Simple Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

Serving Size: 4 servings

Cooking Time: 30 minutes

Looking for a simple yet delicious dish to add to your weekly menu? Try this Simple Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce. It's perfect for those days when you want to enjoy a light, flavorful meal without spending too much time in the kitchen. The combination of fresh salmon fillets, zesty lemon butter sauce, and herbs creates a delightful taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
• 3 lemons, juiced and zest reserved for garnish
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

To start, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Place the salmon fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper for easy cleanup.

In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, lemon juice, and half of the lemon zest. Spread this mixture evenly over each piece of salmon, making sure it covers the top layer completely. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the fish before adding a few slices of red onion on top.

Once your oven is preheated, place the baking tray with the salmon in the middle rack. Bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is opaque throughout and flakes easily when tested with a fork.

While the salmon is baking, prepare the sauce by placing the remaining lemon juice and zest, along with chopped parsley, into a small pan over medium heat. Add some water to thin out the mixture slightly if preferred. Let it simmer until the flavors meld together nicely—about 5 minutes. Adjust seasoning as needed.

For best results, serve your Simple Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce immediately after removing from the oven. Garnish with additional lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor. Enjoy this healthy and tasty dish either on its own or paired with some steamed vegetables or a side salad.

Tips for Perfect Results

• Ensure your butter is softened but not melted; otherwise, it may split during cooking.
• The key to the perfect texture lies in baking at precisely 400 degrees Fahrenheit. This temperature helps lock in moisture and achieve a golden crust on top of the salmon without drying out the inside.

Another tip is not to overcook your salmon; it should be just done but still tender. Overcooking can lead to dry, rubbery fish, which no one wants! For best flavor, serve while still warm from the oven.

Nutritional Information Per Serving (Approximate)

Calories: 360 kcal

• Fat Content: 24g
• Saturated Fats: 15g
• Cholesterol: 125mg
• Sodium: 280mg
• Potassium: 390mg
• Carbohydrates: 4g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 1g

This meal is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are excellent for heart health. Additionally, it provides a good amount of protein while being relatively low in calories and carbs. This makes it an ideal choice for those watching their waistline yet wanting to maintain or improve their nutritional intake.

Conclusion

The Simple Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce is more than just another salmon dish—it’s your go-to option when you’re craving something comforting, nutritious, and packed full of flavor. With minimal preparation time and maximum taste reward, this recipe ensures everyone at the table gets a delicious bite. Whether it's a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this meal promises to impress both novices in the kitchen and seasoned chefs alike.