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
Scale
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.
