This pan-seared Garlic Butter Salmon is a quick and elegant dish that combines rich, buttery flavor with fresh garlic and lemon. By basting the salmon in sizzling garlic butter as it cooks, you get a crispy, golden exterior and a tender, juicy interior—worthy of a restaurant meal but ready in under 20 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or a special dinner at home.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
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4 salmon fillets (about 180g/6oz each), skinless and boneless
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
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1½ tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp garlic, finely minced (about 2 cloves)
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90g (6 tbsp) salted butter, cubed (or unsalted + ¼ tsp salt)
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1 tsp lemon juice, plus extra to taste
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2 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Directions
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Prep the Salmon:
Let salmon sit at room temperature for 30 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. -
Sear the First Side:
Heat olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets curved side down and sear for about 3 minutes, or until golden brown. -
Flip and Add Butter:
Carefully flip the salmon fillets. Add butter cubes around the salmon and let them melt. -
Add Garlic & Baste:
Once the butter starts to foam, add the minced garlic. Tilt the pan slightly and spoon the melted garlic butter over the salmon repeatedly for about 1½ minutes. Total cook time on the second side should be about 3 minutes. -
Check Doneness & Rest:
Remove salmon from heat when internal temperature reaches 50°C (122°F). Let it rest for 3 minutes—it will rise to about 53°C (127°F). -
Finish the Sauce:
Off the heat, stir lemon juice into the butter sauce in the pan. -
Serve:
Plate the salmon fillets. Spoon garlic butter sauce over each piece, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.
Serving Suggestions
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Cauliflower purée, mashed potatoes, or steamed rice
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Green salad with lemon vinaigrette
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Steamed asparagus or green beans
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Lemon wedges on the side
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
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Calories: 464 kcal
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Protein: 36g
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Fat: 35g
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Saturated Fat: 14g
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Carbohydrates: 1g
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Sugar: 1g
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Fiber: 1g
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Cholesterol: 147mg
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Sodium: 531mg
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Potassium: 891mg
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Vitamin A: 639 IU (13% DV)
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Vitamin C: 1mg (1% DV)
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Calcium: 28mg (3% DV)
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Iron: 1mg (6% DV)
Chef’s Notes
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Finely mincing garlic by hand (rather than using a press) provides better flavor and texture.
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Basting the salmon during cooking is crucial—it infuses the fish with flavor and enhances the golden crust.
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Always use fresh garlic and lemon juice for the brightest taste.
Why Garlic Butter Works So Well
Garlic and butter are a time-tested combination in culinary traditions across the globe. Butter provides richness and moisture, especially important for lean proteins like fish, while garlic introduces sharpness, depth, and a comforting aroma that elevates the dish.
What makes this particular garlic butter salmon recipe exceptional is the basting technique. Rather than simply adding garlic butter as a finishing sauce, the butter is melted in the pan and used to baste the salmon during the final minutes of cooking. This infuses the fish with deep flavor while also helping to achieve a perfectly crisp crust without overcooking the interior.
The addition of lemon juice and fresh herbs like parsley not only balances the richness of the butter but also introduces brightness and complexity. The result is a harmonious blend of flavors that tastes as though it took hours to create—but takes under 20 minutes.
Mastering the Pan-Searing Technique
Pan-searing is one of the best ways to cook salmon when you want a crisp exterior and a tender, flaky interior. However, achieving the perfect sear requires a few key considerations:
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Room Temperature Fillets: Allowing salmon to come to room temperature before cooking ensures even heat distribution. This prevents the center from being undercooked while the exterior overcooks.
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Drying the Surface: Patting the fillets dry is crucial for getting a good sear. Moisture on the surface can cause the salmon to steam rather than brown.
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High-Quality Skillet: A heavy-bottomed, non-stick skillet helps retain heat and prevent sticking, which is especially useful when working with delicate proteins like fish.
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Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook in batches if necessary. Overcrowding lowers the pan temperature and results in uneven cooking.
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Mind the Temperature: Salmon is best enjoyed when it’s cooked to medium or medium-rare. Aim for an internal temperature of around 122°F (50°C) when removing it from the heat. It will continue cooking slightly as it rests, finishing around 127°F (53°C).
Flavor Pairings and Side Dishes
Garlic Butter Salmon is as adaptable as it is delicious. Its savory, lemony flavor pairs well with a variety of side dishes that can complement or contrast the richness of the fish.
Here are a few excellent pairings:
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Cauliflower Purée or Mashed Potatoes: Creamy sides work beautifully with the rich butter sauce, creating a satisfying, comforting plate.
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Steamed Rice or Quinoa: For a lighter option, whole grains provide a neutral base that soaks up the garlic butter beautifully.
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Roasted or Steamed Vegetables: Asparagus, green beans, or broccoli are all great choices. A light olive oil drizzle and a pinch of sea salt are all you need.
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Crisp Green Salad: A fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette helps cut through the richness and adds texture to your meal.
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Lemon Wedges: Don’t underestimate the power of a simple lemon wedge. A final squeeze just before serving can brighten the dish and accentuate the garlic-lemon notes.
Health Benefits and Nutritional Highlights
While it tastes indulgent, Garlic Butter Salmon is packed with nutrients. Salmon itself is an excellent source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to support heart health, brain function, and reduce inflammation.
The use of butter does add saturated fat to the dish, but when balanced with lean proteins and vegetables, it’s perfectly fine within a healthy diet. The small amount of carbohydrates in this dish also makes it suitable for low-carb or ketogenic diets.
Here’s a quick overview of what a single serving delivers nutritionally:
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Around 464 calories, primarily from protein and healthy fats
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36g of protein, which helps with muscle repair and satiety
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35g of fat, including heart-healthy unsaturated fats and omega-3s
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Minimal carbohydrates, making it great for those monitoring their carb intake
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Low sugar and gluten-free, making it accessible to many dietary needs
As always, nutritional content can vary slightly depending on the size of your fillets and specific brands of butter or oil.
Tips for Success
Even though the recipe is simple, a few expert tips can help you get the best results every time:
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Use Fresh Garlic: Pre-minced garlic or garlic in a jar can have a dull, metallic taste. Finely chopping fresh garlic delivers a more vibrant flavor.
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Don’t Skip the Basting: This step not only flavors the fish but helps control the cook on the second side without drying it out.
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Watch the Butter Closely: Letting the butter brown just slightly enhances its nutty flavor, but be careful not to burn the garlic—it can become bitter.
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Rest Before Serving: Just like steak or chicken, letting salmon rest after cooking allows the juices to redistribute and finish cooking gently.
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Experiment with Herbs: While parsley is a great all-purpose herb, you can try fresh dill, chives, or even a touch of thyme for different flavor profiles.
Why This Dish Belongs in Your Rotation
Garlic Butter Salmon is one of those unicorn recipes—it’s fast, easy, healthy, and absolutely packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for one or entertaining guests, it delivers impressive results with minimal effort.
It also lends itself well to customization. You can spice it up with chili flakes, swap the lemon for lime, or experiment with compound butters infused with herbs or spices. The technique of basting in flavored butter can even be applied to other proteins, like chicken or shrimp.
What really sets this recipe apart is how accessible it is. With just a handful of ingredients and one pan, you can turn ordinary salmon into a restaurant-level experience. It’s a beautiful reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated—it just needs great ingredients, solid technique, and a touch of care.
Conclusion
In today’s fast-paced world, we all need go-to recipes that deliver on flavor, nutrition, and simplicity. Garlic Butter Salmon checks all the boxes. It’s a dish that invites you to slow down, savor the moment, and enjoy real food that nourishes the body and delights the palate.
Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or a beginner looking for a fail-proof dinner idea, this salmon dish is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. With its perfect balance of richness, brightness, and texture, Garlic Butter Salmon proves that elegance and ease can absolutely coexist on your plate.