Lemon Garlic Salmon
Lemon Garlic Salmon is a quick and flavorful dish that combines the rich, buttery texture of fresh salmon with a zesty lemon-garlic sauce.It’s a healthy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion, from a weeknight dinner to a special gathering. With just a few simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of cooking time, you’ll have a delicious and nutritious dish on the table in no time!
Equipment
- 1 large skillet (for pan-searing)
- 1 baking sheet (for baking option)
- 1 grill (for grilling option)
- 1 small bowl (for mixing sauce)
- 1 zester or grater (for lemon zest)
- 1 garlic press or knife (for mincing garlic)
- 1 measuring spoon (for lemon juice and other ingredients)
- 1 tongs or spatula (for flipping salmon)
- 1 sharp knife (for prepping salmon and garnishing)
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets about 6 oz each
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper or to taste
- Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes optional, for heat (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Salmon:
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides of each fillet with salt and pepper.
Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, and olive oil (or melted butter). Stir well and set aside.
Cook the Salmon:
- Pan-Seared:
- Heat 1 tbsp olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if applicable). Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until the salmon is golden brown and flakes easily with a fork.
- Baked:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Grilled:
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Brush the salmon with olive oil and place the fillets on the grill, skin-side down. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side.
Add the Lemon Garlic Sauce:
- Once the salmon is cooked, drizzle the lemon garlic sauce over the fillets. Optional: Baste the salmon with the sauce while cooking for an extra burst of flavor.
Garnish and Serve:
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the salmon fillets for a pop of color and flavor. Serve with your favorite sides, like steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a green salad.
Notes
- Choosing Salmon: You can use either wild-caught or farm-raised salmon for this recipe. Wild-caught salmon tends to have a richer flavor, while farm-raised salmon is often more affordable.
- Cooking Method: You can choose between pan-searing, baking, or grilling the salmon based on your preference. Each method provides a slightly different texture and flavor but will result in delicious salmon.
- Make-Ahead: The lemon garlic sauce can be made up to two days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for convenience.
- Add Extra Flavor: For a little extra heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon garlic sauce or while cooking. It complements the salmon's richness perfectly.
- For Crispy Skin: If you prefer crispy skin, pan-searing the salmon is the best method. Be sure not to flip the fillets too early—let them cook until the skin is crisp before turning.
