If you are looking to impress with a quick yet utterly delicious meal, the Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This dish takes simple, fresh ingredients and transforms them into a luscious, buttery masterpiece that melts in your mouth. The rich garlic butter sauce perfectly complements the tender, flaky salmon, creating a harmonious blend of flavors that feels both comforting and restaurant-worthy. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a special dinner, this Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe promises a satisfying and elegant experience every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe lies in its simplicity and the careful selection of ingredients that bring out the best in the dish. Each element plays a vital role, whether adding moisture, depth, or a little pop of color, making it easy to create something spectacular with just a handful of staples.
- 2 pounds skin-on salmon fillets, 2-inches wide: Choosing salmon with the skin on helps achieve a crispy texture and holds the fillets together while cooking.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon without overpowering it.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and earthy depth to the seasoning.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for searing the salmon to a beautiful golden crust, giving it that perfect caramelized finish.
- 1/4 cup butter: Delivers the rich, creamy base for the garlic butter sauce that coats the salmon lavishly.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, finely minced: Infuses the butter with inviting aroma and sharp, savory flavor.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens the entire dish with fresh citrus notes, balancing the richness of butter.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a splash of color and a mild herbaceous finish to elevate the dish visually and taste-wise.
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon
Begin by patting your salmon fillets dry with paper towels to promote even browning. Sprinkle both sides evenly with salt and black pepper and let the fillets rest at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes. This step is crucial because bringing the salmon to room temperature allows the fish to cook evenly inside and out, avoiding a tough or undercooked center.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon to Perfection
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the salmon skin side down and cook for 5 to 6 minutes without moving them. This will give you that irresistible crisp on the skin. Flip the fillets and cook another 5 to 6 minutes until the flesh turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork, indicating it’s fully cooked.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat slightly and add the butter to the pan. Once melted and bubbling, stir in the minced garlic and lemon juice. Let everything cook together for about a minute until the garlic is fragrant and the sauce has slightly thickened. This combination brings both richness and a fresh zing that pairs beautifully with the salmon’s natural flavors.
Step 4: Baste the Salmon
Tilt the pan so the garlic butter sauce pools at one side, and use a spoon to continuously drizzle the sauce over the salmon fillets for about a minute. This basting step saturates the salmon with every bit of buttery garlic goodness, keeping it juicy and packing every bite with intense flavor.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve Immediately
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top of the salmon and finish with an optional extra squeeze of lemon juice for an added burst of freshness. Serve straight from the pan while warm to enjoy the garlic butter sauce at its absolute best.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
For an inviting presentation, fresh parsley is a classic choice, adding a vibrant green contrast and a gentle herbal note that complements the buttery richness. If you want to get fancy, sprinkle some lemon zest or thinly sliced scallions for an additional pop of color and brightness.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. Try serving it alongside steamed asparagus or garlic roasted green beans for a light, crisp accompaniment. Creamy mashed potatoes or a fluffy bed of rice also soak up the garlic butter sauce perfectly, making for an indulgent yet comforting meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Elevate your meal by plating the salmon over a bed of buttery cauliflower rice or lemon-infused quinoa for a modern, health-conscious twist. You can also serve the salmon fillets family-style on a large platter, nestled amongst roasted cherry tomatoes, adding both vibrant color and juicy bursts of flavor that echo your sauce’s citrus tones.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers from your Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. They will stay fresh for up to two days, and you’ll love revisiting that buttery garlicky flavor the next day.
Freezing
While freezing cooked salmon is possible, it can slightly affect the texture. If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and place them in a freezer bag. For best quality, consume within one month and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently.
Reheating
To retain moisture and avoid drying out the salmon, reheat it gently in a low oven (about 275°F) wrapped in foil or in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or extra butter. Avoid microwaving as this can make the fish rubbery and unevenly heated.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for the Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator beforehand. This helps ensure even cooking and the best texture for your dish.
What if I don’t have fresh parsley?
Dried parsley can be used in a pinch, but fresh parsley is preferred for its bright flavor and vibrant color, which really enhances the finishing touch of this dish.
Is it okay to use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Fresh garlic is key to getting that strong, aromatic flavor in the sauce, but if you’re in a pinch, a small amount of garlic powder can suffice, though it won’t be quite the same.
How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?
Check for opaque flesh that flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption. Overcooking can dry out the fish, so keep a close eye on it.
Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
It’s best to make the garlic butter sauce fresh to maintain its vibrant flavor and luscious texture. However, you can prepare the garlic in butter ahead and gently reheat it before adding lemon juice and basting the salmon.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe has quickly become one of my favorite go-to dishes, combining ease with elegance in every bite. It’s a beautiful way to elevate weeknight dinners or wow guests without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will steal a spot in your regular rotation, turning simple ingredients into a memorable dining experience every time.
Print
Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 to 5.5 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon and fresh parsley. It’s an easy and flavorful dish that cooks quickly on the stovetop, delivering tender, flaky salmon with a deliciously buttery and aromatic glaze.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 2 pounds skin on salmon fillets, 2-inches wide (about 5 pieces)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Butter Garlic Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 1/2 tablespoons garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Season and Rest: Pat dry the fillets and season both sides with salt and black pepper. Set the salmon aside at room temperature for 10–15 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it is sizzling, about 1 minute. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Add butter to the hot pan and allow it to melt and bubble for about 1 minute. Stir in the finely minced garlic and lemon juice, sautéing until the garlic becomes fragrant, approximately 1 minute.
- Baste the Salmon: Tilt the pan slightly and, using a spoon, continuously drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the salmon fillets for about 1 minute to infuse flavor and keep the fish moist.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the salmon and add an optional extra squeeze of lemon juice. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Bringing the salmon to room temperature prior to cooking helps it cook evenly.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in the butter sauce.
- To prevent sticking, make sure the skillet and oil are hot before adding the salmon.
- Basting the salmon with garlic butter enhances moisture and taste.
- Serve with lemon wedges or your favorite side dishes like steamed vegetables or rice.
