Disgustingly Easy Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Okay, so, weeknights, right? They’re *crazy*. I’m always scrambling for something fast, something that isn’t, you know, total junk food. That’s where this Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce comes in. Seriously, it’s a lifesaver. I stumbled on this recipe years ago, and it’s been a family favorite ever since. It’s quick, it’s flavorful, and it’s actually pretty good for you!

What’s not to love? Even my pickiest eater (my son, Liam) gobbles it up. I think it’s the buttery sauce… who can resist that? Plus, it’s ready in like, 20 minutes. Total win. If you’re looking for a ridiculously easy and delicious dinner, trust me, you HAVE to try this Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce. You won’t regret it!

Why You’ll Love This Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Seriously, where do I even begin? This recipe is just *amazing*. Here’s why I think you’re going to be obsessed:

• Quick prep time – I mean, we’re talking minutes!
• Easy cleanup – One pan, that’s it! Hallelujah!
• Rich flavor – Garlic, lemon, butter… it’s a party in your mouth!
• Healthy source of protein – Gotta get those omega-3s, right?
• Gluten-free – Perfect for everyone!

Quick and Easy Weeknight Meal

Okay, let’s be real, nobody has time for complicated dinners during the week. This salmon is ready faster than you can order takeout. Score!

Packed with Flavor

The garlic lemon butter sauce? Oh. My. Goodness. It’s the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and just plain delicious. My favorite part is how the garlic gets all golden and fragrant. Mmm!

Healthy and Nutritious

Salmon is like, a superfood, right? All those good fats and lean protein. You can feel good about eating this, and that’s always a bonus!

Ingredients for Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this amazing salmon. Keep it simple, keep it fresh!

Salmon Fillets

You’ll want 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each. Skin on or off? Totally your call! I usually go skin-off ’cause the kids are weird about it.

Butter

Gotta have that butter! Grab 4 tbsp of unsalted butter. It makes the sauce so rich. Don’t skimp!

Garlic

Four cloves of garlic, minced. And I mean *minced*. Nobody wants big chunks of garlic, ya know? I use a garlic press ’cause I’m lazy.

Lemon Juice

Fresh lemon juice is key! You’ll need 1/4 cup. Bottled stuff just doesn’t have the same zing, trust me.

Parsley

Two tablespoons of fresh parsley, chopped. Adds a little pop of freshness and color. Plus, it just looks fancy!

Salt and Pepper

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste. Don’t be shy! Season that salmon like you mean it!

How to Make Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Okay, here’s the fun part! Don’t worry, it’s super easy. Just follow these steps, and you’ll be chowing down on delicious salmon in no time!

Prepare the Oven and Salmon

First things first, crank up that oven to 400°F (200°C). While that’s heating up, grab your salmon fillets and give ’em a good sprinkle of salt and pepper. Don’t be afraid to get in there! Pat it in a little, you know?

Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Now, find yourself an oven-safe skillet – a 10-inch one works great. Plop in that butter and melt it over medium heat. Once it’s all melty and bubbly, toss in the minced garlic. Careful, it can splatter a little! Cook the garlic for about a minute, until it smells amazing and is lightly golden. Don’t let it burn, or it’ll taste bitter. Nobody wants that!

Next, pour in that lemon juice and stir in the chopped parsley. The sauce should be looking all kinds of delicious right about now. I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes here if I’m feeling spicy!

Bake the Salmon

Gently place the salmon fillets into the skillet with the sauce. Make sure they’re nestled in there nicely. Slide the whole skillet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The timing really depends on how thick your salmon is, so keep an eye on it!

How do you know when it’s done? Easy! The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If it’s still kinda translucent in the middle, give it another minute or two. But seriously, don’t overcook it! Dry salmon is sad salmon.

Serve Immediately

Alright, the salmon’s ready! Carefully take the skillet out of the oven (hot, hot, HOT!). Garnish with some extra parsley and lemon wedges, if you’re feeling fancy. Serve it up right away and enjoy! You deserve it!

Tips for the Best Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Want to take your salmon game to the next level? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years to make this dish *extra* amazing!

Don’t Overcook the Salmon

Seriously, this is the biggest mistake people make! Overcooked salmon is dry and rubbery. Yuck! You want it to be opaque and flake easily with a fork. When it’s starting to look a little pale pink and the juices are just starting to seep out… that’s when you know it’s ready!

Use Fresh Ingredients for the Best Flavor

Okay, this might seem obvious, but it makes a HUGE difference. That bottled lemon juice? It just doesn’t compare to fresh. And fresh parsley? So much brighter and more flavorful than the dried stuff. Trust me on this one!

Adjust the Sauce to Your Taste

This recipe is just a starting point, so feel free to play around with the sauce! Want more garlic? Go for it! Love lemon? Squeeze in some extra! Not a huge fan of butter? (Gasp!) You can use a little less. It’s all about making it YOUR perfect sauce!

Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Okay, so maybe you’re out of something, or you just wanna switch things up? No problem! Here are a few easy swaps you can make.

Salmon Substitutions

Don’t have salmon? No sweat! Trout or cod work great too. Just adjust the cooking time a bit, since they might be a little thinner.

Butter Alternatives

Dairy-free? No problem! Olive oil or ghee are awesome substitutes for the butter. They’ll give it a slightly different flavor, but still totally delicious!

Herb Variations

Parsley not your thing? Try dill or thyme! They both add a lovely, fresh flavor that goes perfectly with the lemon and garlic. I especially love dill!

Serving Suggestions for Your Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Alright, so you’ve got this amazing salmon… what do you serve with it? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few of my go-to sides that pair perfectly with this dish.

Vegetable Pairings

Roasted asparagus? Yes, please! Broccoli or green beans are also fantastic. Just toss ’em with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast ’em up until they’re tender-crisp. Easy peasy!

Side Dish Ideas

Rice is always a winner. Fluffy quinoa is another great option! Or, if you’re feeling a little more indulgent, mashed potatoes are seriously amazing with that garlicky lemon butter sauce. Yum!

Frequently Asked Questions About Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are a few things people always ask me about this recipe.

Can I make this Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce ahead of time?

Honestly? It’s best served right away. The salmon is just so much better when it’s fresh out of the oven, all juicy and tender. Plus, the sauce is at its peak deliciousness! If you let it sit, the salmon can dry out a bit, and the sauce might get a little… gloppy. So, yeah, try to eat it ASAP!

Can I use frozen salmon for this Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce?

Totally! Just make sure you thaw it completely before you start cooking. And pat it dry with some paper towels, too. Nobody wants soggy salmon!

How do I store leftovers of Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce?

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), just pop them in an airtight container and stick them in the fridge. They’ll be good for up to 2 days. But honestly, they’re never quite as good as the first time around!

Nutritional Information for Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

Okay, so you’re probably wondering about the nutritional info, right? Here’s a rough estimate of what you’re looking at per serving. Keep in mind, this is just an estimate, and it can vary depending on the exact ingredients you use! But hey, it’s good to have a general idea, right?

Enjoy Your Delicious Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce!

And that’s it! So easy, right? I hope you love this salmon as much as we do! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rate the recipe below! And if you make it, share a pic on social media! I’d love to see your creations!

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