Elevate your weeknight dinner with this Lemon Garlic Sauce Seared Salmon! This dish features perfectly seared salmon fillets topped with a bright, tangy, and savory lemon garlic sauce that’s bursting with flavor. The combination of fresh lemon, aromatic garlic, and rich butter creates a sauce that complements the tender, flaky salmon beautifully. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is quick, easy, and elegant enough to impress guests. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking for a healthy, flavorful meal, this Lemon Garlic Salmon is sure to become a favorite.
Ingredients
To make approximately 4 servings, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each): Skin-on or skinless, depending on your preference.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the salmon.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon.
For the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter: Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic (minced): Provides a savory, aromatic base.
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons): Adds bright, tangy flavor.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Enhances the citrusy aroma.
- 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth: Adds depth and balances the acidity.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herby finish.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Balances the flavors.
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on). Cook for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the salmon is golden brown. Flip the fillets 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.
- Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter and let it melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquid Ingredients: Pour in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken or vegetable broth. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, or until slightly reduced.
- Finish the Sauce: Stir in the chopped parsley and season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Salmon and Sauce: Return the seared salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the lemon garlic sauce over the top. Let the salmon warm through for 1-2 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the salmon fillets to plates and drizzle with the remaining sauce. Garnish with additional parsley and lemon slices if desired.
Notes
- Customization: Feel free to customize this recipe to suit your preferences. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or stir in a tablespoon of capers for a briny twist.
- Texture Tips: For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water and stir it into the simmering sauce.
- Portability: This dish is perfect for meal prep. Store the salmon and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Dietary Adjustments: To make this recipe dairy-free, substitute the butter with olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative.
Details
Lemon Garlic Sauce Seared Salmon is more than just a meal—it’s a flavorful, elegant dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender, flaky salmon and a bright, tangy lemon garlic sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors that’s sure to impress.
This dish is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or a bed of quinoa or rice for a complete meal. Its rich, savory flavors make it a hit with both kids and adults alike.
One of the best things about this recipe is its simplicity. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep time, you can whip up a batch of this salmon in no time. Plus, it’s made from scratch, so you know exactly what’s going into it.
In addition to being delicious, this dish is also packed with health benefits. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart health and brain function. The lemon garlic sauce adds a burst of flavor without being overly heavy, making this dish both satisfying and nutritious.
Making Lemon Garlic Sauce Seared Salmon is also a fun and rewarding experience. The process of searing the salmon, creating the sauce, and combining the two is simple yet satisfying, and the end result is a dish that’s sure to impress your family and friends.
So, the next time you’re in need of a quick, healthy, and delicious meal, give this recipe a try. With its perfect balance of flavors and textures, Lemon Garlic Sauce Seared Salmon is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.