Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home with this easy garlic butter salmon recipe. Say goodbye to boring dinners and elevate your weeknight meals with this delicious and healthy dish. Try it today and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
Combining the rich, buttery garlic sauce and the perfectly cooked salmon creates a symphony of flavors that will leave your taste buds dancing. But beyond the taste, this recipe is a winner because of its simplicity and quick cooking time. In just 30 minutes, you can elevate your weeknight meal to a restaurant-quality experience, effortlessly impressing your loved ones.
So, whether you’re a salmon enthusiast or looking to incorporate healthier and delicious options into your diet, this garlic butter salmon recipe is the perfect choice. It satisfies your cravings and provides a host of nutrients supporting your overall well-being.
Why make this salmon recipe?
- Let’s start with the rich, buttery garlic base that takes this dish to a new level. The sauce is made with just a few simple ingredients.
- Additionally, the cooking method for the salmon ensures that it is always cooked to perfection. The recipe provides clear instructions on achieving that ideal balance of tender, flaky fish with a slightly crisp exterior.
- But what truly sets this recipe apart is its simplicity. With just a handful of readily available ingredients and minimal prep, you can create a dish that looks and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant.
Ingredients and substitutes
- When it comes to the star ingredient, salmon, freshness is vital. Look for fillets that are firm, shiny, and have a mild, slightly sweet aroma. If fresh salmon is not available, you can also use frozen fillets. Just make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking.
Always make sure to buy your fish from a trusted shop. I recommend Alaskan or Pacific salmon. You want the flesh to be moist, shiny, and bright. In addition, the skin will usually be silvery bright. And most importantly, it should not have a fish smell. In fact, a fishy smell is a good indication that it has been sitting out for a long time. - We’ll use oil and garlic for the base of our flavorful sauce. While the recipe calls for olive oil, you can use avocado or melted coconut oil for a slightly different taste. As for the garlic, fresh minced garlic is ideal, but you can also use pre-minced garlic if you’re short on time.
- Next up is the luscious butter that adds richness and a creamy texture to the dish. Unsalted butter is preferred as it allows you to control the saltiness of the final result. However, if you only have salted butter, adjust the additional salt you add to the recipe accordingly.
- We’ll use freshly squeezed lemon juice to give our garlic butter salmon a bright and tangy twist. The acidity of the lemon juice cuts through the richness of the butter and adds a refreshing element to the dish. If you don’t have lemons, you can also use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always best.
Step-by-step: Garlic butter salmon
- Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a good sear. Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper.
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up until it shimmers. This should take about 1-2 minutes.
- Sear the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook without moving for about 3-4 minutes until lightly golden (or the skin is crispy and golden brown). Gently flip the salmon fillets using a spatula and cook on the other side for 2-3 minutes.
Pro tip – If you have skinless fillets, cook the presentation side first.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and minced garlic to the pan, and let the butter melt while swirling it with the garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the butter turns a light brown and develops a nutty aroma. This is your garlic butter sauce.
Pro tip – Be careful not to burn the garlic; it should turn golden and crispy. Keep the heat to medium-low and, if necessary, low. - Finish the Salmon: Transfer the seared salmon to a plate and squeeze lemon juice over the salmon to add a bright and zesty flavor. Garnish the salmon with lemon slices and fresh parsley for color and freshness.
Pro tip – Tent the salmon loosely with aluminum foil to keep it warm until you are ready to serve. - Serve Immediately: Plate the pan-seared garlic-butter salmon and serve hot, with additional lemon wedges on the side. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad.
- Salmon cooking temperature
- The salmon is done when it flakes with a fork and the flesh becomes pale and opaque.
- It is recommended that salmon be fully cooked at medium, with an internal temperature of about 145°F to 147°F (60 to 63°C) at the thickest part of the fish.
- But salmon can be eaten medium rare if you buy it from a trusted source. The internal temperature for medium-rare should be about 122 to 127°F (50 to 53°C), which is what I like to serve my salmon.
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Frequently asked questions
This cooked garlic butter salmon will keep in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. You can reheat it in the microwave at 30-second intervals until warm for serving again.
There are a few things you can do.
1. Soak the fish in milk for 20 minutes.
2. Give the fish a squeeze of lemon, which can give the fish a lemon flavor. Then, you can omit the lemon in the recipe, of course.
Personally, I prefer the first method.
The key to determining if the salmon is done is to look for a flaky texture and opaque color throughout the fish. It should easily separate into flakes, and the flesh should lose its translucency. Using a meat thermometer can also be helpful—aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.
Absolutely! Using frozen salmon is a convenient option, especially if fresh salmon is not readily available. Thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight, pat it dry, and proceed with the recipe as instructed. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as frozen salmon may take a bit longer to cook through.
While this recipe is tailored explicitly for salmon, you can try it with other types of fish. Trout, tilapia, or even cod would work well with the garlic butter seasoning and pan-searing method. Just be aware that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fish, so adjust accordingly and keep an eye on it as it cooks.
You can remove the salmon skin, but you risk it falling apart. Since the skin helps keep the fish in place. So, even if you don’t plan to eat the skin, at least cook it with the skin on. Then, to remove the skin, peel it off or lift the fish off. It does peel off very easily.
Line a sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy clean-up. Thaw the salmon and bring it to room temperature. Place it on the baking pan. Combine the garlic butter sauce in a small bowl with a whisk and pour over the salmon. Then bake at 200 °C/400°F for 15 minutes, or until the fish is done.
Garlic Butter Salmon (Pan-Seared)
In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in the comfort of your own home with this easy garlic butter salmon recipe. Say goodbye to boring dinners and elevate your weeknight meals with this delicious and healthy dish. Try it today and impress your family and friends with your culinary skills!
Video
Ingredients
- 4 med (680 g) Salmon fillets (about 6-8 ounces each) skin-on or skinless
- 2 tbsp (30 ml) Olive oil
- 4 tbsp (60 g) Unsalted butter
- 4 large Garlic clvoes minced
- ½ tsp Salt to taste
- ½ tsp Black pepper powder to taste
- 1 Lemon cut into wedges
- Fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Method
- Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps ensure a good sear. Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper.4 med Salmon fillets (about 6-8 ounces each), ½ tsp Salt , ½ tsp Black pepper powder
- Heat the Pan: Place a large skillet or frying pan over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up until it shimmers. This should take about 1-2 minutes.2 tbsp Olive oil
- Sear the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if they have skin. Cook without moving for about 3-4 minutes until lightly golden (or the skin is crispy and golden brown). Gently flip the salmon fillets using a spatula and cook on the other side for 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the butter and minced garlic to the pan and allow the butter to melt, swirling it around with the garlic. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until the butter turns a light brown and develops a nutty aroma. This is your garlic butter sauce.4 tbsp Unsalted butter, 4 large Garlic clvoes
- Finish the Salmon: Transfer the seared salmon to a plate and squeeze lemon juice over the salmon to add a bright and zesty flavor. Garnish the salmon with lemon slices and fresh parsley for color and freshness.1 Lemon, Fresh parsley
- Serve Immediately: Plate the pan-seared garlic butter salmon and serve hot with additional lemon wedges on the side. This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a simple green salad.
Notes
- First and foremost, choosing high-quality salmon is essential to creating an exceptional dish. Look for fresh salmon fillets with firm flesh and a vibrant, pinkish color. Avoid any fillets with a fishy odor or soft texture. The better the quality of the fish, the better the result will be.
- Next, thoroughly pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before cooking. Removing excess moisture helps the salmon develop a beautiful crust and prevents it from becoming watery. Remember, a dry surface is the key to achieving that delicious golden-brown sear.
- When adding the garlic butter mixture to the pan, it’s essential to gradually distribute it evenly around the salmon. This ensures each fillet is coated in rich flavors, producing a perfectly balanced taste. Be mindful not to overcrowd the pan, which can cause the salmon to steam rather than sear properly.
- While cooking, resist the temptation to flip or move the salmon around in the pan constantly. Flipping the fish too often can disrupt the cooking process and prevent it from developing that desirable crispy exterior. Allow the salmon to cook undisturbed on each side for a few minutes, giving it ample time to form a beautiful crust.
- Finally, when plating the garlic butter salmon, consider garnishing it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as chopped parsley or dill. These aromatic additions not only enhance the dish’s visual appeal but also provide a burst of freshness that complements the rich flavors of the salmon.
Salmon cooking temperature
- It is recommended that salmon be fully cooked at medium, which is an internal temperature of about 145°F to 147°F or 60 to 63°C (measure at the thickest part of the fish).
- But, salmon can be eaten medium rare if you buy it from a trusted source. The internal temperature for medium-rare should be about 122 to 127°F or 50 to 53°C (this is what I like to serve my salmon).
Equipment you will need
Nutrition
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Just how we fix it too, but in your recipe Venna you forgot the garlic, very very important, lol .if you like garlic , times we take the salmon out before adding the butter and garlic ,, and keep the heat up, but shorter time, gets little crisp edges on the salmon, then pour the sauce over it when you serve. Getting hard to find fresh cought salmon here at stores, unless I catch my own in the summer, on the big lake.
Stony there are two garlic cloves in the recipe. Thanks
Yum! This is such a simple and delicious recipe. Love the flavors of butter and garlic with salmon.
What an easy and quick salmon dinner!
I’ve had salmon in the freezer for a while now, not knowing what to do with it. This sounds delicious-dill and lemon are 2 of my favorites.
Try not to freeze salmon, so much better fresh, but know the problem with trying to find it sometimes
This looks amazing and so delicious! My daughter and I are going to absolutely love this recipe! Definitely making this soon!
You’ve paired my 3 favorite things in LIFE! Can’t wait to try this out on the family tonight 🙂
We eat a lot of salmon and this recipe is so easy and delicious. It’s perfect for any night of the week and the whole family loves it!
My daughter and I are going to just love this recipe! Looks so yummy and full of flavor! I can’t wait to give this a try!
This is so tasty!! It quickly became a favorite at my house!
Thank you, Toni. I am so happy to hear that. It really is an easy recipe
I love salmon and really appreciated how detailed the recipe is! It’s so easy to overbake salmon. Very helpful tips!
We enjoy wild salmon at least once a week so I’m always on the hunt for new ways to prepare it, this one is so easy yet absolutely delicious!
Thanks, Gina