Lemon Butter Salmon with Garlic and Chives
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I’ve made this garlicky lemon butter salmon more times than I can count, and it never fails to impress. The salmon fillets get a golden sear on the stovetop, then finish in a zesty, buttery garlic-lemon sauce. It’s my go-to for a simple salmon dinner that tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant.
If you’re craving a salmon recipe that feels both special and effortless, my lemon butter salmon with chives is exactly what you need. The salmon sears quickly until golden, then bathes in a silky garlic butter sauce brightened with fresh lemon zest and juice. Just before serving, I scatter a handful of chives over it for a pop of freshness that balances the butter’s richness perfectly. It’s lighter than my creamy garlic lemon salmon, but still delivers all the bold flavor you’d expect.
I love serving this dish with simple roast baby potatoes and crisp green beans on the side. It makes for an elegant dinner that comes together in no time. The buttery lemon sauce ties everything together, so every bite tastes restaurant-worthy. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a weeknight or inviting friends over for dinner, this salmon is a guaranteed hit that you’ll want to make again and again.
A few ingredient notes
You only need a handful of ingredients to make this flavorful dinner recipe. Here are a couple of things to keep in mind:
- Salmon: Choose the type of salmon you enjoy eating the most; they will all work in this recipe. Pink and Coho are my two favorites as they are mild flavored and higher in fat (meaning they aren’t dry). I also really enjoy Steelhead, which technically isn’t salmon, but it looks and tastes just like it. I’ve tested this recipe both with skin-on and skinless and both work well.
- Butter: Salted butter (in every recipe) is my preference. If you only keep unsalted on hand, you may want to add an extra small pinch of salt.
- Chives: I have a pot of chives on my deck that grows like a weed, so I reach for chives whenever I can. Green onions make a nice substitute.
Store and reheat instructions
Store: Store leftovers in a covered container in your fridge for up to 4 days.
Reheat: I’ll often eat leftover salmon cold for lunch with a simple salad, but it’s nice reheated, too. You can warm it in a pan over medium heat or use a microwave.
Lemon Butter Salmon with Garlic and Chives
Ingredients
- 4 pieces of salmon (about 6 ounces each)
- ¼ teaspoon EACH: salt and 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
Instructions
- Season the top of the salmon with salt and pepper.4 pieces of salmon, ¼ teaspoon EACH: salt and pepper
- Heat the olive oil in a large (perferably cast iron) pan over medium-high heat. Add the salmon, top side down, and sear without moving for 4 minutes.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Flip the salmon over, add the butter, and let it melt. Once melted, add the garlic and then start spooning the garlicky butter over the salmon – tilting the pan a little to the side makes this easier. Continue to baste the salmon with the butter for 2-3 minutes.2 tablespoons butter, 2 cloves garlic
- Remove the salmon from the heat and add the lemon zest and juice. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes and then sprinkle the chives over top and serve.Zest from 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons minced chives
To make the sides
- This salmon can be served with many different sides. To make the potatoes you see in the photos, cut baby potatoes in half and toss them with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Bake them, cut side down, for 35 minutes at 425 degrees Fahrenheit, or until soft.
- For the green beans, I cook them in a steamer basket for 3-4 minutes and add a pinch of salt to the water, which helps flavor the beans. Alternatively, you can roast them with the potatoes, adding them during the last 10 minutes of baking.
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
More salmon recipes to try next
For even more inspiration, check out all of my salmon recipes!
We eat fish regularly and this delicious and tender pan seared salmon is an easy recipe with BIG restaurant-quality results. We loved the golden crust and the flavorful lemon garlic sauce. Perfect with a side of roasted potatoes and green veggies.
So glad this salmon has become part of your regular rotation. That golden crust and lemon garlic sauce really do give it restaurant-quality results without the restaurant effort. Roasted potatoes and green veggies sound like the perfect finishing touch. Thanks for sharing again. 🍋
This may be our new go to method for salmon cooking – weeknight or meant to impress. The crust is perfect and yet the salmon remains tender and moist. Thanks so much. We immensely enjoyed and will make again.
A method that works just as well for a weeknight as it does for impressing guests is exactly what I love to hear. That perfect crust with tender, moist salmon underneath is the whole goal. So glad this one’s earning a spot as your new go-to. 😋
This salmon was great! Loved the fresh lemon flavor. Will make it again for sure.
That fresh lemon flavor really does make the salmon shine, so glad it was a hit! Thanks for letting me know it’s a make-again. 🍋
This is one of my favorite salmon recipes! I love the lemon and the bit of crispiness on the salmon and it couldn’t be easier!
Crispy edges with that bright lemon flavor is such a winning combination, and I love that it’s earned a spot among your favorites. Easy is always a bonus too. Thanks for the lovely note. 🍋
This was so easy and delicious! The sear on the salmon was perfect and it’s the first time I’ve cooked salmon basting it this way. I had to skip the chives since the store was out. Served with roasted fingerling potatoes and a thrown together salad.
A perfect sear on the salmon is such a win, and butter basting really is a game changer for keeping it silky and rich. Fingerling potatoes and a quick salad sound like a lovely, easy plate. So glad it was a hit for your first time.
What a wonderful way to prepare salmon. This one will be remembered as it is that good, plus the first time we prepared this we were interrupted by the delivery of our granddaughter. Put everything on hold. The next day, since everything was already preppred, we finally cooked the salmon. Later we paired with roasted potatoes and green beans with a simple garlic butter sauce.
A granddaughter’s arrival is about the best reason there is to put dinner on hold! I love that the salmon patiently waited for you and still turned out so memorable, and having everything prepped made the next day easy. Congratulations on your new granddaughter!
Delicious! My husband and I loved it. I served with roasted green beans and potatoes with a garlic mustard aioli.
So glad you and your husband loved it! Those roasted green beans and potatoes with a garlic mustard aioli sound like the perfect sides, that aioli must have tied everything together beautifully. Thanks for sharing what you served alongside. 😋