Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Rice

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Rice is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines perfectly seared salmon fillets with a zesty garlic-lemon butter sauce, served over fluffy rice. It’s a wholesome, elegant, and easy-to-make meal suitable for lunch or dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Balanced and nutritious: protein-rich salmon, healthy fats, and hearty rice.

• Bright, fresh flavor from lemon juice and herbs.

• Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes.

• Restaurant-quality taste from home with minimal ingredients.

• Great for both everyday meals and dinner guests.

ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Fresh salmon fillets (skin on or off)

• Cooked white or brown rice

• Garlic (minced)

• Fresh lemon juice

• Lemon zest

• Unsalted butter

• Olive oil

• Fresh parsley (chopped)

• Salt and black pepper

• Optional: red pepper flakes, capers, or dill for garnish

directions

1. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels. Season with salt and black pepper on both sides.

2. Heat olive oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium heat.

3. Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) and cook for 4–5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2–3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.

4. In the same pan, melt butter and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and optional red pepper flakes. Simmer for 1–2 minutes.

6. Return salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce over the fillets.

7. Serve salmon immediately over a bed of warm rice. Spoon extra lemon garlic butter over the top and garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 2–4

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 15 minutes

• Total time: 25 minutes

Variations

• Honey lemon glaze: Add a teaspoon of honey for a sweet twist.

• Herbed rice: Mix chopped herbs or spinach into the rice for more flavor.

• Coconut rice: Use coconut milk to cook the rice for a tropical flavor profile.

• Grilled salmon: Use a grill instead of a skillet for a smoky version.

• Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the butter for heat.

storage/reheating

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals, covered, to avoid drying out the salmon.

• Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon (without rice) for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, thaw it completely in the refrigerator and pat dry before cooking.

What type of rice is best for this dish?

Long-grain white rice, jasmine, or basmati work well. Brown rice is also a nutritious option.

Can I bake the salmon instead?

Yes, bake at 200 °C (400 °F) for 12–15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.

How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Internal temperature should reach 63 °C (145 °F).

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, use plant-based butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

Simmer the sauce a bit longer, or add a small amount of cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).

What side dishes pair well with this?

Steamed vegetables, sautéed greens, or a fresh salad complement the dish well.

Can I use bottled lemon juice?

Fresh lemon juice is preferred for the best flavor, but bottled can be used in a pinch.

Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Yes, it’s mild in flavor and well-balanced. Omit any spicy elements for younger children.

Can I meal prep this dish?

Yes, cook the rice and salmon ahead of time and store separately. Reheat and assemble when ready to serve.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Rice is a quick, flavorful, and nourishing dish that brings together the brightness of lemon, the richness of butter, and the heartiness of rice. Ideal for both casual and formal meals, it’s a go-to recipe that’s as delicious as it is dependable.

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