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Quick Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe with Easy Zesty Lemon Caper Sauce

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A simple, quick, and flavorful salmon recipe featuring garlic butter and a zesty lemon caper sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or light lunches.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin on or off
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (60 g), divided
  • 3 large garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 large lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons capers, drained
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes
  • Optional: fresh dill instead of parsley

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Let them rest at room temperature for about 5 minutes.
  2. Place a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon (15 ml) of olive oil. Heat until shimmering but not smoking, about 2 minutes.
  3. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) in the pan. Press gently with a spatula to ensure even contact. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them to develop a crust.
  4. Flip the salmon fillets gently. Immediately add 2 tablespoons (30 g) of butter and the minced garlic to the pan. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the bubbling garlic butter over the salmon repeatedly for 2-3 minutes to baste.
  5. Remove the salmon to a warm plate and tent loosely with foil. To the same pan, add the remaining 2 tablespoons (30 g) butter, lemon juice, and capers. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes, scraping up browned bits until the sauce is glossy and slightly thickened.
  6. Pour the lemon caper sauce over the salmon. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley and, if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve immediately.

Notes

If salmon is thicker than 1 inch, lower heat slightly after flipping to avoid burning garlic. Avoid overcooking; salmon should flake easily but remain moist. Do not overcrowd the pan to maintain searing heat. Butter basting after flipping keeps salmon moist and flavorful. Mince garlic finely and add after flipping to prevent bitterness.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, garlic butter salmon, lemon caper sauce, quick salmon recipe, easy dinner, healthy salmon, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/quick-garlic-butter-salmon-recipe-with-easy-zesty-lemon-caper-sauce/