Luxurious Garlic Butter Salmon

This garlic butter salmon transforms an ordinary weeknight into a restaurant-worthy experience without the fuss or complicated techniques. The buttery sauce infuses the tender salmon with rich flavor while keeping it incredibly moist and flaky.

I discovered this recipe during a particularly busy season at work when I needed impressive yet simple dinners. Now it's my most requested dish when friends come over who claim they don't like fish.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets Choose skin on for extra flavor and to help keep the fish moist during cooking
• Olive oil Creates the perfect sear and prevents sticking
• Salt and pepper Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the salmon
• Garlic Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic flavor that dried simply cannot match
• Unsalted butter Forms the luxurious sauce base allows you to control the salt level
• Lemon juice Brightens the rich butter sauce and cuts through the fattiness of the salmon
• Fresh parsley Adds color and a fresh herbal note to balance the dish
• Lemon slices For serving adds visual appeal and extra citrus flavor when squeezed over

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prep the salmon

Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure a perfect sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper letting the seasonings enhance the natural flavor of the fish.

Heat the skillet

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until it shimmers but doesn't smoke. The proper heat level is crucial for achieving that golden crust.

Sear skin side down

Place the salmon in the hot skillet skin side down if using skin on fillets. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes allowing a golden crust to form. Resist the urge to move the fish early.

Flip and finish

Carefully flip the salmon using a fish spatula and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until just cooked through. The center should be slightly translucent as it will continue cooking after removal. Transfer to a plate.

Create the sauce

Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted add minced garlic and sauté for exactly 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Garlic burns quickly so watch carefully.

Add brightness

Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley which will create a vibrant and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the rich salmon.

Sauce the salmon

Spoon the hot garlic butter sauce generously over each salmon fillet allowing the heat of the sauce to further warm the fish.

Garnish and serve

Add extra fresh parsley and lemon slices for brightness and visual appeal. Serve immediately while the sauce is still warm and the salmon is at its peak flavor.

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The butter is truly the magical ingredient in this recipe. I use European style butter with higher fat content whenever possible for a silkier sauce. My husband who normally pushes fish around his plate always cleans it completely when I make this recipe.

Perfect Pairings

This garlic butter salmon pairs beautifully with so many sides. For a complete meal try serving with roasted asparagus or steamed green beans. The vegetables will soak up any extra garlic butter sauce making them even more delicious. For a heartier meal serve with fluffy mashed potatoes or rice pilaf to absorb the amazing sauce.

Storage and Reheating

While this dish is best enjoyed immediately after cooking salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat place in a 275°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes or until just warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the salmon rubbery. The sauce may separate when chilled but gently warming will bring it back together.

Ingredient Swaps

No fresh garlic? Use 1 teaspoon garlic powder added directly to the butter. Missing fresh parsley? Try dill or thyme instead for a different but equally delicious flavor profile. You can also substitute ghee for butter if you need a dairy free option or use a plant based butter alternative. For extra richness try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce.

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Recipe FAQs

→ How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked?

Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork but still maintains a slight translucence in the center. For a 1-inch thick fillet, this typically takes 4-5 minutes skin-side down and 2-3 minutes after flipping. The internal temperature should reach 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare or 145°F (63°C) for well-done.

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this dish?

Yes, but thaw it completely first for even cooking. Pat dry thoroughly with paper towels before seasoning and cooking to ensure a nice sear. Frozen salmon that's been properly thawed will work, though fresh salmon typically provides better flavor and texture.

→ What sides pair well with garlic butter salmon?

This salmon pairs beautifully with simple sides that complement but don't overpower the delicate fish. Try steamed asparagus, roasted brussels sprouts, mashed potatoes, cauliflower rice, or a light green salad. For a complete meal, add a starch like quinoa or crusty bread to soak up the extra garlic butter sauce.

→ Can I make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply substitute the butter with a high-quality dairy-free butter alternative or olive oil. For a richer dairy-free option, use a combination of olive oil and coconut cream. The dish will have a slightly different flavor profile but will still be delicious.

→ How can I add more flavor variations to this dish?

There are many ways to customize this dish: add herbs like dill or thyme to the butter sauce, incorporate a splash of white wine when making the sauce, add capers or olives for a Mediterranean twist, include a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat, or finish with a drizzle of honey for sweetness. You can also add lemon zest along with the juice for more citrus flavor.

→ Can I prepare this dish in advance?

While best served immediately, you can prepare components ahead of time. Make the garlic butter sauce up to a day in advance and reheat gently before serving. The salmon itself is best cooked just before eating, but if necessary, you can cook it slightly underdone, then reheat gently with the sauce. For optimal texture and flavor, complete final assembly just before serving.