Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon And Zucchini Noodles
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon and Zucchini Noodles is a light and flavorful meal featuring tender salmon, fresh zucchini noodles, and a rich lemon garlic butter sauce. Ready in about 30 minutes, it's a healthy, low-carb dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Spiralizer or store-bought zucchini noodles
- Large skillet
- Tongs
- Measuring spoons
- Small bowl
- Paper Towels
- Meat Thermometer
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets about 5 to 6 ounces each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
For the Zucchini Noodles
- 4 medium zucchini spiralized
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the zucchini noodles
- Spiralize the zucchini or use store-bought zucchini noodles. Pat them dry with paper towels to remove extra moisture.
Step 2: Season the salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and paprika.
Step 3: Sear the salmon
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down if it has skin. Cook for 4 to 5 minutes.
Step 4: Flip and finish cooking
- Turn the salmon over and cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon should flake easily and reach 145°F in the thickest part. Remove it from the skillet and set aside.
Step 5: Make the garlic butter sauce
- Lower the heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add the garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, stirring often.
Step 6: Add lemon flavor
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes if using, and parsley. Scrape up any browned bits from the pan for extra flavor.
Step 7: Cook the zucchini noodles
- Add the zucchini noodles to the skillet. Toss gently in the lemon garlic butter sauce for 1 to 2 minutes, just until slightly softened.
Step 8: Add seasoning
- Season the zucchini noodles with a little salt and black pepper. Add Parmesan if using.
Step 9: Serve
- Place the salmon over the zucchini noodles. Spoon extra lemon garlic butter sauce from the skillet over the top. Serve with lemon wedges and parsley.