Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

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🐟 Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

🌸 Introduction

Salmon is one of the most beloved fish around the world. With its rich flavor, tender flesh, and nutritional benefits, it is considered both a gourmet delicacy and a healthy everyday meal. The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter enhances the natural taste of the salmon while keeping it moist and juicy. This recipe is simple yet elegant, making it ideal for family dinners, romantic evenings, or festive gatherings.

🥛 Ingredients

For the Salmon Marinade:

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 150–200 g each, skin on or off)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp melted butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 1 tsp lemon zest
  • 2 bay leaves
  • ½ tsp dried thyme (or fresh sprigs)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp salt

For Serving:

  • Fresh lemon wedges
  • Fresh parsley or dill
  • Green salad or roasted vegetables (optional)

🍴 Instructions & Methods

1. Prepare the Marinade

  1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and thyme.
  2. Place salmon fillets in a dish and pour marinade over them. Add bay leaves.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.

2. Cooking Methods

🥘 Pan-Seared Method (Golden & Crispy)

  1. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes without moving.
  3. Flip carefully and cook for another 3–4 minutes, spooning over marinade for extra flavor.

🔥 Oven-Baked Method (Juicy & Tender)

  1. Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
  2. Place marinated salmon in a baking dish.
  3. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily.

🍋 Grilled Method (Smoky & Charred)

  1. Preheat grill and oil grates.
  2. Grill salmon for 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through with light char marks.

3. Serve

  • Place salmon on a platter with fresh salad or vegetables.
  • Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley or dill.

📜 History

Salmon has been consumed for centuries by coastal cultures in Europe, North America, and Asia. In Scandinavian cuisine, salmon is smoked, cured, or roasted. In Japan, it is eaten raw in sushi or grilled with soy glaze. Lemon, butter, and garlic are classic Mediterranean flavorings, giving rise to the globally loved lemon-butter salmon, a dish that balances richness with freshness.

🌿 Benefits

  • Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids: Supports heart and brain health.
  • High-quality protein: Builds muscle and supports body repair.
  • Vitamins D & B12: Boost immunity and energy levels.
  • Lemon & garlic: Improve digestion and have antioxidant properties.
  • Light yet filling: A balanced meal suitable for many diets.

🌹 Formation (Appearance)

When cooked, salmon develops a golden-brown crust while staying juicy and flaky inside. The drizzle of butter-lemon sauce glistens on top, while fresh herbs and lemon slices create a restaurant-quality presentation. On a plate with salad or roasted vegetables, it looks both elegant and inviting.

🥰 Lovers of this Dish

  • Seafood lovers cherish the richness of salmon.
  • Families enjoy it as a quick, nutritious dinner.
  • Couples prepare it for romantic candlelight meals.
  • Fitness enthusiasts love its lean protein and healthy fats.
  • Chefs admire its versatility – it works in salads, pasta, sushi, or as a main course.

🧾 Nutrition (per serving – 1 fillet with sauce)

  • Calories: ~350 kcal
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Fat: 22 g (mostly healthy omega-3)
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Sodium: ~400 mg

🌟 Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is more than just a dish – it’s a blend of tradition, nutrition, and elegance. With its crisp outside, tender inside, and refreshing citrus-garlic aroma, it is a dish that brings joy to any table.

❤️ For lovers of seafood, elegance, and health, this recipe is a true treasure. Whether pan-seared, baked, or grilled, it always delivers comfort and sophistication.

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