Garlic Butter Salmon: A Quick and Flavorful Recipe

Introduction
Garlic butter salmon is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With tender, flaky salmon coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe is bursting with flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes. Whether baked, pan-seared, or grilled, garlic butter salmon is a versatile meal that’s sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Ready in just 20-25 minutes.
Healthy: Packed with protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients.
Delicious Flavor: Combines the richness of butter with the boldness of garlic.
Versatile: Works with various cooking methods and side dishes.

Ingredients

To make garlic butter salmon, you’ll need:

4 salmon fillets (about 150-200g each)
2 tablespoons olive oil or unsalted butter
3-4 garlic cloves, minced
3 tablespoons unsalted butter (for the sauce)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or a mix of dried basil, oregano, and thyme)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional: Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian seasoning.

2. Heat the Pan

Heat olive oil or 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

3. Sear the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add 3 tablespoons of butter.
Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
Add lemon juice and stir to combine.

5. Combine the Salmon and Sauce

Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Let it cook for another 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.

6. Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill and serve immediately.

Cooking Variations

Oven-Baked Garlic Butter Salmon

Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
Place the seasoned salmon fillets on a baking tray lined with parchment paper.
Top each fillet with garlic butter sauce.
Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through.

Grilled Garlic Butter Salmon

Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
Brush the salmon fillets with garlic butter sauce.
Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, basting with additional sauce as it cooks.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic butter salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or sautéed spinach.
Potatoes: Pair with mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or a baked potato.
Rice or Quinoa: Add a scoop of white rice, brown rice, or quinoa for a complete meal.
Salad: Enjoy with a fresh green salad or a Caesar salad for a lighter option.

Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Salmon

Don’t Overcook: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 60°C (140°F) or when it flakes easily with a fork.
Fresh Garlic: Use fresh garlic for the most robust flavor.
Use High-Quality Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon for better flavor and texture.
Skin-On Fillets: Cooking salmon with the skin on helps keep the fish moist and prevents sticking.
Adjust the Sauce: Add extra lemon juice or herbs to suit your taste preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, thaw the salmon completely before cooking for the best results.

2. How do I know when salmon is cooked?

Cooked salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For accuracy, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 60°C (140°F).

3. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, substitute butter with a plant-based alternative or olive oil for a dairy-free version.

4. What’s the best salmon to use?

Wild-caught salmon offers a richer flavor and firmer texture, but farmed salmon works well too.

5. How do I store leftovers?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

6. Can I reheat garlic butter salmon?

Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 180°C (350°F) for 5-7 minutes to avoid drying out.

7. Is garlic butter salmon healthy?

Yes, it’s rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome meal.

8. Can I use this recipe for other types of fish?

Yes, cod, trout, or halibut are great alternatives to salmon.

9. What herbs pair well with garlic butter salmon?

Parsley, dill, chives, and thyme are excellent choices.

10. Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Yes, prepare the sauce in advance and reheat it before serving.

Conclusion

Garlic butter salmon is a quick, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its tender, flaky texture and rich, garlicky sauce, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Whether baked, pan-seared, or grilled, garlic butter salmon is a versatile and satisfying meal that pairs beautifully with your favorite sides.