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Easy Lemon Butter Salmon: Best 15-Minute Dinner

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This easy lemon butter salmon is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that comes together in under 15 minutes. Pan-seared salmon is finished with a glossy, tangy lemon butter sauce for a meal that feels special but requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on or skin-off
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt, or to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Take the salmon fillets out of the fridge about 10 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. If using skin-on fillets, score the skin gently with a sharp knife in a few places.
  2. Zest the lemon using a microplane (about 1 teaspoon zest). Cut the lemon in half and juice it (about 2 tablespoons juice). Set both aside.
  3. Place a large skillet (preferably cast iron or non-stick) over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it get hot until shimmering.
  4. Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if using skin. Cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 1-2 minutes on the other side.
  5. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and minced garlic to the pan. Swirl the pan as the butter melts, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Once the butter is melted and foamy, add the lemon juice and zest. Let it bubble for about 30 seconds, spooning the sauce over the salmon.
  6. Remove the pan from the heat. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if using. Serve the salmon immediately, spooning any remaining butter sauce from the pan over the top.

Notes

For extra crispy skin, after flipping the salmon, tilt the pan slightly and spoon the hot butter over the top of the fish. Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. Pat the salmon dry for the best sear. Watch the heat to prevent the butter from burning. Let the salmon rest for a minute or two before serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, 15-minute dinner, pan-seared salmon, quick weeknight dinner, salmon with lemon butter sauce

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