I made this Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe in 15 Minutes Recipe on one of those busy evenings when I needed something quick but still impressive. Honestly, I didn’t expect it to taste this good with so little effort.
The salmon turned out flaky, buttery, and packed with fresh garlic flavor. The best part? It felt like a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
If you love simple dinners that taste amazing, this one is going to become your go-to recipe. You can also enjoy similar flavorful meals like the Copycat Olive Garden Chicken Scampi Recipe.
Ingredients
- salmon fillets – 4 fillets (about 6 ounces each): Choose fresh, high-quality salmon with the skin on for better flavor and moisture. Wild-caught salmon offers a richer taste, but farm-raised works well too.
- salt – ½ teaspoon: Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon. I prefer fine sea salt for even seasoning.
- black pepper – ¼ teaspoon: Freshly ground pepper adds a gentle heat and depth. Avoid pre-ground for the best flavor.
- olive oil – 1 tablespoon: Helps create a beautiful sear on the salmon. Extra virgin olive oil adds subtle richness.
- unsalted butter – 3 tablespoons: The base of the garlic butter sauce. Using unsalted butter allows better control of saltiness.
- garlic – 3 cloves, minced: Fresh garlic is key here. Don’t use garlic powder; the fresh aroma makes a big difference.
- lemon juice – 1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed): Brightens the rich butter sauce and balances flavors beautifully.
- lemon slices – from 1 lemon: Used for garnish and added freshness during cooking.
- fresh parsley – 1 tablespoon, chopped: Adds color and a light herbal finish.
Note: This recipe serves 4 people generously. You can easily halve or double the quantities depending on your needs.
Variations
This garlic butter salmon recipe is flexible and easy to customize.
- For a dairy-free version, replace butter with vegan butter or use extra olive oil. You’ll still get a delicious garlic flavor without the dairy.
- Add red pepper flakes if you enjoy a bit of heat. A small pinch goes a long way and enhances the richness of the butter sauce.
- For extra flavor, try adding fresh thyme or dill to the garlic butter mixture. Both herbs pair beautifully with salmon.
- You can also add a drizzle of honey for a subtle sweet balance if you prefer a sweet-savory twist. For another refreshing idea, try the Delicious Orange Dreamsicle Protein Shake Recipe as a flavorful complement to your meal.
Cooking Time
This recipe is designed for speed and convenience.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cooking Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Equipment You Need
- Large skillet – for searing the salmon evenly
- Spatula – to carefully flip the fillets without breaking them
- Small bowl – for mixing garlic butter if needed
- Knife – to mince garlic and chop parsley
- Cutting board – for prepping ingredients
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe?
This recipe comes together quickly and easily. Follow these simple steps to get perfectly cooked salmon every time.
Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. This step helps create a golden crust when cooking. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
Let the salmon sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly in the pan.
Heat the Pan
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
Carefully place the salmon skin-side up in the pan. You should hear a gentle sizzle when it touches the surface.
Sear the First Side
Cook the salmon for about 4–5 minutes without moving it. This helps form a beautiful golden crust.
Once the edges begin to look opaque, it’s ready to flip. Use a spatula to turn the fillets gently.
Add Garlic Butter
Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter directly to the pan and let it melt completely.
Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the salmon as it finishes cooking.
Finish with Lemon
Add fresh lemon juice to the pan and place lemon slices around the salmon. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes.
Once the salmon flakes easily with a fork, remove it from the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this garlic butter salmon recipe several times, I’ve learned a few tricks that make it even better:
- I always pat the salmon completely dry before cooking. This gives me a crispier, more flavorful crust.
- I don’t overcrowd the pan. If the fillets are too close together, they steam instead of sear.
- I spoon the garlic butter over the salmon continuously during the last few minutes. It keeps the fish moist and flavorful.
- I remove the salmon just before it looks fully done. It continues cooking slightly after being taken off the heat.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe?
This dish pairs beautifully with many side dishes. I love serving it with fluffy white rice or garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the buttery sauce.
For a lighter option, serve it alongside steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad. The bright lemon flavor complements vegetables perfectly.
To make it look restaurant-worthy, drizzle extra garlic butter on top and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper adds a nice finishing touch.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: about 400 kcal
- Protein: 34 grams
- Carbohydrates: 2 grams
- Fat: 28 grams
These values may vary depending on the exact ingredients used.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
Allow the salmon to cool completely before storing. Place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Keep the garlic butter sauce with it to maintain moisture.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a small amount of butter or water. Avoid microwaving at high power, as it can dry out the fish.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
There are so many reasons this garlic butter salmon recipe stands out.
- It’s incredibly quick and easy. I can make it in just 15 minutes, which is perfect for busy weeknights.
- It uses simple ingredients. Most of them are pantry staples, making it budget-friendly and convenient.
- It’s healthy and protein-rich. Salmon is packed with nutrients and healthy fats.
- It’s versatile. I can customize the flavors with herbs, spices, or different side dishes.
- It tastes amazing. The combination of butter, garlic, and lemon creates a rich yet fresh flavor that never disappoints.
This garlic butter salmon recipe in 15 minutes is proof that simple ingredients can create something truly special. Once you try it, I’m sure it will become one of your favorite quick dinner recipes too.
Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe in 15 Minutes Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. This step helps create a golden crust when cooking. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper. Let the salmon sit at room temperature for about 5 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly in the pan.
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully place the salmon skin-side up in the pan. You should hear a gentle sizzle when it touches the surface.
- Cook the salmon for about 4–5 minutes without moving it. This helps form a beautiful golden crust. Once the edges begin to look opaque, it’s ready to flip. Use a spatula to turn the fillets gently.
- Reduce the heat to medium. Add the butter directly to the pan and let it melt completely. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the salmon as it finishes cooking.
- Add fresh lemon juice to the pan and place lemon slices around the salmon. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes. Once the salmon flakes easily with a fork, remove it from the heat. Sprinkle chopped parsley on top before serving.
Notes
- I always pat the salmon completely dry before cooking. This gives me a crispier, more flavorful crust.
- I don’t overcrowd the pan. If the fillets are too close together, they steam instead of sear.
- I spoon the garlic butter over the salmon continuously during the last few minutes. It keeps the fish moist and flavorful.
- I remove the salmon just before it looks fully done. It continues cooking slightly after being taken off the heat.
