One-Pan Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon: A 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner
This creamy lemon butter salmon comes together in just 20 minutes, all in one pan. It's flaky, rich, and perfect for busy weeknights when you want something impressive but easy.
Why You'll Love This One-Pan Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon
Let me tell you — this one-pan creamy lemon butter salmon is a total game-changer for busy weeknights. In just 20 minutes, you get perfectly flaky salmon coated in a rich, tangy lemon butter sauce that feels indulgent but is actually super simple. The best part? Everything cooks in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze. Whether you're a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is foolproof and impressive enough for guests.
I developed this recipe after countless requests for more seafood weeknight dinners. Salmon is packed with omega-3s and protein, making it a healthy choice that doesn't sacrifice flavor. The lemon butter sauce comes together in minutes with pantry staples, and the fresh dill adds a pop of color and freshness. Trust me, this will become your go-to when you need dinner on the table fast.
🛒 Ingredients Checklist
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- lemon slices, for garnish(optional)
How to Make Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon in One Pan
This dish comes together so quickly, you'll have dinner on the table before you know it. Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is key for getting that beautiful golden sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Then, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down if using skin-on, and cook for 4 minutes without moving them. Flip gently and cook another 3 minutes. Transfer the salmon to a plate and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Once the butter melts, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes, then stir in the heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let the sauce simmer for another 2 minutes until it thickens slightly. Taste and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh dill and let them heat through for about 2 minutes. If you like a thicker sauce, you can let it simmer a little longer before adding the salmon. The sauce will thicken more as it sits. Garnish with extra dill and lemon slices, then serve immediately.
One-Pan Creamy Lemon Butter Salmon
🥕Ingredients
Adjust servings above — amounts scale automatically. Tap an ingredient to check it off.
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- lemon slices, for garnish
📋Instructions
- 1
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- 2
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon, skin-side down if using skin-on, and cook 4 minutes without moving. Flip and cook 3 more minutes. Transfer salmon to a plate.
- 3
Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil and butter. Once butter melts, add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- 4
Pour in broth and scrape up browned bits. Simmer 2 minutes. Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Simmer 2 more minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- 5
Return salmon to skillet, spoon sauce over top. Sprinkle with dill. Cook 2 minutes to warm through. Garnish with extra dill and lemon slices. Serve immediately.
💡 Pro Tips
- •Pat the salmon very dry before cooking for a perfect golden crust.
- •Don't overcook the salmon — it should flake easily with a fork but still be moist inside.
- •For a lighter sauce, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream.
Nutrition per serving(based on original recipe — does not scale)
Pro Tip for Perfect Salmon
Always bring your salmon to room temperature for about 10 minutes before cooking. This ensures even cooking and prevents the outside from burning before the inside is done. Also, resist the urge to move the salmon around in the pan — let it sear undisturbed for that beautiful crust.
Serving Suggestions
This creamy lemon butter salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. For a low-carb option, serve it with steamed asparagus or roasted broccoli. If you want something heartier, try it over a bed of fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes. A simple side salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also be lovely. The sauce is so good that you'll want something to soak it up — crusty bread is always a great idea.
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Why This Recipe Works
The beauty of this one-pan creamy lemon butter salmon lies in its simplicity. Cooking the salmon first gives it a beautiful crust, then the sauce builds on the fond left in the pan for maximum flavor. The lemon and dill brighten the richness of the cream and butter, creating a perfectly balanced dish. Plus, only one pan means minimal cleanup — a win for any busy cook.
Written by
Elena RossiI'm Elena, a home cook turned recipe developer. At cooking word, I share simple, seasonal dishes inspired by my Italian roots and busy life.
Get New Posts by Email
Weekly inspiration delivered to your inbox. No spam, pinky promise.
Comments
Leave a Comment
You Might Also Like
One-Pan Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Chicken: A 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner
Busy weeknights call for quick, flavor-packed dinners that won't keep you in the kitchen for hours. This one-pan creamy sun-dried tomato chicken comes together in just 20 minutes, with juicy chicken breasts simmered in a rich, tangy cream sauce studded with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Pasta with Spinach: A 20-Minute Weeknight Dream
This creamy sun-dried tomato pasta with spinach is ready in just 20 minutes, making it the perfect quick weeknight dinner. The rich, tangy sauce coats every strand of pasta, and fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. One pan, minimal cleanup, and maximum flavor!
Crispy Lemon Garlic Pork Chops: A 20-Minute Weeknight Dinner
These crispy, golden-brown pork chops are coated in a savory lemon garlic crust and pan-seared to perfection. Ready in just 20 minutes, they're the ultimate quick and easy weeknight dinner that everyone will love.