Delicious 20-Minute Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Delicious 20-Minute Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz. each)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Lemon slices for garnish
• Optional: Red pepper flakes for a hint of spice

Equipment Needed:

• Non-stick skillet
• Spatula
• Knife and cutting board
• Zester or grater
• Measuring spoons
• Serving platter

Preparing the Salmon

1. Choose the Right Salmon:
   For this recipe, select fresh or properly thawed salmon fillets. Look for fillets with vibrant color and firm texture. Wild-caught salmon varieties, like sockeye or king, offer the best flavor, but farmed salmon will work well for this quick dish.

2. Seasoning the Fillets:
   Begin by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Enhancing the flavor starts with proper seasoning. Sprinkle both sides of each fillet generously with salt and black pepper. This adds depth to the final dish, ensuring every bite is flavorful.

Making the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Melting the Butter:
   In a non-stick skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Allow it to foam slightly but be careful not to let it brown, as you want the rich, creamy flavor without the nutty notes of browned butter.

2. Adding Garlic:
   Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic. Stir and cook for about 30-60 seconds until fragrant, ensuring that the garlic does not burn. Burnt garlic can impart a bitter taste.

3. Incorporating Lemon:
   After the garlic becomes aromatic, add the lemon zest and juice. The zest adds a burst of citrus flavor, while the juice provides acidity, enhancing the dish’s brightness. Stir the mixture for a few seconds to combine the flavors.

4. Finishing Touches:
   Just before the salmon is added, sprinkle in fresh chopped parsley for color and aroma. If you enjoy a spicy kick, include a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage. This will add a delightful depth to your dish.

Cooking the Salmon

1. Heating the Skillet:
   Increase the skillet heat slightly to medium-high. Allow the lemon garlic butter sauce to come to a gentle simmer.

2. Adding the Salmon:
   Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down into the butter sauce. This technique allows the skin to crisp up nicely and infuses the fillets with the buttery, garlicky goodness.

3. Cooking Time:
   Cook the fillets for about 4-5 minutes on the first side. Watch for the color change; it will start from the bottom and gradually move up. The salmon is ready to flip when it releases easily from the skillet.

4. Flipping the Fillets:
   Using a spatula, gently flip each fillet and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes. At this stage, spoon the buttery sauce over the fillets continuously. This bastes the fish, keeping it moist and flavorful.

5. Checking for Doneness:
   Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (62°C). Be careful not to overcook, as salmon continues to cook after being removed from the heat.

Serving Suggestions

1. Plating the Salmon:
   Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the skillet and place it on a serving platter. Drizzle additional lemon garlic butter sauce over the top for extra flavor.

2. Garnishing:
   Add lemon slices on top of or around the salmon for an elegant presentation. The bright yellow contrasts beautifully against the salmon’s rich pink hue and adds an inviting aroma.

3. Pairing:
   This Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving it alongside:

   • Steamed vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans enhance the meal without overpowering it.
   • Rice or quinoa: The buttery sauce soaks wonderfully into grains, adding flavor and substance to the meal.
   • Salad: A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a crisp counterpart to the rich flavors of the salmon.

Nutritional Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is not only delicious but also packed with health benefits:

• Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids:
  These essential fats are known to support heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation.

• High in Quality Protein:
  A good source of protein is critical for building and repairing tissues, making salmon an excellent choice for active individuals.

• Vitamins and Minerals:
  Salmon