This Garlic Butter Salmon is an easy yet flavorful dish, packed with richness and balanced by the freshness of lemon and parsley. The buttery garlic sauce envelops the tender salmon fillets, creating a mouthwatering, golden crust that’s irresistible.
Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is not only easy to make but is also a showstopper. The best part? You can pair it with almost anything! Whether you want to serve it with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad, this garlic butter salmon will be a hit at your table. It’s an ideal dish when you need something quick, delicious, and satisfying.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4 salmon fillets
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2 tablespoons butter
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
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Once the butter has melted, add the salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down (if applicable). Cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is golden brown and cooked through.
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In the final minute of cooking, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté briefly, ensuring the garlic doesn’t burn.
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Add the lemon juice and stir to combine with the garlic butter.
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Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
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Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.
Prep Time: 5 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 15 minutes
Kcal: 320 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Perfect Cooking Techniques for Garlic Butter Salmon
The key to making the perfect garlic butter salmon lies in understanding the best cooking methods. When preparing this dish, it’s important to cook the salmon just enough to achieve a flaky texture without overcooking it. The golden-brown crust that forms when you sear the fish is the perfect balance of crisp and tender, and it provides an added layer of flavor to each bite.
To get the best results, it’s recommended to sear the salmon fillets in a hot skillet with a combination of butter and olive oil. This ensures the fish gets a beautiful golden-brown crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy. Once the fish is almost done, the garlic butter is added, and it’s allowed to simmer and coat the fish with its aromatic flavors.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Salmon
Garlic butter salmon can be served in a variety of ways to suit different occasions. For a light and refreshing meal, serve the fish over a bed of fresh greens such as spinach, arugula, or a mixed green salad. The freshness of the salad will balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce and provide a healthy contrast to the salmon.
For a heartier meal, consider pairing the salmon with roasted vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes. These vegetables provide a comforting, flavorful side that complements the buttery salmon. You could also serve the dish with a side of creamy mashed potatoes or a warm grain like quinoa or couscous to round out the meal.
Conclusion: Simple, Flavorful, and Healthy
Garlic butter salmon is a must-try dish for anyone who enjoys seafood or is looking to add more fish to their diet. It’s a recipe that brings together the richness of butter and the savory flavor of garlic to elevate the salmon, making it a truly mouthwatering meal. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, versatility, and the fact that it requires only a few basic ingredients that you likely already have on hand.
Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or hosting a dinner party, garlic butter salmon is sure to impress. Its rich, buttery flavor, combined with the health benefits of salmon, makes it a dish that both tastes good and feels good to eat. With endless variations and easy pairing options, garlic butter salmon is a meal that will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.