Description
A quick and elegant salmon dish featuring a rich garlic, lemon, and herb sauce. This recipe is foolproof, takes less than 30 minutes, and delivers restaurant-quality results perfect for dinner parties or weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (optional)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Let sit at room temperature for 10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down (or presentation-side down) in the skillet. Press gently for 10 seconds to prevent curling.
- Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until color changes halfway up the side. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until opaque and flaky. Remove to a plate and tent with foil.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant without browning.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping up browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream (if using) and dried oregano. Simmer gently for 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon zest and chopped parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Return salmon to the skillet or plate and spoon the sauce over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
Do not overcook the salmon; it should be moist and tender. For the best sauce emulsion, whisk constantly when adding butter and lemon. If the sauce breaks, whisk in a teaspoon of hot water to bring it back together. Fresh herbs should be added at the end to maintain color and flavor. Avoid freezing this dish as the texture of the salmon and cream sauce may suffer.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 32
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 4
- Protein: 35
Keywords: salmon recipe, garlic lemon sauce, dinner party food, quick seafood, healthy dinner, keto friendly, weeknight dinner, Mediterranean salmon