If you’re looking for a quick and delicious seafood dinner, this Salmon in Garlic and Lemon Sauce is a perfect choice. Tender, golden-seared salmon is coated in a rich butter sauce infused with fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley. It’s a simple combination of ingredients that creates an incredibly flavorful meal.
This recipe is easy to prepare and takes approximately 15 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a special family dinner. With just one pan and a handful of ingredients, you can enjoy restaurant-style salmon right at home.
Ingredients
Servings: 3
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cooking Time: 8–11 minutes
- 600g (1.3 lbs) salmon
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons (60g) butter
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 3 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped
- Olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- A few lemon slices
How to Make Salmon in Garlic and Lemon Sauce
Step 1: Cook the Salmon
Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. While the oil warms up, season the salmon with salt and black pepper on both sides. Once the pan is hot, place the salmon skin-side down and cook for approximately 3–4 minutes on each side, until the exterior develops a beautiful golden color.
Step 2: Make the Garlic Lemon Sauce
Turn the salmon skin-side down again, then add the butter and chopped garlic to the pan. As the butter melts, gently spoon it over the salmon to coat the fish with the flavorful sauce. Add the lemon slices, juice of half a lemon, and freshly chopped parsley.
Continue cooking for another 2–3 minutes, occasionally spooning the sauce over the salmon until the butter turns lightly golden brown. Keep an eye on the garlic to prevent it from burning, then remove the pan from the heat. Make sure the salmon reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 3: Serve and Enjoy
Transfer the salmon to a serving plate and generously drizzle the warm garlic lemon butter sauce over each piece. Garnish with the cooked lemon slices and a little extra parsley if desired. Serve immediately while the salmon is warm and tender.
Tips for the Best Garlic Lemon Salmon
For the best results, choose salmon fillets of similar thickness so they cook evenly. Avoid moving the fish too frequently while searing, as this helps create a golden exterior. Fresh garlic and lemon juice provide the most vibrant flavor, while gently browning the butter gives the sauce a delicious richness.
This salmon pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad. For a more comforting dinner, serve it with creamy mashed potatoes to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce.
Watch the Recipe Video
Prefer to watch the cooking process? You can follow the full preparation in the video below.