Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Zucchini Noodles Recipe

Introduction

This Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Zucchini Noodles is a quick and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender salmon chunks are seared and smothered in a bright, buttery garlic sauce, served alongside fresh zucchini noodles for a light, satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 1 salmon fillet, cut into 3 or 4 chunks
• Salt and pepper, to season
• 4 zucchinis, spiralized
• Salt, for draining zucchini (optional)
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh chopped parsley, divided
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon red crushed chili pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce of your choice (e.g., Sriracha)
• Fresh chopped scallion, for garnish
• Lemon slice, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: Season the salmon fillet chunks thoroughly on all sides with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.
2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon pieces skin side down and cook for 2-4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until nicely seared and cooked through. Use a fish turner when flipping for best results. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, half of the chopped parsley, hot sauce, and red chili flakes if using. Stir well to combine the flavors.
4. Step 4: Add the spiralized zucchini to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly to coat the noodles evenly with the lemon garlic butter sauce. The zucchini noodles should be tender but still slightly crisp, while the sauce reduces slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5: Push the zucchini noodles to one side of the skillet, then add the cooked salmon chunks back to the pan. Reheat for a couple of minutes to warm through and combine flavors.
6. Step 6: Serve the lemon garlic butter salmon over the zucchini noodles, garnished with the remaining parsley, chopped scallion, and a lemon slice on the side. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

• To avoid soggy zucchini noodles, sprinkle them with salt and let them drain for 10 minutes before cooking.
• Swap out the hot sauce for a mild paprika for less heat but smoky flavor.
• For a richer sauce, add a splash of white wine or a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the butter sauce.
• Use fresh herbs like dill or basil instead of parsley for a flavor twist.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve the texture of the salmon and zucchini noodles. Avoid microwaving as it may cause the noodles to become watery.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure even searing and prevent excess moisture.

What can I use if I don’t have a spiralizer for zucchini noodles?

You can use a vegetable peeler to create thin ribbons of zucchini or buy pre-spiralized zucchini noodles from many grocery stores.

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Zucchini Noodles Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 121 reviews

• Author: Julian
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Carb

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Description

This Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with Zucchini Noodles recipe offers a quick and flavorful meal perfect for a healthy dinner. Tender salmon fillets are pan-seared to perfection and served over lightly sautéed zucchini noodles tossed in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce. Enhanced with fresh parsley, garlic, a touch of heat from chili flakes and hot sauce, this dish combines bright, savory flavors with a low-carb, nutritious base.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 1 salmon fillet, cut into 3 or 4 chunks
• Salt and pepper, to season

Zucchini Noodles

• 4 zucchinis, spiralized
• Salt, for draining zucchini (optional)

Butter Sauce

• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup fresh chopped parsley, divided
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1/2 teaspoon red crushed chili pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce of your choice (e.g., Sriracha)

Garnish

• Fresh chopped scallion
• Lemon slice

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Instructions

1. Season the Salmon: Thoroughly season the salmon fillet chunks on all sides with salt and pepper to enhance their natural flavor before cooking.
2. Cook the Salmon: Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large cast iron skillet over medium heat. Add the salmon pieces skin side down and cook for 2-4 minutes on each side, depending on thickness, until nicely seared and cooked through. Use a fish turner for best results when flipping. Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, half of the chopped parsley, hot sauce, and red chili flakes if using. Stir well to combine flavors.
4. Cook the Zucchini Noodles: Add the spiralized zucchini to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring regularly to coat the noodles evenly with the lemon garlic butter sauce. The zucchini noodles should be tender but still retain a slight crispness, and the sauce juices should reduce slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Reheat and Assemble: Push the zucchini noodles to one side of the skillet, then add the cooked salmon chunks back to the pan. Reheat for a couple of minutes to warm through and combine flavors.
6. Serve: Serve the lemon garlic butter salmon over the zucchini noodles, garnished with the remaining parsley, chopped scallion, and a lemon slice on the side. Enjoy immediately for best flavor and texture.

Notes

• If you prefer your zucchini noodles less watery, sprinkle them with salt and let them drain in a colander for 10 minutes before cooking.
• Adjust the amount of hot sauce and chili flakes to suit your preferred spice level.
• Use a cast iron skillet or non-stick pan to ensure even cooking and easy flipping of salmon.
• For an even quicker meal, you can prepare the zucchini noodles in advance and store them in the fridge.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: salmon, lemon garlic butter salmon, zucchini noodles, low carb salmon recipe, healthy fish dinner, quick salmon recipe