Irresistible Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe – Easy & Delicious

Garlic butter salmon is the kind of dish that makes your taste buds dance and your kitchen smell like a five-star restaurant. Picture this: tender salmon fillets sizzling in a rich garlic butter sauce, their golden edges glistening as they cook to perfection. The aroma wafts through your home, drawing everyone to the kitchen like moths to a flame, eager to dive into what promises to be an unforgettable meal.

I remember the first time I made garlic butter salmon; my family gathered around the table, eyes wide with anticipation. It was a simple weeknight dinner, but somehow it felt special. Each bite was a flavor explosion, and laughter erupted over deliciously buttery fish. This dish has become our go-to for everything from casual weeknights to fancy dinner parties; it never disappoints!

Everyone raved about how delicious it was, asking for seconds and thirds!

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh or frozen works well; just ensure they are boneless for easy eating.

• Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you better control over the seasoning of your dish.

• Fresh Garlic: Minced fresh garlic offers an aromatic punch that dried garlic simply can’t match.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.

• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh touch and colorful garnish that enhances visual appeal.

• Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors in this delightful meal.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Start by preparing your workspace and gathering all ingredients before diving into cooking.

Preheat Your Pan: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough for water droplets to sizzle and evaporate instantly.

Season Your Salmon: Pat dry your salmon fillets with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.

Add Butter & Garlic: Once the skillet is hot, add unsalted butter. Swirl it around until melted and bubbly, then toss in minced garlic until fragrant but not browned.

Sear the Salmon Fillets: Gently place your seasoned salmon fillets in the pan skin-side down; let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes until golden brown.

Flip & Finish Cooking: Carefully flip each fillet using a spatula; cook for another 3-4 minutes while spooning garlic butter over them for even flavor distribution.

Add Lemon & Parsley: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet as they finish cooking, then sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving for added zest and color.

Enjoy your beautifully cooked garlic butter salmon alongside your favorite sides! This dish pairs wonderfully with asparagus or a light salad for a complete meal experience.

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated—this recipe proves that great flavors can come together quickly and effortlessly!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the salmon skin-side down to create a crispy texture. While it’s cooking, melt garlic in butter to infuse flavor. Finish in the oven for perfectly tender fish.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap butter with olive oil for a lighter version or add fresh herbs like dill or parsley to elevate flavors. Experiment with spices to make it your own.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the salmon.

Cooking garlic butter salmon reminds me of family gatherings where everyone eagerly awaited my culinary creations. Seeing their smiles made every effort worthwhile.

FAQ

What type of salmon is best for garlic butter salmon?

Wild-caught salmon offers better flavor and texture than farmed varieties, making it ideal.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

How can I tell when the salmon is done cooking?

Salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

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Garlic Butter Salmon

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Garlic Butter Salmon is a delectable dish that elevates any meal with its rich flavors and enticing aroma. In just under 30 minutes, you can prepare tender salmon fillets seared to perfection in a luscious garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, impressing family and friends alike. Each bite delivers a savory experience that keeps everyone coming back for more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels; season both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Add unsalted butter to the skillet and swirl until melted and bubbly. Stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
4. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet; cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
5. Carefully flip the fillets using a spatula; cook for an additional 3-4 minutes while spooning garlic butter over them.
6. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet, then sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 110mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: - For a lighter version, substitute butter with olive oil. - Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or tarragon for added flavor. - Ensure salmon is thawed completely if using frozen.