Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Butter Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to a crisp golden crust, finished with a bright garlic lemon butter sauce. This general-inspired seafood ready in about 17 minutes blends unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced, fresh lemon juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and edges are golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip the salmon and cook for 2-3 minutes more until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside. Lower the heat to medium and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, then spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce over the salmon fillets before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Butter Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Butter Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Butter Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Butter Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Butter Sauce?

General seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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