This Easy Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon is a tasty dish that cooks quickly! It features tender salmon fillets bathed in a buttery garlic and lemon sauce that brings out wonderful flavors.
You won’t believe how fast this meal comes together. Just pan-fry the salmon, mix the sauce, and dinner is ready! I love to serve it with rice or veggies for a colorful plate.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon is best for this dish as it cooks nicely and stays moist. If salmon isn’t available, trout or cod can be great substitutes as they also work well with lemon and garlic.
Asparagus: Fresh asparagus adds amazing texture and flavor. If you’re missing asparagus, green beans or broccolini make excellent alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time if something takes longer to roast.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you can use olive oil instead of butter for a healthy twist.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a punch of flavor. If fresh is unavailable, you could use garlic powder; just remember that 1/8 teaspoon of garlic powder is equal to one clove of fresh garlic.
Lemon: Fresh lemon juice brings brightness to the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works in a pinch, but real lemons taste better and are more vibrant!
How Do I Get the Salmon Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking salmon perfectly can be a challenge, but it’s all about timing and temperature. Aim for a nice, flaky texture without drying it out.
- Keep an eye on cooking time: 12-15 minutes is usually enough, but check if it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Use a meat thermometer if you want precision: salmon is done at 145°F (63°C).
- Avoid opening the oven too often as it lets heat escape, making cooking uneven.
Let the salmon rest a few minutes after taking it out of the oven to allow the juices to redistribute for an even more flavorful bite.
Easy Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon and Asparagus:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- 1 bunch fresh asparagus, trimmed
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced, plus 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful dish takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 15 minutes to bake, making the total time around 25-30 minutes from start to finish. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal that still feels special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your salmon cooks evenly and thoroughly.
2. Prepare the Asparagus:
Take your fresh asparagus and spread it out in a single layer on a baking sheet. Drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Give it a good toss so every piece gets coated.
3. Add the Salmon:
Now, place the salmon fillets right on top of the seasoned asparagus. Season the salmon generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Lay thin slices of lemon over each fillet for that citrusy zing!
4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, just until it’s fragrant and golden (don’t let it brown!). Remove the saucepan from heat, and stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley.
5. Combine Everything:
Carefully spoon the delicious garlic butter sauce over both the salmon fillets and the asparagus, making sure everything gets a good share of that buttery goodness.
6. Bake It Up:
Pop the baking sheet into your preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The salmon should be fully cooked and flake easily when tested with a fork.
7. Serve It Right:
Once done, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, serve the salmon fillets on top of the roasted asparagus, drizzling any remaining garlic lemon butter sauce over the top for extra flavor. Enjoy your meal!
This meal is bright, flavorful, and satisfying. Perfect for impressing guests or simply treating yourself after a long day!
FAQs About Easy Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. If you’re short on time, you can also place the sealed salmon in cold water for about an hour to thaw it quickly.
What If I Don’t Have Asparagus?
No problem! If you don’t have asparagus, you can substitute it with green beans, broccolini, or even zucchini. Just be mindful of the cooking times as different vegetables may require more or less time to roast.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, reheat gently in the oven or on the stove to maintain the salmon’s moisture without drying it out.
Can I Make This Dish Without Butter?
Absolutely! You can use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier, dairy-free option. Simply replace the butter with an equal amount of olive oil when preparing the garlic sauce.
