Description
This garlic butter salmon with lemon-paprika gloss is a vibrant, easy, and healthy weeknight dinner. It features juicy, flavorful salmon in minutes, perfect for busy families and health-conscious cooks.
Ingredients
- 4 portions fresh salmon fillets, about 6 oz (170g) each
- 4 Tbsp (56g) unsalted butter (or olive oil or ghee)
- 4–6 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 large lemon (1 tsp zest, 2 Tbsp juice)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (or sweet paprika)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Instructions
- Prep Your Salmon: Gently pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- Make The Lemon-Paprika Gloss: In a small bowl, melt butter (or warm olive oil). Stir in the minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and smoked paprika until well combined and fragrant.
- Sear Salmon: Heat a 10-inch oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat with a touch of oil until shimmering. Sear salmon, skin-side down, for 3-4 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.
- Finish In Oven Or Broiler: Transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven, or place salmon on a baking sheet. Brush generously with the lemon-paprika gloss. Bake for 10-15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily and reaches 145°F (63°C). For thinner fillets, broil for 5-8 minutes instead, watching closely.
- Serve Immediately: Garnish the cooked salmon with fresh chopped parsley or dill for a final touch of freshness and color.
Notes
Patting salmon dry ensures crispy skin. For dairy-free, use olive oil or ghee instead of butter. Use sweet paprika for a milder taste. Watch salmon closely when broiling to prevent over-browning. If the gloss looks like it’s drying too quickly, brush with a little extra butter.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 19 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Pan-searing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (170g)
- Calories: 450 calories
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg