Irresistible Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe in 30 Minutes

The moment you walk into a kitchen where garlic butter salmon is being prepared, your senses are instantly transported to flavor paradise. The buttery aroma wafts through the air, mingling with the zesty scent of garlic and the delicate fragrance of fresh herbs. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds, promising an explosion of flavors that are both rich and refreshing.

I remember the first time I made garlic butter salmon; it was a spontaneous dinner for friends. Their delighted faces as they savored each bite made me realize this dish is perfect for any occasion—be it a cozy weeknight or a fancy dinner party. Get ready to indulge in this culinary delight that’s sure to impress!

Sharing this dish at my last get-together had my friends raving about my cooking skills—it felt like I was a culinary wizard conjuring up magic in the kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh or thawed fillets; skin-on adds flavor while skinless offers a velvety texture.

• Butter: Use unsalted butter for precise control over saltiness; it melts beautifully into the sauce.

• Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves that will release their robust flavor when minced.

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

• Fresh Parsley or Dill: Bright herbs add color and freshness; choose based on your flavor preference.

• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings enhance all flavors; don’t skimp on these essentials.

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

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Salmon: Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This ensures they sear nicely without steaming.

Melt the Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of butter until bubbly. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds.

Add Lemon Juice and Herbs: Squeeze in fresh lemon juice and stir in chopped parsley or dill, creating a zesty sauce that complements the fish beautifully.

Cook the Salmon Fillets: Place seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown before flipping carefully with a spatula.

Baste with Sauce While Cooking: Spoon some of the garlic butter sauce over the fillets as they cook to keep them moist and flavorful. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until flaky.

Serve Hot with Extra Sauce Drizzled On Top: Plate your succulent garlic butter salmon and drizzle any remaining sauce over top. Garnish with extra herbs and lemon slices if desired!

This delightful dish will surely become a staple in your kitchen, leaving everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy every buttery bite!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the salmon skin-side down for that crispy texture, then finish cooking in the oven while preparing the garlic butter sauce for maximum flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out fresh herbs or add a splash of lemon juice for extra zing. You can also try different types of fish if you’re feeling adventurous.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover garlic butter salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain its juicy texture.

It was my brother’s birthday when I first made garlic butter salmon. Everyone raved about how delicious and fancy it tasted, and I felt like a culinary rock star!

FAQ

What can I serve with garlic butter salmon?

Garlic butter salmon pairs beautifully with asparagus, rice, or a fresh garden salad.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.

How do I know when my salmon is done cooking?

Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internally.

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Garlic Butter Salmon

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• Author: Ethan Brooks
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Indulge in the rich flavors of garlic butter salmon, a dish that blends buttery goodness with zesty garlic and fresh herbs. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for any occasion, from casual weeknight dinners to elegant gatherings. With its vibrant colors and mouthwatering aroma, garlic butter salmon will impress your guests and keep them 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
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
3. Stir in lemon juice and herbs, creating a zesty sauce.
4. Place seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet; cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown. Carefully flip with a spatula.
5. Baste fillets with garlic butter sauce while cooking for another 3-4 minutes until they are flaky.
6. Serve hot, drizzled with remaining sauce and garnished with additional herbs and lemon slices.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 75mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, sear the salmon skin-side down before finishing in the oven at 400°F for about 5 minutes. Feel free to swap out herbs or add a splash of white wine to the sauce for added depth.