This keto-friendly Herbed Butter Salmon with Garlic Lemon Sauce is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary heirloom passed down through generations in my family.
This keto-friendly Herbed Butter Salmon with Garlic Lemon Sauce is more than just a recipe; it’s a culinary heirloom passed down through generations in my family. It all began with my grandmother, who lived in a small coastal village where salmon was the lifeblood of the community. She learned the art of preparing this dish from her mother, who in turn learned it from her own mother. For them, cooking wasn’t just a necessity—it was a celebration of life, family, and the bounty of the sea.
Every summer, the family would gather at my grandmother’s house, a quaint little cottage perched on a hill with a view of the ocean. There, she would prepare this rich and flavorful salmon dish using the freshest local fish caught by my grandfather. As children, we would help her pick the herbs from her garden, a sprawling patch of vibrant greens that seemed to stretch forever in the sunlight. The memory of those sunny days, filled with laughter and the mouthwatering scent of sizzling butter, is still etched in my mind.
My grandmother believed that food brought people together, and her kitchen was always open. Whether it was for family or a friend in need of a warm meal, her table had a seat for everyone. She was also ahead of her time when it came to healthy eating, crafting meals that were both nourishing and delicious. This salmon recipe, with its perfect balance of healthy fats and fresh herbs, is a testament to her intuition for wholesome cooking.
Now, I share it with you, hoping you’ll feel the same warmth and connection that my family has felt for generations. It’s more than just a dish; it’s a tradition of togetherness and health, and I hope it finds a place in your kitchen as well.
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
• 4 (6-ounce) wild-caught salmon fillets, skin on
• 4 tablespoons unsalted grass-fed butter, divided
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Garlic Lemon Sauce:
• 2 tablespoons unsalted grass-fed butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ¼ cup heavy cream (for a creamy option, optional)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh lemon slices, for garnish
• Fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
Step 1: Preparing the Salmon
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper, focusing particularly on the flesh side.
3. Prepare the Herb Butter: In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, fresh rosemary, thyme, and parsley. Add 2 tablespoons of softened butter and mix well to create a fragrant herb butter.
4. Sear the Salmon: Heat a large, oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it shimmer. Place the salmon fillets, skin side down, in the skillet. Sear the salmon for 2-3 minutes without moving it, allowing the skin to crisp up.
5. Add Herb Butter: Once the salmon has a golden sear, reduce the heat to medium. Divide the herb butter mixture and gently spread it over the top of each fillet. Allow it to melt into the salmon for another 2 minutes.
Step 2: Roasting the Salmon
1. Transfer to the Oven: Once the butter has melted and the salmon is partially cooked, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Roast for 8-10 minutes or until the salmon reaches your desired doneness (135°F for medium).
2. Rest the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Preparing the Garlic Lemon Sauce
1. Melt the Butter: In a small saucepan, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant but not browned.
2. Add the Lemon: Stir in the lemon juice and zest, bringing the mixture to a simmer. If you prefer a creamier sauce, add the heavy cream at this point and stir until fully combined.
3. Season the Sauce: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.
4. Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes, letting the flavors meld together.
Step 4: Plating and Serving
1. Plate the Salmon: Gently place the salmon fillets on serving plates. Drizzle the garlic lemon sauce generously over the top, allowing it to soak into the fish.
2. Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a pop of color and added zest.
3. Serve Immediately: Enjoy the salmon while it’s warm, paired with a simple side like roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.
This keto-friendly salmon recipe, rich in flavor and tradition, is more than just a meal—it’s a link to the past and a celebration of what’s to come. Passed down from my grandmother and perfected over the years, this dish is proof that simple, fresh ingredients can create something truly special. Whether you’re following a ketogenic diet or simply want to enjoy a wholesome, delicious meal, this salmon recipe will not disappoint.
It’s a dish my grandmother would be proud of, and now, it’s one that I hope you and your family will treasure for generations to come.
