Easy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe: Fresh Catch to Table Magic

Salmon sizzles with irresistible flavor in this mouthwatering garlic butter salmon recipe that promises restaurant-quality results at home.

Rich, golden butter melds perfectly with fresh salmon fillets, creating a luxurious meal in minutes.

Delicate fish meets bold garlic notes, promising a culinary experience that delights the senses.

Each bite bursts with incredible depth and warmth from simple, fresh ingredients.

The recipe combines minimal effort with maximum taste, making dinner preparation a breeze.

Succulent salmon transforms into a gourmet dish that will impress even the most discerning palates.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this delectable seafood masterpiece.

Favorite Pairings With Garlic Butter Salmon

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Select a crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio that complements the salmon's rich, buttery flavor without overpowering its delicate texture.
• Citrus-Herb Sidekick: Prepare a bright, zesty quinoa salad with lemon, parsley, and dill to mirror the garlic butter sauce and provide a refreshing counterpoint to the fish.
• Smooth Beverage Match: Pour a light, mineral-driven white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, which cuts through the butter's richness and enhances the salmon's natural flavors with its subtle acidity.
• Texture-Balanced Accompaniment: Craft roasted asparagus spears with a light garlic drizzle that echoes the salmon's seasoning while adding a crunchy vegetable element to the plate.

Unique Flavor Spins For Garlic Butter Salmon

• Herb-Crusted Salmon: Coat salmon with a mixture of chopped fresh herbs like dill, chives, and thyme before searing for an aromatic herbal flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients like butter and seasonings are certified gluten-free for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace lemon juice with a small amount of apple cider vinegar to reduce carbohydrates while maintaining tanginess and keep butter and salmon as primary ingredients.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap butter with coconut oil or olive oil and use nutritional yeast for a similar rich, savory flavor that mimics butter's creaminess without dairy.

FAQs

• Why do I need to pat the salmon dry before cooking?

Patting the salmon dry removes excess moisture, which helps create a crispy, golden-brown skin and prevents the fish from steaming instead of searing.

• How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and turns from translucent to opaque pink. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for food safety.

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely in the refrigerator first and pat it dry thoroughly. Frozen salmon might release more moisture, so extra drying is important for achieving a crispy exterior.

• What if I don't have fresh parsley?

No worries! You can skip the parsley or substitute with other fresh herbs like dill or chives. The garlic butter sauce will still be delicious.

Why Garlic Butter Salmon Gets Rave Reviews

• Create a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce that transforms ordinary salmon into a gourmet-style dinner that rivals fancy restaurant offerings.
• Adaptable recipe that works for intimate dinners, casual family meals, or when you want to impress unexpected guests with minimal effort.
• Learn a foolproof method for achieving perfectly crispy salmon skin and tender, juicy fish that will boost your cooking confidence in the kitchen.

Everything You’ll Need For Garlic Butter Salmon

• Salmon Fillet: A tender and flavorful fish that serves as the star of this delicious dish.
• Butter: A rich and creamy ingredient that adds depth and richness to the salmon.
• Olive Oil: A healthy cooking oil that helps create a perfect sear on the salmon.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the salmon.
• Garlic: A aromatic ingredient that provides a warm, pungent flavor to the butter sauce.
• Lemon Juice: A bright and tangy component that adds freshness and balances the richness of the butter.

• Parsley: An optional fresh herb that adds a pop of color and light herbal note to the finished dish.

Instructions For Cooking Garlic Butter Salmon

Step 1: Prepare Salmon

Remove salmon from refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature for 15-20 minutes.

Thoroughly pat the fish dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy exterior.

Season generously with salt and pepper across the entire surface.

Step 2: Heat Skillet

Add olive oil and butter to a skillet over medium-high heat.

Allow the pan to warm up completely.

Test readiness by dropping a small water droplet – if it sizzles immediately, the pan is perfect for cooking.

Step 3: Cook Salmon Perfectly

Carefully place salmon skin-side down in the hot skillet.

Cook undisturbed for approximately 5 minutes.

Watch for golden edges and easy release from the pan as signs of proper cooking.

Gently flip the salmon and cook an additional 2-4 minutes depending on fillet thickness.

Transfer to a separate plate.

Step 4: Create Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce heat to medium-low.

Add remaining butter to the pan and let it melt completely.

• Minced garlic
• Lemon juice

Cook garlic for roughly one minute, being careful not to brown it to prevent a bitter taste.

Step 5: Final Touch and Serve

Return salmon to the skillet.

Generously spoon the garlic butter sauce over each piece.

Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if desired.

Serve immediately while hot and aromatic.

Handy Cooking Tips For Garlic Butter Salmon

• Remove salmon from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent uneven cooking.
• Pat salmon thoroughly with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a beautifully crisp exterior when seared.
• Test skillet heat by dropping a small water droplet – if it sizzles, the pan is ready for perfect salmon searing.
• Cook salmon skin-side down first for 5 minutes without moving, then flip carefully and cook an additional 2-4 minutes based on fillet thickness.
• Reduce heat to medium-low when adding garlic and cook for only one minute to maintain a sweet, nutty flavor without bitter undertones.

Storage Advice For Garlic Butter Salmon Leftovers

• Wrap cooked salmon tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Consume within 2-3 days for best quality and flavor. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer cooled salmon to a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag. Remove excess air to prevent freezer burn. Label with date and store up to 3 months. Freeze without sauce for better texture retention.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between bursts. Stop when salmon reaches 145°F internal temperature.
• Gently reheat salmon in a skillet over low heat with a splash of butter or olive oil. Cook for 2-3 minutes, turning once to warm evenly. Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and prevent toughness.

Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

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5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 29 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter salmon sings with Mediterranean charm, blending rich flavors from ocean-fresh fish and golden butter. Creamy herbs and zesty garlic create a simple yet elegant dinner that promises restaurant-quality pleasure you’ll savor to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

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Main Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) salmon fillet, portioned into 4 pieces

Seasonings and Herbs:

• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)
• 4.5 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)

Cooking Liquids and Fats:

• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
• 4 tablespoons (60 grams) butter
• 1.5 tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) lemon juice (adjust to taste)

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Instructions

1. Remove salmon from refrigerator 15-20 minutes prior to cooking, allowing it to reach room temperature for uniform cooking. Thoroughly dry the fish with paper towels to ensure crispy skin, then generously season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Confirm pan readiness by dropping a water droplet that sizzles immediately.
3. Carefully place salmon skin-side down in hot skillet. Cook undisturbed for approximately 5 minutes until edges turn golden and fish releases easily from pan surface.
4. Gently flip salmon and continue cooking 2-4 minutes depending on fillet thickness. Once cooked, transfer fish to a separate plate.
5. Reduce heat to medium-low, adding remaining butter to skillet. When butter melts completely, incorporate minced garlic and fresh lemon juice.
6. Sauté garlic for roughly one minute, ensuring it does not brown to prevent bitter flavor.
7. Return salmon to skillet, delicately coating each piece with prepared garlic butter sauce.
8. Optional: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for added flavor and visual appeal.
9. Serve immediately while sauce and fish remain warm and succulent.

Notes

• Let the salmon sit at room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent uncooked centers.
• Pat salmon completely dry with paper towels to guarantee crispy, golden-brown skin that won’t stick to the pan.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet for consistent heat and better searing, which helps develop rich caramelized flavors.
• Cook salmon skin-side down first to create a crisp exterior and protect the delicate flesh from direct high heat.
• Avoid overcooking by checking salmon’s doneness when edges turn golden and fish easily releases from the pan.
• Substitute butter with olive oil or coconut oil for dairy-free diets, maintaining the recipe’s rich flavor profile.
• Add red pepper flakes or fresh herbs like dill for extra zest and personalized taste variations.
• Select wild-caught salmon for higher omega-3 content and more sustainable seafood choice.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 250 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg