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Rich Garlic Butter Salmon

Featured in Seafood.

Tender salmon paired with a rich buttery sauce and a pop of zesty lemon. Lightly seared for crisp edges, the garlic butter melts into the fish as it cooks. Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley to add a fresh finishing touch. Quick to whip up with just a few simple ingredients.
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Updated on Tue, 23 Sep 2025 17:34:22 GMT
Garlic Butter Salmon Pin it
Garlic Butter Salmon | tasteofmoms.com

That first bite of tender salmon dripping with garlicky butter tells you everything you need to know. It's one of those pure food moments that can't be beat. When the fish flakes apart and you taste that rich buttery garlic combo, you realize simple ingredients can create magic on your plate. This cooking method gives you that golden outside while keeping everything inside moist and flavorful, all enhanced by the rich mix of butter and fresh garlic.

I cooked this for my crew last night and my youngest, who usually runs from anything fishy, actually asked for seconds. The secret? I didn't rush the process. I waited until that beautiful crust formed before flipping it over. Taking your time really makes this dish shine.

Essential Ingredients and Smart Choices

  • Salmon Fillets: Go for center-cut pieces that are equally thick for even cooking. Wild caught has more flavor, but quality farm-raised works well too. The meat should be firm with vibrant coloring.
  • Butter: Try to use unsalted European-style butter when possible. It contains more butterfat and creates a more luxurious sauce. Skip margarine or substitutes - only real butter will do.
  • Fresh Garlic: Skip the jar or powder versions. Freshly minced garlic cloves slowly release their flavors into the butter, creating much deeper taste notes.
  • Fresh Lemon: Its brightness cuts through the richness and lifts all the flavors. Choose plump, weighty lemons and squeeze them right before using.
Moist garlic butter salmon, a delicious and quick option for your evening meal. Pin it
Moist garlic butter salmon, a delicious and quick option for your evening meal. | tasteofmoms.com

Detailed Cooking Instructions

Heat Management:
Let salmon sit out about 15-20 minutes before cooking. Heat your pan on medium-high until a few water drops sizzle and bounce when they hit the surface.
Getting Salmon Ready:
Pat salmon completely dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt and pepper all over. Position it with skin facing up (if it has skin) while your pan heats up.
Creating a Crust:
Add butter to your hot pan and let it melt and bubble without browning. Place salmon presentation-side down first. Don't touch it for 4-5 minutes so it forms that gorgeous golden crust.
Adding Garlic:
Flip the salmon and scatter minced garlic around the edges of the pan. Tilt the pan occasionally to spoon the garlic-infused butter over the fish. Cook another 3-4 minutes.

My grandmother always showed me how to test salmon for doneness - just gently press the top of the fillet with your finger. It should feel somewhat firm but still have a bit of give, similar to pressing the fleshy area at the base of your thumb.

Mastering Perfect Doneness

Learning exactly when salmon is done takes some experience. You'll notice the flesh changing from translucent to opaque, but the center should still have a slight translucency. This prevents your salmon from drying out and keeps it succulent.

Succulent salmon swimming in aromatic garlic butter, perfect for a healthy dinner. Pin it
Succulent salmon swimming in aromatic garlic butter, perfect for a healthy dinner. | tasteofmoms.com

Crafting A Luscious Sauce

As your salmon cooks, the butter naturally combines with the fish juices to create a velvety, flavorful sauce. The final squeeze of fresh lemon adds just the right amount of zing to balance everything out.

Patience Pays Off

After cooking, let your salmon sit for 3-5 minutes so the juices redistribute throughout the fish. During this time, keep spooning some of that delicious garlic butter over the top to maintain moisture and add flavor.

Perfect Pairings

While this goes great with standard sides like rice or potatoes, try something unexpected like a crisp fennel slaw. The refreshing anise flavor and crunchy texture work wonderfully against the rich, buttery salmon.

Final Thoughts: This garlic butter salmon really shows that straightforward cooking can create absolutely memorable food. Over my many times making this dish, I've found that quality ingredients plus careful attention transform regular fish into something extraordinary. The slow infusion of garlic into butter, the perfect crispy exterior on the salmon, and that bright lemon finish - it all comes down to matching simple techniques with fresh ingredients. Whether you're cooking just for yourself or hosting friends, this recipe proves that the most basic approaches often yield the most impressive meals.

Flavorful garlic butter salmon, a simple and delightful meal bursting with taste. Pin it
Flavorful garlic butter salmon, a simple and delightful meal bursting with taste. | tasteofmoms.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What’s the best way to know salmon’s ready?
It gently flakes with a fork and has a light pink color on the inside.
→ Is frozen salmon fine to use?
Yep! Just make sure it’s fully thawed and dried off before cooking.
→ What sides pair nicely with this?
Try serving with roasted veggies, warm rice, or some crispy potatoes.
→ Can salted butter work instead?
Absolutely, but go easy on adding any extra salt.
→ How do I store the extras?
Pop them in a sealed container and keep cool in the fridge for about 2 days.

Garlic Butter Salmon

Soft salmon in a buttery garlic sauce with a hit of fresh lemon. Done and ready on the table in 20 minutes.

Prep Time
5 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
20 Minutes
By: Ashley

Category: Seafood

Difficulty: Easy

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 fillets of salmon)

Dietary: Low-Carb, Gluten-Free

Ingredients

→ Main Components

01 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each
02 4 garlic cloves, finely chopped
03 4 tablespoons of plain butter, unsalted

→ Seasonings and Garnish

04 A pinch of black pepper and salt, adjust to your taste
05 Parsley, either 1 tablespoon freshly chopped or 1 teaspoon dried
06 Juice squeezed from half a lemon, roughly 1 tablespoon
07 Lemon slices for serving

Instructions

Step 01

Dry off the salmon with some paper towels, then salt and pepper both sides until coated well.

Step 02

Melt the butter in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Keep an eye on it and don’t let it go brown.

Step 03

Gently place the salmon in the skillet with the skin-side facing down (if the skin is on). Avoid touching it for 4 to 5 minutes so it crisps up nicely.

Step 04

Turn the salmon over carefully and sprinkle in the chopped garlic. Let everything cook together for another 3 to 4 minutes until the fish is done.

Step 05

Pour the lemon juice over the salmon and scatter the parsley on top. Leave it in the pan an extra minute to soak up the flavors.

Step 06

Move the salmon to serving plates and spoon the buttery garlic mixture over each piece. Add lemon slices on the side for a final touch.

Notes

  1. Fresh fish gives you the best flavor outcome.
  2. Side it with veggies or rice—it works beautifully.
  3. Both fresh and dried parsley are good options here.

Tools You'll Need

  • A few paper towels
  • A sharp knife for chopping
  • A heavy-bottomed skillet
  • Plates to serve

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Fish is included (salmon).
  • Contains dairy (butter).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 350
  • Total Fat: 24 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g