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Easy Garlic Butter Salmon Bites with Lemon

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Crispy-edged salmon bites in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon, ready in just 20 minutes. A quick and easy weeknight dinner that tastes like a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 to 1.5 pounds salmon fillets, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 whole lemon (zest and juice)
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon: Place salmon fillets on a cutting board. Remove any pin bones. Cut into 1-inch cubes, keeping them uniform. Pat each cube dry with paper towels.
  2. Season the pieces: Place salmon cubes in a bowl. Sprinkle with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Toss gently to coat. Let sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
  3. Heat the skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt, swirling occasionally, until the butter stops foaming and smells nutty.
  4. Sear the salmon bites: Carefully place salmon cubes in the hot butter in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan. Let them sit undisturbed for 2 minutes. Flip each piece and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes until golden brown.
  5. Add garlic and lemon: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter, minced garlic, and lemon zest. Stir gently to coat. Cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Finish with lemon juice: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the salmon bites. Toss gently. Let cook for 30 seconds to reduce the sauce slightly.
  7. Garnish and serve: Remove from heat. Sprinkle with fresh parsley. Taste and adjust salt or lemon if needed. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the salmon cubes very dry before seasoning for the best sear. Don’t crowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Let the salmon sit undisturbed for 2 minutes before flipping to develop a golden crust. For dairy-free, use avocado oil or ghee. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet with a splash of water or lemon juice.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon bites, garlic butter salmon, easy salmon recipe, quick salmon dinner, lemon salmon, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon recipe

Find it online: https://cookyep.com/easy-garlic-butter-salmon-bites-with-lemon-ready-in-20-minutes/