Garlic Butter Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender, flaky salmon with a rich, garlicky butter sauce. The salmon fillets are pan-seared to perfection and the garlic butter sauce, infused with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon. Paired with roasted vegetables or a light salad, it’s a meal that’s both satisfying and healthy.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in 20-30 minutes with minimal prep.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
- Versatile: Great for dinner parties or meal prep.
- Flavorful: The garlic butter sauce takes this salmon to the next level.
Tips and Tricks for the Best Garlic Butter Salmon
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon and garlic make a significant difference in flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Skin-On Fillets: Cooking with the skin on helps retain moisture and flavor.
- Deglaze the Pan: If bits stick to the skillet, a splash of white wine or chicken broth can enhance the sauce.
- Adjust the Heat: For a spicier kick, sprinkle in chili flakes or cayenne.
Variations to Try
- Herb-Crusted: Add dill, thyme, or rosemary to the butter sauce.
- Creamy Garlic Butter: Stir in a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.
- Honey Garlic Butter: Add a tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness.
- Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Salmon: Bake salmon and vegetables together on a single tray for a one-pan meal.
- Grilled Garlic Butter Salmon: Use a grill pan for beautiful char marks and smoky flavor.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon
Pair your garlic butter salmon with these delicious sides for a complete meal:
- Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp side salad.
- Grains: Fluffy rice, quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes.
- Pasta: Toss spaghetti or linguine in leftover garlic butter sauce.
- Bread: Crusty baguette or garlic bread to soak up the buttery sauce.
How to Store and Reheat Garlic Butter Salmon
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or water to prevent drying out.
Recipe FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw the salmon completely in the fridge before cooking.
Can I bake the salmon instead?
Absolutely. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes, then broil for a golden finish.
How do I know if salmon is fresh?
Look for bright, firm flesh and a mild scent. Avoid fillets with a fishy smell or dull color.
Can I use ghee instead of butter?
Yes, ghee is a fantastic alternative for a slightly nuttier flavor and higher smoke point.
Garlic Butter Salmon
- Garlic Butter Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender, flaky salmon with a rich, garlicky butter sauce. The salmon fillets are pan-seared to perfection and the garlic butter sauce, infused with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (180g/6oz each, skinless & boneless)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp garlic (finely minced by hand—avoid a garlic press)
- 90g / 6 tbsp salted butter (or unsalted + 1/4 tsp salt)
- 1 tsp lemon juice (plus extra to taste)
- 2 tsp parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Bring the salmon to room temperature (30 minutes).
- Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Place salmon (curved side down) and cook for 3 minutes until golden. - Flip the salmon and cook for 1 minute.
- Add butter to the pan and let it melt.
- Add minced garlic to the bubbling butter.
- Tilt the pan and continuously spoon the butter over the salmon for 1 ½ minutes.
- Remove salmon and let it rest for 3 minutes. Aim for a medium-rare finish (50°C/122°F, rising to 53°C/127°F).
- Stir lemon juice into the remaining butter.
- Plate the salmon, drizzle with garlic butter, and garnish with parsley.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 669Total Fat 50gSaturated Fat 17gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 29gCholesterol 189mgSodium 567mgCarbohydrates 1gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 51g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Garlic butter salmon combines the richness of butter, the zest of lemon, and the savory warmth of garlic for a dish that’s as comforting as it is elegant. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or guests, this recipe delivers big on flavor with minimal effort.
Check my other salmon recipes:
