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
Scale
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.
