Lemon Butter Salmon is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish that combines perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets with a rich and nutty brown butter sauce, infused with the bright, citrusy flavors of lemon. This dish is quick to prepare and makes for an impressive meal, whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a simple weeknight dinner. The combination of salmon’s rich, fatty texture with the zesty lemon and creamy butter sauce is a delicious contrast that everyone will love.
This recipe is a great option for anyone who loves seafood or is looking to try a new way of preparing salmon. The lemon butter sauce is versatile enough to be paired with other fish as well, making it a must-try for seafood lovers.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
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Prep Time: 10 minutes
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Cook Time: 10 minutes
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Total Time: 20 minutes
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Cuisine: American
Full List of Ingredients
For the Salmon:
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Salmon Fillets: 1 pound (4 portions)
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Salt: 1/2 teaspoon
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Black Pepper: 1/8 teaspoon
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Unsalted Butter: 4 tablespoons
For the Lemon Brown Butter Sauce:
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Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon (from 1 lemon)
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Lemon Juice: 4 tablespoons (from 2 lemons)
For Garnish:
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Fresh Parsley or Dill: For garnish
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
Step 1: Season the Salmon
Season both sides of the salmon fillets with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of black pepper. This simple seasoning brings out the natural flavors of the salmon. You can also add garlic powder or smoked paprika if you want to enhance the taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Brown Butter Sauce Ingredients
While the salmon fillets are resting, zest 1 lemon to create 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Then, squeeze 2 lemons to extract 4 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Both the zest and juice will help create a vibrant and tangy sauce that complements the rich salmon perfectly.
Step 3: Start the Brown Butter
In a large, light-colored pan (to easily monitor the butter’s color), melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Stir the butter regularly as it heats up. Allow it to brown slowly, which should take about 5 minutes. You’ll notice that the milk solids in the butter will begin to turn dark brown, giving the butter a rich, nutty aroma.
Step 4: Cook the Salmon
Once the butter has browned, place the seasoned salmon fillets in the pan. Cook the salmon for about 3-4 minutes on the first side until golden brown. Flip the fillets and cook for another 2-3 minutes on the other side. The salmon should be cooked through but still moist inside. If you prefer your salmon more well-done, you can cook it a little longer.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon Zest and Lemon Juice
In the final 2 minutes of cooking, add the lemon zest and lemon juice to the pan. Spoon the brown butter sauce over the salmon fillets as they cook. This helps infuse the salmon with the bright lemon flavor while keeping the buttery richness.
Step 6: Serve
Once the salmon is done, transfer it to a serving plate. Drizzle the remaining brown butter sauce over the fillets to ensure each piece is packed with flavor.
Step 7: Garnish
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or dill to add a burst of color and freshness. The herbs will provide a beautiful contrast to the rich brown butter sauce.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 350 kcal
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Protein: 25 g
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Fat: 25 g
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Carbohydrates: 4 g
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Fiber: 1 g
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Sugar: 2 g
This nutritional breakdown is based on the ingredients used in this recipe. It’s a balanced, healthy dish that’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, and the addition of lemon provides an excellent source of vitamin C.
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
Lemon butter sauces have been used in various culinary traditions for centuries, especially in French and Mediterranean cuisine. The addition of brown butter, also known as “beurre noisette,” originated in France, where it’s frequently used to complement fish and seafood dishes. This flavor profile has been adapted globally and is now widely appreciated in many types of seafood dishes.
Salmon, specifically, is known for its rich flavor and healthy fats, and it’s often used in various cuisines, including Scandinavian, American, and Japanese cooking. The pairing of lemon with salmon is popular due to the citrus’s ability to cut through the richness of the fish, providing a bright contrast. This recipe brings together classic French techniques with the freshness of lemon and the richness of butter, making it a staple for both casual meals and more formal dining occasions.
Reasons Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or even last-minute dinner parties.
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Rich Flavor: The combination of brown butter and lemon creates a complex and delicious sauce that complements the natural flavors of the salmon perfectly.
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Healthy: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, and protein, salmon is a heart-healthy choice. The addition of lemon enhances the flavor without adding unnecessary calories.
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Impressive: Despite being simple, this dish looks and tastes impressive, making it ideal for guests or a special meal.
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Versatile: While this recipe uses salmon, the lemon brown butter sauce can also be used with other fish or even chicken for a variety of meals.
Health Benefits
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Omega-3 Fatty Acids: Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
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High in Protein: This dish is rich in high-quality protein, which is important for muscle repair and overall health.
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Vitamin D: Salmon is a great source of vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function.
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Lemon: Adding fresh lemon not only brightens the dish but also provides a significant dose of vitamin C, which supports the immune system and skin health.
Serving Suggestions
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Side Dishes: This lemon butter salmon pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad with a light vinaigrette.
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Rice: Serve the salmon over a bed of rice or quinoa to absorb the extra sauce and add more substance to the meal.
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Bread: A slice of crusty bread or garlic bread would be perfect for soaking up the flavorful brown butter sauce.
Cooking Tips
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Don’t Overcook the Salmon: To ensure the salmon remains moist and tender, don’t overcook it. It should be opaque and flake easily but still retain its juiciness.
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Use a Light-Colored Pan: A light-colored pan helps you monitor the butter as it browns, preventing it from burning. It also ensures that you can see the rich color of the brown butter clearly.
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Adjust the Lemon: If you love lemon, feel free to add more lemon juice or zest to the sauce for an even brighter flavor.
Variations to Try
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Garlic Brown Butter: Add a few cloves of minced garlic to the butter as it browns to introduce a garlicky depth of flavor.
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Herb-Infused Butter: Experiment with herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or sage in the brown butter to infuse the sauce with additional fragrant notes.
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Different Fish: This recipe can be adapted for other fish such as trout, tilapia, or cod. Just adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fish.
Conclusion
This Lemon Butter Salmon recipe is a beautiful combination of simplicity and sophistication. The brown butter sauce is rich and nutty, perfectly balancing the bright, tangy lemon flavors that coat the tender salmon fillets. With its quick prep time and minimal ingredients, this dish is ideal for busy nights or for when you want to impress your guests with a beautiful, flavorful meal. It’s a versatile recipe that can easily be adapted and customized to suit different tastes and dietary preferences, making it a staple in any home cook’s repertoire.
10 Comprehensive FAQ Section
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Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, frozen salmon can be used, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking results.
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Can I use olive oil instead of butter? While olive oil can be used, the flavor and texture will be different. Butter provides a richer, more decadent flavor for the sauce.
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How can I make the sauce spicier? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or finely chopped chili peppers to the brown butter sauce for a spicy kick.
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Can I use another type of fish? Yes, this recipe works well with other fish like trout, cod, or halibut. Adjust the cooking time depending on the thickness of the fish.
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Can I make the brown butter sauce ahead of time? Yes, you can make the brown butter sauce in advance and store it in the fridge. Reheat it before serving with the salmon.
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How do I know when the salmon is cooked? The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. The internal temperature should be around 145°F (63°C).
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Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh lemon? Fresh lemon juice gives the best