Lemon Butter Salmon Dinner Recipe

The Lemon Butter Salmon Dinner Recipe is a quick, elegant, and incredibly flavorful meal that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. This recipe focuses on simplicity, delivering a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort, making it a fantastic solution for a satisfying homemade dinner.

Key Ingredients for Lemon Butter Salmon Dinner

• Salmon Fillets: 4 (6-ounce) skin-on or skinless salmon fillets
• Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons, divided
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 3 tablespoons, from about 1 large lemon
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped (plus more for garnish)
• Salt: 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste
• Black Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon, or to taste
• Optional: Red pepper flakes, a pinch for a touch of heat

How to Make Lemon Butter Salmon Dinner

This Lemon Butter Salmon Dinner Recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients can create an incredibly delicious and satisfying meal in under 30 minutes. The succulent salmon is bathed in a rich, tangy lemon-butter sauce that’s both decadent and refreshing, proving that gourmet dining at home is well within reach.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a beautiful sear. Season both sides of the salmon generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
2. Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large oven-safe skillet (like cast iron or stainless steel) over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Once the butter has melted and is slightly foamy, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Sear the Salmon: Increase the heat to medium-high. Carefully place the salmon fillets, skin-side down if using skin-on, into the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and releases easily from the pan. If using skinless fillets, sear for 2-3 minutes per side until a nice golden crust forms.
4. Flip and Add More Butter: Gently flip the salmon fillets. Add the remaining 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter to the skillet. As the butter melts, tilt the skillet and use a spoon to baste the salmon with the melted butter and garlic mixture for about 1-2 minutes.
5. Add Lemon Juice and Parsley: Stir in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley into the skillet. Continue basting the salmon with the lemon-butter sauce for another 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
6. Finish Cooking (Optional Ovens Method): For thicker fillets or if you prefer your salmon cooked through more evenly, you can transfer the oven-safe skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 5-8 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through to your desired doneness. The internal temperature should reach 130-145°F (54-63°C).
7. Rest and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat or oven. Let the salmon rest in the pan for a minute or two. Spoon any extra lemon-butter sauce over the fillets before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Why You’ll Love This Lemon Butter Salmon Dinner

You’ll absolutely adore this Lemon Butter Salmon Dinner for its simply divine, flaky, and succulent salmon, bathed in a luxurious, zesty lemon-butter sauce that sings with fresh parsley. It’s a truly elegant dish that feels incredibly decadent, yet it’s surprisingly budget-friendly to whip up at home, saving you a pretty penny compared to a restaurant meal without sacrificing any of the gourmet flair. The bright, citrusy notes perfectly complement the rich butter, creating a flavor profile that’s a delightful departure from a heavy cream sauce, making it a weeknight winner that will impress even the most discerning palates.

This recipe is your secret weapon for a quick, healthy, and utterly delicious meal that’s as easy as it is impressive. Forget complicated techniques; this dish is designed for ease and maximum flavor impact, proving that a sophisticated dinner can be on your table in less time than it takes to order takeout. So, why not give this delightful Lemon Butter Salmon Dinner Recipe a try tonight and experience the joy of effortless, exquisite home cooking?

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover Lemon Butter Salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days. Ensure the salmon has cooled completely before storing.

• Reheating:

  • Oven: The best method for reheating is in the oven at a low temperature. Place the salmon in an oven-safe dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 300°F (150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can add a splash of water or lemon juice to the dish before reheating to help keep the salmon moist.
  • Stovetop: You can also gently reheat the salmon in a skillet over low heat with a little extra butter or olive oil. Be careful not to overcook, as it can become dry.
  • Microwave: While not ideal, a microwave can be used for a quick reheat. Cover the salmon with a damp paper towel to help retain moisture and heat in short intervals until warmed through.
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  Freezing: While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooled leftovers. Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then in aluminum foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 1 to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating as directed above. Note that texture may slightly change after freezing.

  
  

Final Thoughts

This Lemon Butter Salmon Dinner Recipe is a showstopper in its simplicity, offering a bright, flavorful, and elegant meal with minimal fuss. We encourage you to gather your ingredients and experience the joy of creating this impressive dish in your own kitchen – you won’t be disappointed!