Garlic butter salmon transforms simple ingredients into an elegant dinner that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. I still remember the first time I made this for my family on a busy Tuesday evening—the rich, buttery sauce with aromatic garlic created the most incredible aroma that had everyone rushing to the dinner table. What makes this dish truly special is how quickly it comes together, yet it feels like a celebration every single time.
Table of Contents
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Salmon
I always start by selecting fresh, high-quality salmon with firm flesh and a mild ocean smell—this makes all the difference in the final result. My preference is to use wild-caught salmon when available, though good-quality farm-raised works beautifully too. Keep your ingredients simple and let the natural flavors shine through.
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)—I recommend asking your fishmonger for center-cut pieces for even cooking
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter—in my experience, European-style butter with higher fat content creates the richest sauce
- 4 cloves garlic (minced, about 1 tablespoon)—I usually mince mine finely so it distributes evenly throughout the butter
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped)—pro tip: fresh parsley brings brighter flavor and color
- Salt and pepper to taste—I prefer fine sea salt for even seasoning
- Lemon wedges for serving
Step-by-Step Instructions
I recommend patting your salmon completely dry before seasoning—this simple step ensures you get that gorgeous golden crust we’re looking for.
Step 1: Pat the salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels, then season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Don’t skip the drying step, as moisture prevents proper searing.
Step 2: Heat a large 12-inch skillet over medium-high heat and melt the butter until it becomes bubbly and fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Watch carefully to prevent browning, as burnt butter tastes bitter.
Step 3: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan (if your fillets have skin). Cook without moving them for 4 to 5 minutes. Resist the urge to peek or flip early. You’ll know they’re ready when the edges turn opaque and a golden crust forms on the bottom.
Step 4: Gently flip each fillet using a wide fish spatula, then immediately add the minced garlic around the salmon pieces. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes more until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork. The salmon will turn from translucent to opaque throughout, and the garlic should become fragrant and golden but not brown.
Step 5: Drizzle the lemon juice over the salmon and sprinkle with parsley. Let everything cook together for one final minute, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the fillets to create layers of flavor.
Step 6: Transfer the salmon to your serving platter and generously spoon the aromatic garlic butter sauce over each piece. If your fillets had skin, you can remove it now or leave it on based on preference. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges for squeezing at the table.
Perfect Pairings for Garlic Butter Salmon
This rich, buttery salmon pairs beautifully with sides that balance its richness with fresh flavors and varied textures.
Steamed Asparagus: The slight bitterness of asparagus cuts through the buttery richness while adding a vibrant green color and crisp texture to your plate.
Garlic Herb Chicken with Mashed Potatoes: Borrow the mashed potatoes from this recipe—creamy potatoes provide the perfect base to soak up every drop of that delicious garlic butter sauce.
Roasted Baby Potatoes: Similar to the potatoes in this steak bites recipe, crispy roasted potatoes complement the tender salmon beautifully and provide a hearty, comforting element.
Simple Green Salad: A light salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette refreshes your palate between bites and adds nutritious greens to balance the protein-rich main course.
Sautéed Green Beans: Quickly cooked green beans with a bit of garlic create a harmonious flavor bridge with the main dish while maintaining a satisfying crunch.
Garlic Parmesan Rice: The rice from this honey butter chicken dish works wonderfully, soaking up the garlic butter sauce while adding satisfying substance to the meal.
Storing and Enjoying Your Salmon
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The garlic butter sauce will solidify when cold, which is perfectly normal.
When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over low heat rather than the microwave to preserve the salmon’s tender texture. Add a splash of water or extra butter to the pan to keep the fish moist. Gently warm for 2 to 3 minutes until just heated through. Overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough, so keep the heat low.
This dish also works wonderfully served cold over salad greens the next day, or flaked into pasta for a quick lunch. The versatility makes it perfect for meal prep on quieter weekends.
FAQs
How do I know when salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should reach 145°F internally and flake easily when tested with a fork. The flesh will turn from translucent to opaque pink, and you’ll see white protein lines forming along the surface.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat it very dry before cooking. Excess moisture from frozen salmon can prevent proper searing.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
While fresh garlic creates the best flavor, you can substitute 1 teaspoon of garlic powder mixed into the melted butter. Add it after placing the salmon in the pan to prevent burning.
Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Pat the salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Drizzle lemon juice over salmon and sprinkle with parsley. Cook for one final minute, spooning garlic butter sauce over fillets.
- Transfer salmon to serving platter and spoon garlic butter sauce over each piece. Remove skin if desired. Garnish with lemon wedges.
Notes
