The Best Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe: An Easy Weeknight Meal

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Garlic Butter Salmon is a sensational, healthy seafood recipe, perfect for a quick weeknight meal, delivering juicy, flaky salmon infused with an irresistible lemon garlic butter sauce, whether pan-seared or as a convenient baked salmon recipe.

Craving a restaurant-quality meal that’s both simple to prepare and incredibly flavorful? Look no further than this ultimate Garlic Butter Salmon recipe. This dish transforms fresh salmon fillets into a culinary masterpiece with a rich, aromatic butter garlic sauce. It’s an easy salmon dinner solution that’s perfect for busy weeknights, special occasions, or whenever you desire a healthy seafood recipe that truly shines.

Whether you prefer a pan-seared finish with a crispy skin or a tender, flaky oven salmon fillet baked to perfection, this guide covers all the bases. Prepare to elevate your cooking game with a quick salmon meal that tastes like it took hours, but comes together in minutes.

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Ingredients for Garlic Butter Salmon

To create the most succulent Garlic Butter Salmon, you’ll need a combination of fresh ingredients and pantry staples. Here’s a comprehensive list:

• Salmon Fillets: 1 to 2 pounds, cut into 2-4 pieces. Skin-on or off, based on preference.
• Butter: 4-6 tablespoons, unsalted or salted, divided.
• Garlic: 4-6 cloves, minced or finely chopped.
• Lemon/Lemon Juice: 1/2 to 1 lemon, juiced and/or sliced for garnish.
• Olive Oil: 1-2 tablespoons, for searing.
• Salt: To taste, kosher or sea salt.
• Black Pepper: To taste, freshly ground.
• Fresh Parsley: 1-2 tablespoons, chopped, for garnish and freshness.
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 – 1 teaspoon, optional, for seasoning salmon.
• Paprika: 1/4 teaspoon, optional.
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: 1/4 teaspoon, optional, for a touch of heat.
• Dried Oregano: 1/4 teaspoon, optional.
• Brown Sugar or Honey: 1 tablespoon brown sugar or 2-3 tablespoons honey, optional, for sweetness in baked versions.

How to Make Perfect Garlic Butter Salmon

Follow these detailed steps to prepare your irresistible Garlic Butter Salmon:

Preparation:

• Bring Salmon to Room Temperature: For more even cooking, remove salmon fillets from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before you plan to cook them.
• Pat Dry: This step is crucial for achieving a beautiful sear and preventing your salmon from sticking. Thoroughly pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
• Season Salmon: Generously season both sides of your salmon with salt, black pepper, and optionally, garlic powder or paprika.
• Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce:
  • For Pan-Seared Versions: In a small bowl, or directly in the pan after searing, melt butter. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, being careful not to burn it. Stir in fresh lemon juice.
  • For Baked/Foil Packet Versions: In a small bowl, melt butter and whisk in minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and optional honey, oregano, or red pepper flakes. This forms your incredible butter garlic sauce.

Cooking Methods:

A. Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Salmon (Most Common & Quick Salmon Meal):

• Heat Skillet: Heat olive oil, and optionally 1 tablespoon of butter, in a large nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
• Sear Salmon: Carefully place salmon fillets in the hot skillet, typically skin-side down first if applicable, or flesh-side down. Cook undisturbed for 3-5 minutes until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms and it naturally releases from the pan.
• Flip and Continue Cooking: Gently flip the salmon and cook for another 1-4 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet, until almost cooked through.
• Make Garlic Butter Sauce in Pan: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining butter to the pan. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Remember, do not burn the garlic.
• Baste and Finish: Stir in fresh lemon juice. Tilt the pan slightly and continuously spoon the bubbling garlic butter sauce over the salmon for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to deeply infuse. This creates a truly flavorful lemon garlic salmon.
• Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the pan. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and optional lemon wedges. For more delicious recipes like this easy salmon dinner.

B. Baked Garlic Butter Salmon (Easy Salmon Dinner & Oven Salmon Fillet):

• Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F – 400°F (190°C – 200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil, folding up the edges slightly to contain the delicious sauce.
• Arrange Salmon: Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Nestle lemon slices underneath or on top of the salmon.
• Pour Garlic Butter: Evenly pour the prepared garlic butter mixture over the salmon fillets. This makes for a fantastic baked salmon recipe.
• Seal (for Foil Packets): For a truly moist result, especially for an oven salmon fillet, fold the sides of the foil over the salmon to cover and completely seal the packet closed.
• Bake: Bake for 12-17 minutes for foil packets, or 10-15 minutes for open baking, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should be between 125-140°F (52-60°C).
• Broil (Optional for open baking): For a beautifully golden-brown top, open the foil packet or remove the top foil, and broil for 2-3 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
• Serve: Drizzle with any remaining pan sauce, garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.

Tips for Success:

• Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best when cooked to an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium-rare to medium, as it will continue to cook a bit after removal from heat. Overcooked salmon can be dry.
• Fresh Garlic: For the best flavor and to avoid burning, finely chop your fresh garlic with a knife instead of a press.
• Basting is Key: Continuous basting, especially for pan-seared Garlic Butter Salmon, ensures the salmon absorbs maximum garlic butter flavor and stays incredibly moist.

Garlic Butter Salmon: Your Top Questions Answered

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you master your next Garlic Butter Salmon creation:

• How do you know when salmon is cooked through? Salmon is perfectly cooked when it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork. An instant-read thermometer should register an internal temperature of 125-140°F (52-60°C) at its thickest part.
• Should I cook salmon with the skin on or off? You can use salmon with the skin on or off. Cooking skin-on salmon can help keep the fish moist and prevent sticking to the pan, and the skin can be easily peeled off after cooking if preferred.
• Why is my salmon sticking to the pan? Sticking usually occurs if the pan isn’t hot enough, or if the salmon hasn’t been thoroughly patted dry before cooking. Ensure your skillet is shimmering hot and your salmon is very dry.
• Do you cover the pan when searing salmon? When searing, it’s generally not recommended to cover the pan for quick-cooking fish like salmon, as it can trap steam and hinder the formation of a nice crust.
• How long does it take to pan sear salmon? Typically, a 1-inch thick salmon fillet will take about 5 minutes on the skin-side (if applicable) and an additional 2-4 minutes on the other side, depending on your desired doneness.
• Can I bake garlic butter salmon in foil? Absolutely, baking in foil is a fantastic method for Garlic Butter Salmon. It helps keep the salmon incredibly moist and tender, and it makes cleanup a breeze. This method is excellent for a healthy seafood recipe.
• What can I serve with garlic butter salmon? This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, including pasta, rice, steamed or roasted vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or green beans, potatoes, or a fresh, crisp salad.
• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? While fresh salmon is often recommended for the best flavor and texture, frozen salmon can certainly be used. Just ensure it is properly thawed in the refrigerator overnight or under cold running water before preparing.
• What kind of butter should I use? Unsalted butter is often preferred because it gives you more control over the overall seasoning of your dish. However, salted butter can be used; just be mindful and adjust any added salt accordingly.
• How do I prevent garlic from burning in the butter sauce? To prevent burned garlic, add the minced garlic to the melted butter after the pan has cooled slightly or after removing the salmon. Cook it for only a short period, about 30 seconds to 1 minute, until it becomes fragrant, stirring constantly.

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