If you are craving a dish that is both effortlessly elegant and packed with flavor, this Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe is bound to become your new go-to. It strikes the perfect balance between tender, flaky salmon and a rich, garlicky buttery sauce that elevates every bite. Whether you’re cooking a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a satisfying, crave-worthy meal with minimal fuss and maximum taste. The vibrant freshness from lemon and optional parsley adds a lovely brightness that complements the buttery richness perfectly. Once you try this Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe comes from a handful of simple, high-quality ingredients that work harmoniously to create a luscious flavor profile and appealing texture. Each element—from the buttery richness to the zing of lemon juice—plays an essential role in transforming salmon into a dinner that feels special but is incredibly easy to prepare.
- Salmon (1 pound, cut into 4 pieces): Fresh salmon is the star here—opt for firm, well-marbled fillets for the best taste and texture.
- Salt & pepper (to taste): Essential seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of the fish without overpowering it.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps crisp up the salmon skin and provides a fruity base for cooking.
- Butter (4 tablespoons, divided): Adds incredible richness and helps create that silky garlic sauce you will love.
- Lemon juice (½ tablespoon or more): Brings a bright acidity that cuts through the richness and awakens the dish.
- Garlic (4–5 cloves, minced): The heart of the recipe, delivering bold, fragrant flavor that perfectly complements the salmon.
- Fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, chopped, optional): Adds a fresh herbal note and a pop of color to finish the dish beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon
Start by taking your salmon out of the fridge about 15 to 20 minutes before cooking—this helps the fish cook evenly. Pat each piece dry with paper towels to ensure a crispier skin and season generously with salt and pepper. This simple seasoning allows the salmon’s natural flavors to shine while setting the stage for the rich garlic butter sauce.
Step 2: Heat the Pan and Start Cooking
Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil along with 1 tablespoon of butter. Let the pan get hot enough to sizzle when you add the fish. This combination of oil and butter helps achieve that golden, crispy skin and infuses the salmon with flavor from the start.
Step 3: Cook the Salmon Skin-Side Down
Place the salmon pieces skin-side down in the pan and cook for 5 minutes without moving them—resisting the urge to peek ensures you get a beautifully crispy skin. Then lower the heat to medium, flip the salmon gently, and cook the other side for 2 to 4 minutes until the fish is cooked through but still tender and juicy. Transfer the cooked salmon to a plate and set aside.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the stove to medium-low and add the remaining butter to the same pan. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and lemon juice. Cook this fragrant mixture carefully for about a minute, watching closely so the garlic softens but doesn’t brown. Avoid burnt garlic at all costs—it can ruin the sauce with bitterness. When the sauce is just right, remove the pan from heat.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the salmon to the skillet, spooning the warm garlic butter sauce over the fillets to coat them generously. If you like, sprinkle on the fresh parsley for a burst of color and subtle herbal flavor. Serve immediately, and don’t forget lemon wedges on the side to add extra zing as you wish. The crispy skin is delicious if eaten right away, but it’s easy to peel off if you prefer to enjoy just the tender salmon meat.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh chopped parsley is a classic way to brighten up the dish visually and add a slight herbal freshness that contrasts beautifully with the richness of the butter and garlic. Lemon wedges are another must-have—they bring a bright acidity and a burst of freshness when squeezed over the salmon right before eating, truly enhancing every bite.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe pairs perfectly with a variety of side dishes. For a light and vibrant plate, serve alongside steamed or roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp mixed greens salad. For something more comforting, creamy mashed potatoes, buttery rice pilaf, or garlic roasted potatoes complement the flavors and create a complete, satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve the salmon fillets on a bed of lemon-infused quinoa or cauliflower rice, with a drizzle of leftover garlic butter sauce on top. You can also plate the salmon next to a colorful medley of roasted vegetables for a vibrant, restaurant-quality look. Adding a sprinkle of toasted almonds or pine nuts can introduce a delightful crunch that surprises and delights.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover Garlic Butter Salmon, place it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will keep well for up to 2 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunch or dinner the next day without losing too much flavor or moisture.
Freezing
Salmon is best enjoyed fresh, but if you want to freeze leftovers, wrap the cooked pieces tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to prevent freezer burn and retain moisture. Place the wrapped fish in a freezer bag and store for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw in the refrigerator overnight for the best texture.
Reheating
To reheat your Garlic Butter Salmon, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 275°F (135°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the delicate fish. Adding a little butter or lemon juice during reheating will help keep it moist and flavorful.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it fully in the refrigerator and pat it dry before cooking to achieve a crispy skin and even cooking. Fresh salmon is ideal, but high-quality frozen will work well too.
What if I don’t like salmon skin?
No worries! The skin crisps beautifully and adds texture, but you can easily peel it off after cooking if you prefer to enjoy just the tender salmon filet.
Can I substitute garlic with garlic powder?
Fresh garlic gives the best flavor and texture here, but garlic powder can be used in a pinch. Keep in mind it won’t provide the same aromatic quality and requires adjusting the amount carefully to avoid overpowering the dish.
Is this recipe suitable for beginner cooks?
Definitely! The Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe is surprisingly simple and straightforward. With just a few steps and ingredients, even those new to cooking can create a delicious, impressive meal with confidence.
What side dishes go best with this salmon?
Think fresh, light, and complementary. Steamed vegetables, a zesty salad, or creamy potatoes are classic choices. Also try wild rice or quinoa for an earthy touch, or roasted seasonal veggies to balance the richness.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe is one of those timeless dishes that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to whip up anytime you want to treat yourself. The combination of buttery richness, fresh garlic, and bright lemon transforms simple salmon into a truly special meal. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do—once you try this recipe, it’s going to be one you return to again and again for a quick yet luxurious dinner that impresses every time.
Print
Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Garlic Butter Salmon recipe offers a quick and delicious way to enjoy tender, flaky salmon with a rich garlic butter sauce. Perfectly seared on the stovetop, each salmon fillet is infused with bright lemon juice and fresh parsley, creating a flavorful meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 pound salmon, cut into 4 pieces
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter, divided
- 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice (or more, to taste)
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Take the salmon out of the fridge 15-20 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Cut the salmon into 4 equal pieces and pat each dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Heat the Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Allow the pan to heat thoroughly for a few minutes until the butter melts and the oil is hot.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon pieces skin-side down in the hot skillet. Cook for 5 minutes without moving them to develop a crispy skin. Reduce the heat to medium, flip the salmon carefully, and cook for an additional 2 to 4 minutes until cooked through but still moist. Transfer salmon to a plate temporarily.
- Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and lemon juice, cooking and stirring for about a minute or until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. Immediately remove the skillet from heat to avoid bitterness.
- Combine and Serve: Return the cooked salmon to the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over each piece. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately, optionally with extra lemon wedges for added brightness. The crispy salmon skin can be eaten or peeled off based on preference.
Notes
- Bringing salmon to room temperature helps it cook evenly.
- Use fresh minced garlic for the best flavor and avoid burning it to prevent bitterness.
- You can adjust the lemon juice amount to taste, adding more for a tangier dish.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- The crispy skin is delicious if eaten immediately but can be removed easily if preferred.
