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Easy Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon in 30 Minutes

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This easy garlic butter salmon with lemon in 30 minutes uses a cold-start method for perfectly tender, flaky fish with a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce. It’s a quick, simple weeknight dinner that feels special enough for company.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces
  • 6 cloves garlic, smashed
  • 1 large lemon, thinly sliced (plus wedges for serving)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (plus more for finishing)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Remove salmon from refrigerator and let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Pat each fillet very dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  2. Smash 6 garlic cloves with the flat side of a knife; remove papery skins. Slice lemon into thin rounds (about ⅛-inch thick). Cut remaining lemon half into wedges for serving.
  3. Place a 12-inch skillet on the stovetop (do not turn on heat). Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the center of the pan, leaving space between each. Arrange smashed garlic cloves around the salmon and lay lemon slices between the fillets. Place 1 tablespoon of butter on each fillet.
  4. Turn heat to medium. Cook without touching for at least 8 minutes. The butter will melt slowly, garlic will sizzle gently, and lemon slices will soften. After 8 minutes, gently lift the edge of one fillet to check color—it should be golden brown and crispy on the bottom.
  5. Carefully flip each fillet. If skin sticks, give it another minute. Spoon garlic butter and lemon juice from the pan over the cooked side of the salmon. Cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium, or until thickest part reaches 125°F to 130°F. The flesh should flake easily but still look slightly translucent in the center.
  6. Transfer salmon to serving plates. Spoon remaining garlic butter and softened lemon slices from the pan over the top. Squeeze fresh lemon wedge over everything. Sprinkle with chopped parsley or dill if using. Let rest for 2 minutes before serving.

Notes

The cold-start method ensures even cooking and prevents burning. Don’t flip the salmon too early—it will release naturally when ready. Smash garlic cloves instead of mincing to avoid burning. Use room-temperature salmon for even cooking. If butter starts browning before salmon is done, reduce heat.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, lemon salmon, easy salmon recipe, 30 minute salmon, cold start salmon, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon

Find it online: https://daintydine.com/easy-garlic-butter-salmon-with-lemon-in-30-minutes/