The aroma of garlic butter salmon wafts through the air, enticing your senses and promising an explosion of flavor. Imagine succulent salmon fillets, perfectly seared and slathered in a rich garlic butter sauce that dances with herbs. It’s not just a meal; it’s a culinary hug that wraps you in warmth and comfort.
As I prepared this dish for a dinner party once, my friends couldn’t stop raving about it. Who knew that something so simple could create such joy? Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this garlic butter salmon is bound to impress and satisfy.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic butter salmon is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, balancing buttery goodness with garlic zing
- Its vibrant colors add visual appeal to any dish, making it Instagram-worthy
- Versatile enough for pairings with rice, salad, or vegetables, this dish suits any palate
There was that one time when my family gathered for a BBQ, and I whipped out this recipe. They devoured the salmon faster than I could say “seconds.” The smiles on their faces were priceless.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Salmon Fillets: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon for the best texture and flavor; skin-on adds extra crispiness.
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Salt & Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the fish’s natural flavor; always use freshly cracked pepper.
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Garlic: Freshly minced garlic packs a punch; avoid pre-minced versions for maximum flavor.
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Butter: Use unsalted butter to control the saltiness; it creates a rich base for the sauce.
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Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens up the dish; bottled varieties lack that zesty freshness.
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Fresh Herbs (like parsley): Chopped herbs add color and freshness; feel free to experiment with dill or thyme as well.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prep Your Salmon: Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
Make the Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about 1 minute will do!
Sear the Salmon: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook until crispy—about 4-5 minutes—then flip gently.
Add Garlic Butter Sauce: Pour the prepared garlic butter over the flipped fillets. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
Garnish & Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped herbs over each fillet. Serve hot alongside your favorite sides like roasted veggies or fluffy rice.
With each bite of this garlic butter salmon, you’ll taste not just tender fish but also all those love-infused moments spent creating amazing meals in the kitchen!
You Must Know
- Garlic butter salmon is not just a dish; it’s an experience
- The aroma of garlic wafting through your kitchen will make even the pickiest eaters come running
- With a perfect balance of rich butter and zesty lemon, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the salmon skin-side down for that irresistible crispiness, then finish cooking it in the oven. This method locks in flavor and moisture, ensuring your garlic butter salmon turns out perfectly flaky.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the salmon for other fish like trout or add fresh herbs like dill or parsley. A splash of white wine can elevate the sauce, making it even more luxurious.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover garlic butter salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve its texture and flavor without drying it out.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality salmon for the best results; it makes a noticeable difference in taste
- Don’t skip letting the salmon rest after cooking; it helps retain moisture
- Always use unsalted butter to control saltiness better while cooking
Cooking garlic butter salmon always reminds me of my first dinner party where I nervously served this dish, only to be met with gasps of delight from my friends—definitely a moment I cherish!
FAQ
How long does garlic butter salmon take to cook?
Garlic butter salmon typically takes about 12-15 minutes to cook through completely.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even results.
What sides pair well with garlic butter salmon?
Garlic butter salmon pairs beautifully with asparagus, rice, or a fresh salad for balance.
Garlic Butter Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic butter salmon is a delectable dish that combines the rich flavors of buttery garlic sauce with succulent salmon fillets. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. With its vibrant colors and enticing aroma, it’s sure to impress your guests or family. Enjoy this culinary delight paired with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal that brings warmth and comfort to any table.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked pepper
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Rinse and pat dry the salmon fillets, seasoning both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy, then add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then place salmon skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes until crispy; flip gently.
- Pour garlic butter over the fillets, squeeze lemon juice on top, and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until done.
- Garnish with chopped herbs and serve hot alongside vegetables or rice.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
- Calories: 396
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 610mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
