Salmon: First, pat your salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them cook well. Season both sides with salt, pepper, thyme, and oregano. Let them sit for a few minutes to soak up the flavors. 2. Melt the Butter: In a large skillet, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat. Wait for it to melt and bubble. Don’t let it brown. 3. Sauté Garlic: When the butter bubbles, add the minced garlic. Cook for about 1 minute. Stir it often so it doesn't brown. 4. Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down. Cook them for 4-5 minutes without touching them. This helps the skin get crispy. 5. Add Lemon Flavor: Flip each fillet carefully with a spatula. Pour the lemon juice and sprinkle the zest over them. Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily. 6. Baste for Extra Flavor: While the salmon cooks, use a spoon to baste it with the garlic butter. This adds flavor and keeps it moist. 7. Garnish: Once cooked, take the skillet off the heat. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top and add lemon slices for color. 8. Serve: Place the salmon on plates and drizzle with any leftover garlic butter sauce. This dish takes just 20 minutes to make and serves four. You can serve it on a bed of steamed asparagus or a fresh salad. The garlic butter sauce adds a rich flavor that pairs well with the lemon. Enjoy your flavor-packed delight! This blog post covered garlic butter lemon salmon from start to finish. I shared essential and optional ingredients, tools, and step-by-step cooking methods. You learned tips to avoid overcooking and enhance flavors. I also explained variations using different proteins and how to store leftovers. Simple answers to common questions rounded out the guide. Now, you're ready to cook this dish with confidence. Enjoy your flavorful salmon creation!$

Indulge in the mouthwatering flavors of Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon Delight! This easy recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets, infused with a rich garlic butter sauce and zesty lemon. With just a few simple ingredients and quick cooking time, you can create a gourmet meal that impresses. Click through to explore this delightful recipe and elevate your dinner game tonight!

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Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 cloves garlic, finely minced

1 large lemon, both juiced and zested

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)

Lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon: Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them sear nicely. Season each fillet generously on both sides with salt, freshly ground black pepper, dried thyme, and dried oregano. Set the seasoned fillets aside for a few minutes to absorb the flavors.

Melt the Butter: In a large, non-stick skillet, heat the unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow the butter to melt completely and become bubbly, but be careful not to let it brown.

Sauté Garlic: Once the butter is bubbling, carefully add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute, stirring constantly until fragrant—watch closely to avoid browning the garlic, which can make it bitter.

Cook the Salmon: Gently place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down. Let them cook undisturbed for approximately 4-5 minutes, allowing the skin to crisp up beautifully.

Add Lemon Flavor: Carefully flip each salmon fillet over using a spatula. Immediately pour the freshly squeezed lemon juice and sprinkle the lemon zest over the top. Cook for an additional 4-5 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Baste for Extra Flavor: As the salmon cooks, use a spoon to baste the fillets with the garlic butter sauce from the skillet—this will infuse additional flavor and keep the fish moist.

Garnish: Once the salmon is perfectly cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the fillets with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley and adorn each plate with lemon slices for a vibrant touch.

Serve: To serve, place the salmon fillets onto plates and generously drizzle them with the remaining garlic butter sauce from the skillet.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes | Servings: 4

- Presentation Tips: For an appealing presentation, serve the salmon on a bed of tender steamed asparagus or alongside a fresh, colorful garden salad. Drizzle any leftover garlic butter sauce elegantly over the salmon and include a slice of lemon on the side for an extra burst of color and flavor!