Butter Garlic Salmon Recipe for Dinner

Published: May 5, 2025

by Clara Harper

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dish offers incredible flavor without requiring hours in the kitchen.
It beautifully balances savory and buttery notes for an irresistible taste.
The vibrant colors make it a showstopper on any plate.
It’s incredibly versatile; serve it over rice or with veggies for a complete meal.

Family gatherings are always better with this recipe. One time, my cousin devoured three servings and declared it “life-changing.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

Salmon Fillets: Fresh or frozen will work; just ensure they are skinless for even cooking.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted lets you control the saltiness while allowing the other flavors to shine.
Fresh Garlic: Choose firm cloves; minced fresh garlic makes a world of difference in flavor.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and cuts through the richness beautifully.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to finish off your dish perfectly.
Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings are crucial for enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Preparation Time: Gather all ingredients before starting for a smoother cooking experience. Prepping ahead saves time and hassle later.

Melt That Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter until bubbly. The moment it starts bubbling is when you’ll want to crank up your favorite tunes; we’re in business now!

Sauté Garlic Goodness: Add 3-4 minced garlic cloves to the melted butter. Stir occasionally until golden brown—about 1-2 minutes. Your kitchen will soon smell heavenly; if only there were a way to bottle that scent!

Season Your Salmon: While waiting for that glorious garlic to sauté, season both sides of your salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper. Remember—don’t be shy! This is where flavor starts.

Cook Your Salmon: Carefully place seasoned salmon fillets into the skillet skin-side down (if applicable). Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through—flipping only once ensures they stay juicy.

Lemon Zing: Once cooked through, squeeze half a lemon’s worth of fresh juice over each fillet before serving. The zesty kick will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Garnish & Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your masterpiece before plating. Get ready for compliments galore from family or friends!

Enjoying this Butter Garlic Salmon is like taking a mini-vacation without ever leaving your kitchen! You might even find yourself making excuses to whip this up more often than you’d planned.

Now go ahead! Grab those ingredients and get started on this culinary delight that’s sure to become an instant favorite in your home!

You Must Know

Using fresh ingredients enhances the flavor significantly.
Cooking at medium heat prevents overcooking.
Add lemon zest for a zesty kick.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by melting the butter in a pan, then sear the salmon skin-side down for crispy goodness. While that sizzles, chop garlic and prepare any sides you desire to maximize efficiency.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out herbs like dill or parsley based on your preference. You can also add some crushed red pepper for a spicy twist or even toss in veggies to sauté alongside the fish.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat to prevent drying out while retaining its deliciousness.

Chef's Helpful Tips

Choose salmon fillets with skin on; it adds extra flavor and helps keep moisture.
Always season generously before cooking for more profound flavors.
Let your salmon rest post-cooking; it allows juices to redistribute and enhances tenderness.

I remember the first time I made butter garlic salmon; my family devoured it within minutes. They insisted I make it every week, turning my kitchen into a seafood hotspot!

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon for butter garlic salmon?

Yes, but fresh salmon provides better flavor and texture overall.

What can I serve with butter garlic salmon?

Consider pairing it with asparagus or creamy mashed potatoes for a delightful meal.

How do I know when my salmon is done cooking?

Salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

📖 Recipe Card