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Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe in 15 Minutes Recipe
Ash Tyrrell

Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe in 15 Minutes Recipe

I made this garlic butter salmon recipe in 15 minutes 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
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Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients Method Notes

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.

Method
 

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.