Print
clockclock iconcutlerycutlery iconflagflag iconfolderfolder iconinstagraminstagram iconpinterestpinterest iconfacebookfacebook iconprintprint iconsquaressquares iconheartheart iconheart solidheart solid icon

Lemon Butter Salmon with Chives Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 32 reviews

This Lemon Butter Salmon with Chives recipe is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Salmon fillets are seasoned and seared to perfection in a cast iron skillet, then basted with a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh lemon zest and juice. Garnished with bright chives, this recipe brings fresh, zesty, and buttery flavors together in just 17 minutes, making it an elegant yet simple seafood entree. Serve it alongside roasted baby potatoes and steamed or roasted green beans for a complete meal.

  • Total Time: 17 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 4 pieces of salmon (about 6 ounces each)
  • ¼ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • Zest from 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons minced chives

Potatoes (Optional Side)

  • Baby potatoes, halved (quantity as desired)
  • Olive oil
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Green Beans (Optional Side)

  • Fresh green beans (quantity as desired)
  • Salt for steaming water

Instructions

  1. Season salmon: Season the top side of each salmon fillet evenly with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the fish.
  2. Sear salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large cast iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets top side down and sear without moving them for 4 minutes to develop a crispy, golden crust.
  3. Prepare garlic butter sauce and baste: Flip the salmon over, add the butter to the pan and let it melt completely. Once melted, add the finely minced garlic. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to continuously baste the salmon with the garlicky butter for 2-3 minutes. This method infuses the fish with rich garlic flavor and keeps it moist.
  4. Add lemon and rest: Remove the pan from heat, then sprinkle lemon zest and pour lemon juice over the salmon. Let the salmon rest in the pan for 2 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and for the fish to finish cooking gently.
  5. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle the minced chives over the salmon fillets just before serving for a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
  6. Make roasted potatoes (optional): Cut baby potatoes in half and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Arrange cut side down on a baking sheet and bake at 425°F for 35 minutes or until tender and golden.
  7. Prepare green beans (optional): Steam fresh green beans in a steamer basket for 3-4 minutes with a pinch of salt in the water to season. Alternatively, roast them alongside the potatoes by adding the green beans during the last 10 minutes of baking.

Notes

  • Use a cast iron skillet for best searing results and even heat distribution.
  • Do not move the salmon while searing to get a nice golden crust.
  • Basting the salmon with garlic butter helps keep it moist and flavorful.
  • Adjust lemon juice and zest to taste for a brighter or more subtle citrus flavor.
  • Resting the salmon briefly off the heat helps it finish cooking gently and retain moisture.
  • Potatoes and green beans are suggested sides but this salmon pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad as well.
  • Substitute fresh chives with parsley or dill if preferred.
  • Check salmon doneness by its flakiness; the internal temperature should reach 145°F.
  • Author: ELLA
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat

Find it online: https://ellarecipe.com/lemon-butter-salmon-with-chives-recipe/