A quick and elegant dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets bathed in a zesty garlic butter sauce with hints of lemon and honey. Ready in under 30 minutes—weeknight easy, dinner party worthy!
📋 Ingredients (Serves 4)
🐟 For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
🍋 For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
- Juice of 1½ lemons (~3 tbsp)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, for a hint of sweetness)
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard (optional, adds depth)
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- Lemon slices, for garnish
👩🍳 Directions
1️⃣ Prep the Salmon:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Season both sides with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2️⃣ Sear the Salmon:
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron or nonstick) over medium-high heat.
Add salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) and cook for 3–4 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through.
Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt butter with olive oil.
Add minced garlic and sauté for 30–60 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in lemon juice, zest, honey, and Dijon mustard (if using). Season to taste.
Simmer for 1–2 minutes until slightly thickened.
4️⃣ Glaze & Serve:
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet.
Spoon sauce over each fillet and let simmer for 1–2 minutes more to glaze.
Serve with extra sauce, garnished with chopped parsley and fresh lemon slices.
⏱ Time & Nutrition
- Prep: 10 minutes
- Cook: 15 minutes
- Total: 25 minutes
- Calories: ~420 kcal per fillet
✨ Serving Tips:
Pair with:
- Garlic herb rice or lemony couscous
- Steamed asparagus or roasted green beans
- A simple mixed greens salad with vinaigrette
📸 Tag Your Plate:
#LemonGarlicSalmon #QuickDinner #HealthyRecipes #SalmonLovers #EasyWeeknightMeal #ButteryGoodness
