Garlic Butter Salmon: The Only Way You’ll Ever Want to Eat

Recipe By:
James Walker
Updated:

There’s something magical about the sizzle of salmon hitting a hot pan, and when you add garlic and butter to the mix, it becomes an experience rather than just a meal. Garlic Butter Salmon: The Only Way You’ll Ever Want to Eat Salmon is not just a dish; it’s a culinary hug that wraps around you, filling your kitchen with aromas that make your taste buds dance with joy.

Imagine serving this delightful dish to family or friends, watching their faces light up with each bite as they savor the rich buttery flavor combined with the subtle kick of garlic. It’s perfect for those cozy weeknight dinners or special occasions when you want to impress without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll understand why Garlic Butter Salmon is truly the only way you’ll ever want to eat salmon.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
  • The flavor profile is rich and savory, guaranteed to please everyone at the table
  • Visually, it presents beautifully with its golden crust and vibrant colors
  • Versatile enough for dinner parties or casual meals, this dish shines on any occasion

I remember one time I made this for my family during a holiday gathering. My uncle, who claims he can’t stand fish, went back for seconds! That’s how good it is; it even won over the skeptics.

Essential Ingredients

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

  • Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh or frozen fillets; wild-caught salmon adds a richer flavor.

  • Butter: Use unsalted butter to control salt levels and enhance the flavors.

  • Fresh Garlic: Opt for whole cloves rather than pre-minced for optimal flavor.

  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish wonderfully.

  • Dill or Parsley: Fresh herbs add a pop of color and freshness to balance richness.

  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings; adjust according to your taste preference.

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

Let’s Make it Together

Prep Your Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients on the counter. This will help streamline your cooking process and keep things organized.

Preheat Your Pan: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. A well-heated pan ensures that your salmon gets that beautiful golden crust.

Add Butter and Garlic: Once your pan is ready, melt 2 tablespoons of butter in it. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about 30 seconds.

Sear the Salmon Fillets: Place your salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them until they develop a lovely crust.

Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully flip each fillet using a spatula. Pour in lemon juice and add more butter if desired. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.

Garnish and Serve: Once cooked, garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving alongside your favorite side dishes. Enjoy every bite!

This Garlic Butter Salmon recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household!

You Must Know

  • Garlic butter salmon is a game-changer, transforming your average fish night into a flavor explosion
  • Pair it with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon for an unforgettable dish that impresses everyone
  • A quick and easy recipe perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by seasoning the salmon fillets, then melt the garlic butter in a hot skillet. Sear the salmon skin-side down for crispiness before flipping to finish cooking.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap fresh herbs like dill or parsley for a personalized flavor twist. You can even add a splash of white wine for an extra depth of taste.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover garlic butter salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain tenderness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfectly cooked salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure even cooking, and always let your salmon rest before serving for juiciness
  • Add a pinch of salt just before serving to enhance flavors beautifully

Sharing this garlic butter salmon recipe with friends turned out to be a hit at our last dinner party; everyone went back for seconds—and thirds!

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon for garlic butter salmon?

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

What side dishes pair well with garlic butter salmon?

Roasted vegetables or fluffy rice complement garlic butter salmon perfectly.

How do I know when salmon is done cooking?

Salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque appearance when fully cooked.

Print
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Garlic Butter Salmon

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Garlic Butter Salmon is a simple yet elegant dish that transforms your ordinary fish night into an extraordinary culinary experience. With its rich buttery flavor paired with the aromatic essence of garlic, this recipe is sure to impress family and friends alike. Perfect for both casual weeknight dinners and festive gatherings, it’s a dish that delivers joy in every bite while being incredibly easy to prepare.

  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill or parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Melt butter in the hot skillet; add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
  3. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
  4. Flip the fillets carefully, pour in lemon juice, and add more butter if desired. Cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until fully cooked.
  5. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley before serving.
  • Author: James
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 80mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg

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