Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce is a classic and elegant dish that celebrates the natural flavors of fresh salmon while enhancing them with the zesty brightness of lemon and the rich, creamy goodness of butter. It’s a restaurant-quality meal that you can easily prepare at home. Here’s a detailed recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
For the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Prepare the Salmon:
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the salmon generously with salt, black pepper, and paprika (if using).
2. Sear the Salmon:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets into the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin.
- Sear the salmon for about 3-4 minutes on one side until it develops a golden-brown crust. Be careful not to move the salmon around too much during this step to ensure a good sear.
- Flip the salmon over and sear the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
3. Finish Cooking in the Oven:
- If you’re using an oven-safe skillet, you can transfer it directly to a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C). If not, transfer the seared salmon fillets to an oven-safe dish.
- Roast the salmon in the oven for about 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked to your desired level of doneness. Salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and is slightly opaque in the center.
4. Prepare the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce:
- While the salmon is in the oven, prepare the sauce. In a separate saucepan, melt 1/2 cup of unsalted butter over medium heat.
- Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant but not browned.
- Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, allowing the mixture to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes until it reduces slightly and thickens.
- Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste. Adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Once the salmon is done cooking in the oven, remove it from the skillet or dish.
- Pour the garlic lemon butter sauce over the seared salmon fillets.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
- Serve your Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce immediately, accompanied by your choice of side dishes. It pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a light salad.
This dish is sure to impress your family and guests with its exquisite taste and presentation. The succulent salmon, combined with the tangy lemon and the richness of the butter sauce, creates a harmonious balance of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. It’s perfect for special occasions or a weeknight dinner when you want to treat yourself to something extraordinary.
Source: cookingclassy.com