Name: Garlic Butter Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless); 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1/2 tsp paprika (optional)

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This salmon recipe is quick, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. The garlic butter sauce adds richness and depth while enhancing the natural flavors of the fish. Plus, it pairs beautifully with everything from roasted vegetables to rice or pasta, making it endlessly versatile.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
Unsalted butter
Garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Olive oil
Salt
Black pepper
Paprika (optional, for a touch of color)

Directions

Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes, until crispy.
Flip the salmon and cook another 2–3 minutes, until nearly cooked through.
Reduce heat to medium-low and add butter to the skillet.
Stir in garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Squeeze in lemon juice and spoon the garlic butter over the salmon fillets.
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.

Alternative Method: Bake salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes, then pour garlic butter sauce over before serving.

Servings and timing

Serves 4 people.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

Variations

Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter.
Herb Lovers: Use a mix of parsley, thyme, and rosemary.
Creamy Version: Stir in a splash of heavy cream with the garlic butter.
Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce and ginger to the garlic butter sauce.
Sheet Pan Meal: Roast salmon with asparagus or green beans for a one-pan dinner.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through.
Avoid microwaving for too long as it can dry out the salmon.
Freeze cooked salmon (without sauce) for up to 2 months; thaw in the fridge before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking.

Do I need to remove the skin?

No, it adds flavor and crisps nicely, but you can remove it if preferred.

Can I grill this salmon?

Yes, cook on a greased grill over medium heat for about 4 minutes per side.

What type of salmon is best?

Wild-caught salmon has more flavor, but farmed salmon works too.

Can I bake instead of pan-sear?

Yes, baking at 400°F for 12–15 minutes works perfectly.

How do I know when salmon is done?

The flesh should flake easily with a fork and be opaque in the center.

Can I use margarine instead of butter?

Butter adds the best flavor, but margarine can be substituted.

What sides go well with this?

Rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad.

Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?

Yes, prepare it and refrigerate for up to 5 days or freeze for later.

How can I prevent salmon from sticking to the pan?

Use a hot, well-oiled skillet and don’t move the salmon until it naturally releases.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Salmon is a fast, flavorful, and versatile dish that’s perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions. With its golden sear, rich garlic butter sauce, and fresh herbs, it’s a recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.