One Skillet Salmon with Lemon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This one-skillet salmon dish is quick, healthy, and full of flavor. It’s made with fresh, whole ingredients and comes together in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings. The lemon butter sauce brings out the natural richness of the salmon, and everything cooks in one pan for easy cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or entertaining, this recipe is simple yet impressive.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Salmon fillets (skin on or off)
• Olive oil or butter
• Garlic, minced
• Fresh lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Salt and black pepper
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: red pepper flakes, capers, or a splash of white wine

Directions

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 4–5 minutes, until the skin is crispy and the fish is mostly cooked through.
4. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2–3 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily. Remove and set aside.
5. In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add a little more butter or oil. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
6. Add lemon juice and zest to the pan, and stir to deglaze and create a quick sauce. Add red pepper flakes or capers if using.
7. Return the salmon to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the fillets.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 2–4 people.
Prep time: 5 minutes
Cook time: 10–12 minutes
Total time: 15–20 minutes

Variations

• Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth for a more robust sauce.
• Toss in spinach or asparagus to make it a full one-pan meal.
• Use lime or orange juice for a citrus twist.
• Add a touch of honey or Dijon mustard to the sauce for extra depth.
• Substitute trout or cod if salmon isn’t available.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or lemon juice, or microwave in short intervals.
Avoid overcooking when reheating to maintain the salmon’s texture. Freezing is not recommended for best quality.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking for best results.

What skillet is best for this recipe?

A non-stick or cast iron skillet works best for a crisp sear and even cooking.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

How do I know when salmon is done?

It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Should I remove the skin?

You can cook with the skin on or off—keeping it on helps prevent sticking and adds flavor.

What sides go well with this dish?

Serve with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.

Can I make the sauce creamier?

Yes, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of Greek yogurt after the lemon juice.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats.

Can I bake the salmon instead?

Yes, but the sauce will need to be made separately in a skillet.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, it’s great for prepping ahead, but best enjoyed freshly cooked for optimal texture.

Conclusion

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon is the perfect blend of simplicity, freshness, and flavor. Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or looking for a reliable go-to dinner, this recipe checks all the boxes. With minimal ingredients, easy prep, and one-pan cleanup, it’s a healthy and elegant meal that fits seamlessly into any schedule.

One Skillet Salmon with Lemon

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One Skillet Salmon with Lemon is a quick, healthy, and elegant dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets topped with a bright lemon garlic butter sauce. It’s a flavorful one-pan meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 2–4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2–4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or butter (plus more for sauce)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes, 1 tbsp capers, or splash of white wine

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Instructions

1. Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil or butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Place salmon skin-side down and sear for 4–5 minutes until skin is crispy and salmon is mostly cooked.
4. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until salmon flakes easily. Remove from skillet and set aside.
5. Reduce heat to medium. Add more butter or oil and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
6. Add lemon juice, zest, and optional ingredients (red pepper flakes, capers, or white wine). Stir to deglaze and form a sauce.
7. Return salmon to the skillet and spoon sauce over the fillets.
8. Garnish with fresh herbs and serve immediately.

Notes

• Add white wine or chicken broth for more sauce depth.
• Toss in spinach or asparagus for a complete one-pan meal.
• Use lime or orange for a citrus variation.
• Add honey or Dijon mustard to the sauce for extra complexity.
• Substitute with trout or cod if salmon isn’t available.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with sauce
• Calories: 310
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 240mg
• Fat: 19g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 75mg