Description
A quick and easy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe with a rich, flavorful sauce made from garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs. This dish delivers a flaky, moist texture and is ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for a weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 (6-ounce) Salmon Fillets
- 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
- ½ teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 6 tablespoons Unsalted Butter
- 4–6 cloves Garlic, minced
- ¼ cup Chicken Broth or Dry White Wine (Optional)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Dill or Chives (Optional)
- Pinch Red Pepper Flakes (Optional)
Instructions
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and season generously with salt and pepper. Allow to sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon fillets for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
- Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic around the salmon. Cook for 30-60 seconds until fragrant.
- If using, add chicken broth or white wine and scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let it reduce slightly for about 1 minute and then add lemon juice.
- Add butter pieces to the skillet and let melt, swirling the pan occasionally. Stir in fresh parsley (and optional ingredients) and adjust seasoning.
- Oven method: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Spoon garlic butter sauce over salmon and bake for 5-8 minutes until cooked through. Stovetop method: Cover and cook on medium-low for 5-8 minutes, basting occasionally.
- Remove from heat, let rest for 2-3 minutes, and serve with extra garlic butter sauce spooned over the top.
Notes
- Dairy-Free option available: Use a dairy-free butter alternative.
- For Gluten-Free, ensure chicken broth is certified gluten-free.
- Perfect temperature for cooked salmon is 145°F (63°C).
- Frozen salmon can be used; just ensure it is thoroughly thawed and patted dry.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Oven and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / European
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 0.8 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 39 g
- Cholesterol: 140 mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Salmon, Easy Salmon Recipe, Quick Dinner, Homemade Salmon, Garlic Butter Sauce, Flaky Salmon, Healthy Dinner