Name: Garlic Butter Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Juice of 1/2 lemon; Zest of 1/2 lemon; 1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley; Salt and pepper to taste; Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

A rich and flavorful dish, Garlic Butter Salmon is one of my go-to recipes when I need something quick, delicious, and a little fancy. The salmon is first seared to get that beautiful golden crust, then baked in a luscious garlic butter sauce infused with lemon and parsley. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or even a weekend dinner that looks and tastes impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s incredibly simple yet full of flavor. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon brings out the best in salmon without overwhelming it. The whole dish comes together in about 25 minutes, so it’s ideal when I want something satisfying but don’t want to spend all evening in the kitchen. Plus, it’s gluten-free, low in carbs, and packed with healthy fats and protein.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter

4 garlic cloves, minced

1 tablespoon olive oil

Juice of 1/2 lemon

Zest of 1/2 lemon

1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley

Salt and pepper to taste

Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)

Directions

I start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C).

I pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.

Then I heat the olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, I place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 2-3 minutes until golden.

I flip the salmon and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes before taking the skillet off the heat.

In a small saucepan, I melt the butter over medium-low heat, add the minced garlic, and cook it gently for 1-2 minutes until it’s fragrant.

I stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped parsley into the garlic butter sauce.

Next I pour the garlic butter evenly over the salmon in the skillet.

I then transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 7-10 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

I serve it hot, garnished with lemon slices and extra parsley if I’m feeling fancy.

Servings and timing

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cooking Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 365 kcal per serving

Variations

When I want to mix things up, I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a spicy kick. If I’m out of parsley, I swap it with fresh dill or basil for a different herbal note. For a complete meal in one pan, I occasionally toss in some asparagus or cherry tomatoes around the salmon before baking.

Storage/Reheating

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I use a skillet over low heat or warm it in the oven at 300°F until just heated through. I try to avoid the microwave because it can dry out the salmon.

Related Recipes:

Honey Garlic Salmon Bites

FAQs

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

I check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque throughout. The internal temperature should be around 145°F (63°C).

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, but I make sure to thaw them completely and pat them dry before cooking to get a nice sear.

What’s the best skillet to use?

I use an oven-safe skillet like cast iron or stainless steel. It allows me to sear the salmon and transfer it directly into the oven.

Can I make this dairy-free?

I can replace the butter with a plant-based alternative like vegan butter or even olive oil, though the flavor will be a bit different.

What sides go well with garlic butter salmon?

I like serving it with steamed vegetables, rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes. A fresh green salad also works great to balance the richness.

Conclusion

Garlic butter salmon is one of those recipes that always delivers. It’s quick, flavorful, and feels special without being complicated. Whether I’m cooking for myself or serving guests, this dish always impresses and satisfies.

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