Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Introduction

This Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is a simple yet elegant way to enjoy a perfectly cooked salmon fillet with rich, garlicky butter. It’s quick to prepare and ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (180g/6oz each), skinless and boneless
• 1/2 tsp salt (cooking/kosher)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp garlic (~2 cloves), finely minced by hand
• 90g / 6 tbsp salted butter, cut into cubes (or unsalted + 1/4 tsp salt)
• 1 tsp lemon juice, plus more to taste
• 2 tsp parsley, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Step 1: Take salmon out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Sprinkle both sides with salt and black pepper to season evenly.
2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets presentation side down (curved side) and cook for 3 minutes until golden brown.
3. Step 3: Flip the salmon and cook for 1 more minute on the other side. Then add the cubed butter to the pan.
4. Step 4: Once the butter melts and starts to foam, add the minced garlic. Immediately begin spooning the bubbling butter continuously over the salmon for 1 1/2 minutes. Tilt the pan to pool the butter and use a large spoon to baste.
5. Step 5: Check the salmon’s internal temperature; it should be 50°C (122°F) for medium-rare doneness. Remove salmon from the pan and let it rest on a plate for 3 minutes to reach about 53°C (127°F).
6. Step 6: Place the pan back on the stove (turned off) to keep the butter warm. Stir in the lemon juice to the butter sauce.
7. Step 7: Serve the salmon on plates. Spoon the garlic butter over each fillet sparingly and garnish with chopped parsley. Enjoy with your favorite side dishes like cauliflower mash or leafy greens.

Tips & Variations

• For a more intense garlic flavor, let the garlic sit in the butter for a minute before basting the salmon.
• Use unsalted butter and adjust salt to taste to control sodium levels.
• Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a smoky or spicy twist.
• Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon just before eating for extra brightness.

Storage

Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or covered skillet to avoid drying out. Garlic butter sauce can be reheated separately and spooned over the salmon after warming.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salmon with skin on?

Yes, you can use skin-on salmon. Cooking times may vary slightly, and you can crisp the skin by starting salmon skin-side down in the pan.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Using a thermometer, medium-rare is 50°C (122°F) internally. Carryover heat will raise the temperature slightly during resting.

Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 125 reviews

• Author: Sophie
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Salt

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Description

This Garlic Butter Salmon recipe delivers tender, juicy salmon fillets seared to golden perfection and basted in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. Finished with fresh lemon juice and parsley, this simple yet elegant dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (180g/6oz each), skinless and boneless
• 1/2 tsp salt (cooking/kosher)
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

Cooking

• 1 1/2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp garlic (~2 cloves), finely minced by hand
• 90g / 6 tbsp salted butter, cut into cubes (or unsalted + 1/4 tsp salt)
• 1 tsp lemon juice, plus more to taste
• 2 tsp parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Season salmon: Take salmon out of the fridge 30 minutes prior to cooking to reach room temperature. Sprinkle both sides evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance flavor.
2. Sear salmon 3 mins: Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets presentation side (curved side) down and cook for 3 minutes until the surface turns golden and crispy.
3. Turn, cook 1 min, then add butter: Flip the salmon and cook the other side for 1 minute. Then add the cubed butter to the skillet.
4. Baste 1 1/2 minutes: Once the butter has melted and is foaming, add the minced garlic. Immediately begin spooning the bubbling garlic butter continuously over the salmon for 1 1/2 minutes. Tilt the pan slightly to pool the butter on one side and use a large spoon to baste the salmon thoroughly.
5. Remove salmon from stove: Check the internal temperature of the salmon with a thermometer; it should read 50°C (122°F) for medium-rare, which ensures optimum juiciness. Remove the salmon onto a plate and let it rest for 3 minutes. The temperature will rise to 53°C (127°F).
6. Add lemon juice to butter: Place the skillet back on an unlit stove burner to keep the butter warm. Stir in 1 tsp of lemon juice to the garlic butter sauce.
7. Serve: Arrange the salmon fillets on serving plates. Spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over the top generously but judiciously, as it is rich. Garnish with a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley. This dish pairs wonderfully with cauliflower mash and leafy greens dressed with French vinaigrette.

Notes

• Allowing salmon to sit at room temperature before cooking ensures even cooking throughout.
• Using a thermometer to check doneness helps achieve the perfect medium-rare, keeping salmon moist and tender.
• Finely mincing garlic by hand, rather than using a press, preserves its texture and flavor.
• Basting with garlic butter enhances flavor and creates a beautiful glaze on the salmon.
• This recipe works best with skinless, boneless salmon fillets for ease of cooking and presentation.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, seared salmon, salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner, garlic salmon, butter sauce