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Garlic Butter Salmon

Garlic Butter Salmon

Quick and flavorful salmon fillets cooked in rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets about 6 ounces each
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic minced, about 1 tablespoon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice about half a lemon
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

  • Large 12-inch skillet
  • Wide fish spatula
  • Paper towels

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter until bubbly and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent browning.
  3. Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan. Cook without moving for 4 to 5 minutes until edges turn opaque and a golden crust forms.
  4. Gently flip each fillet and add minced garlic around the salmon. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes more until salmon reaches 145°F internally and flakes easily. The garlic should become fragrant and golden but not brown.
  5. Drizzle lemon juice over salmon and sprinkle with parsley. Cook for one final minute, spooning garlic butter sauce over fillets.
  6. Transfer salmon to serving platter and spoon garlic butter sauce over each piece. Remove skin if desired. Garnish with lemon wedges.

Notes

Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in skillet over low heat with a splash of water or butter to maintain moisture. Pat salmon very dry before cooking for best searing results.