Garlic Butter Salmon

Introduction

Garlic Butter Salmon is one of those dishes that beautifully showcases how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Salmon, with its naturally rich and buttery taste, becomes irresistible when paired with a golden, garlicky butter sauce. The fillets are pan-seared or baked until tender and flaky, then bathed in a sauce made from butter, garlic, lemon, and herbs. The result is a dish that’s comforting, luxurious, and full of flavor, yet quick enough to make on a busy weeknight.

This recipe combines everything you love about salmon—its flaky texture, deep flavor, and health benefits—with the indulgence of butter and the aroma of garlic. It’s a dish that feels gourmet but requires minimal effort, making it a true kitchen staple.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love Garlic Butter Salmon because it’s the perfect balance of comfort and elegance. The sauce is rich without being heavy, and the garlic infuses the butter with incredible flavor that enhances the salmon without overpowering it. Every bite is moist, flaky, and loaded with taste.

Another reason I adore this dish is its speed and versatility. In less than 25 minutes, I can prepare a meal that feels restaurant-worthy. It pairs beautifully with almost anything—pasta, rice, vegetables, or salad. It’s my go-to recipe when I want to impress guests or when I crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Quick and easy – Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Flavor-packed – Garlic butter adds richness, lemon brings freshness, and salmon ties it all together.
• Healthy yet indulgent – Rich in omega-3s and protein, but still comforting.
• Versatile – Perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions.
• Crowd-pleaser – Loved by adults and kids alike.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~410 kcal per serving (approx., varies by portion and butter quantity)
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / European

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on preferred)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into cubes, cold)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup white wine (optional, or substitute chicken broth)

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Prepare the Salmon
   • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
   • Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear the Salmon
   • Heat olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel preferred) over medium-high heat.
   • Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes without moving, until the skin is crisp.
   • Flip carefully and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through (internal temperature ~125–130°F for medium doneness).
   • Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
   • In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium.
   • Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
   • Deglaze with white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up browned bits.
   • Stir in lemon juice and zest.
   • Whisk in cold butter cubes one at a time, letting them melt into a silky sauce.
   • Add chopped parsley and stir.
4. Finish the Dish
   • Return salmon briefly to the skillet, spooning sauce over the fillets.
   • Serve hot with extra garlic butter sauce drizzled on top.

How to Serve

• Serve salmon hot, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
• Best paired with roasted asparagus, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, or sautéed spinach.
• For a lighter meal, serve over a crisp salad or with steamed vegetables.

Recipe Tips

• Always pat salmon dry for the best sear.
• Keep butter cold when making the sauce—it helps emulsify and thicken.
• Avoid overcooking—salmon should be moist and flake easily with a fork.
• If you prefer baked salmon, cook at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes and pour the garlic butter sauce over after baking.

Variations

• Garlic Herb Butter Salmon: Add fresh thyme, dill, or rosemary to the sauce.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon: Stir in 2 tbsp heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.
• Spicy Garlic Butter Salmon: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
• Citrus Twist: Swap lemon for lime or orange juice.
• Garlic Butter Salmon Pasta: Toss cooked salmon and sauce with pasta for a full meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Cooked salmon can be frozen for 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap before placing in a freezer bag.
• Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the fish.

Special Equipment Needed

• Heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron or stainless steel)
• Fish spatula (for flipping without breaking)
• Whisk (for emulsifying the sauce)

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Salmon is proof that simple ingredients can create a dish that feels indulgent, comforting, and gourmet all at once. With juicy, perfectly seared salmon fillets coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, this recipe is quick enough for weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining. It’s versatile, healthy, and irresistibly delicious—definitely a recipe worth keeping in your rotation.

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Garlic Butter Salmon

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 15 mins Total Time 25 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: 410 kcal per serving

Description

Garlic Butter Salmon is one of those dishes that beautifully showcases how simple ingredients can create extraordinary flavors. Salmon, with its naturally rich and buttery taste, becomes irresistible when paired with a golden, garlicky butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on preferred)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or avocado oil)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• ½ tsp paprika (optional, for added color and flavor)

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter (cut into cubes, cold)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ cup white wine (optional, or substitute chicken broth)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear the Salmon: Heat olive oil in a large skillet (cast iron or stainless steel preferred) over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes without moving, until the skin is crisp. Flip carefully and cook the other side for 3–4 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through (internal temperature ~125–130°F for medium doneness). Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Deglaze with white wine (or chicken broth), scraping up browned bits. Stir in lemon juice and zest. Whisk in cold butter cubes one at a time, letting them melt into a silky sauce. Add chopped parsley and stir.
4. Finish the Dish: Return salmon briefly to the skillet, spooning sauce over the fillets. Serve hot with extra garlic butter sauce drizzled on top.

Keywords: Garlic Butter Salmon