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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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.
- 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
