Garlic Butter Salmon

If you’re looking for a quick and delicious meal that feels like a special treat, you’ve come to the right place! This Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is a family favorite of mine. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. The rich, savory flavor of the garlic butter sauce elevates the tender salmon fillets, making it an irresistible dish that everyone loves.

Whether you’re planning a cozy dinner for your family or impressing guests at a gathering, this recipe fits the bill perfectly. It’s simple enough for any night of the week yet elegant enough for special occasions. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll keep coming back to this Garlic Butter Salmon!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This meal comes together in just 25 minutes! Perfect for those hectic evenings when time is short.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of garlic and butter creates an irresistible sauce that makes every bite a delight.
• Family-Friendly: Even picky eaters will love this dish. It’s mild yet flavorful, making it suitable for all ages.
• Versatile Pairing: Serve it with rice, pasta, or steamed veggies – the options are endless!
• Make-Ahead Friendly: You can prep the ingredients ahead of time and cook them when you’re ready.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make this delightful Garlic Butter Salmon. These items are easy to find and come together seamlessly to create a mouthwatering dish.

For the Salmon

• 4x boneless skinless Salmon Fillets
• 40g / 1/4 cup Plain Flour
• 1 tsp EACH: Garlic Powder, Salt (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (plus more to taste)
• 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 6 tbsp / 90g / 3.2oz Unsalted Butter, divided into tbsp chunks (see notes)
• 2 cloves of Garlic, finely diced (see notes)
• 120ml / 1/2 cup Vegetable Stock
• 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Parsley
• 1 Lemon, divided into 4 wedges (to serve)

Variations

One of the best things about this Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these variations:

• Swap the protein: Try this sauce with chicken breast or shrimp for a different twist!
• Add some spice: Include red pepper flakes or hot sauce if you like a little heat in your meal.
• Change up the herbs: Fresh dill or basil can replace parsley for a unique flavor profile.
• Incorporate veggies: Cook some spinach or asparagus alongside the salmon for an all-in-one meal.

How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

In a large shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat each salmon fillet in this mixture, giving them a gentle shake before setting them aside. This step helps create that beautiful golden crust on your salmon!

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Add olive oil to a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully place in the fillets and fry for about three minutes until they develop that lovely golden crust on one side. Flip them over gently and fry for another two minutes until golden brown on the other side. Add in one tablespoon of butter during this process and baste the fillets as they cook. This adds extra flavor and moisture!

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Remove the salmon from the pan and reduce heat to medium. Add diced garlic into that flavorful oil left behind and sauté until it’s just starting to color—watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Pour in vegetable stock while scraping up all those tasty bits from the pan. Stir in the remaining butter until it melts and combines beautifully with the stock, creating that creamy sauce we all adore.

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Let your sauce simmer on low heat until it thickens slightly—this usually takes just a few minutes. Bring back your salmon fillets into the pan and baste them with that luscious garlic butter sauce until they’re warmed through. Serve immediately with extra sauce drizzled on top and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brightness! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Salmon

Cooking can be a delightful experience, and with these simple tips, you’ll have the perfect Garlic Butter Salmon every time!

• Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic elevates the flavor of your sauce significantly compared to garlic powder. It adds a more robust and aromatic quality that makes the dish irresistible.

• Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying the salmon fillets in batches if necessary ensures they get that beautiful golden crust. Overcrowding can cause steaming instead of searing, which affects the texture.

• Baste generously: Basting the salmon with the garlic butter sauce while it simmers not only keeps it moist but also infuses it with incredible flavor. This step is key to achieving a deliciously rich taste!

• Control your heat: Cooking at medium-high heat initially helps create that gorgeous crust, but lowering it for basting prevents burning. This balance is essential for perfectly cooked salmon.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes after cooking helps redistribute the juices, ensuring each bite is tender and flavorful.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon

Serving Garlic Butter Salmon is just as important as cooking it! Here are some ideas on how to present this stunning dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

• Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of extra chopped parsley or dill adds a pop of color and freshness that complements the richness of the sauce beautifully.
• Lemon zest: Grating a little lemon zest over the top before serving enhances the citrus flavor and adds an appetizing aroma.

Side Dishes

• Garlic Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus spears in olive oil, minced garlic, and salt before roasting until tender. They add a lovely crunch and pair wonderfully with salmon.

• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Silky smooth mashed potatoes made with olive oil or plant-based butter provide a comforting side that soaks up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with diced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and a squeeze of lemon offers a refreshing contrast to the rich salmon while adding healthy grains to your meal.

• Steamed Broccoli: Bright green steamed broccoli not only adds color to your plate but also brings essential nutrients and balances out the richness of the fish.

With these serving suggestions, your Garlic Butter Salmon will not only taste amazing but also look like a gourmet meal straight from a restaurant! Enjoy!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make it ahead of time and enjoy delicious leftovers throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover salmon in an airtight container.
• Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

Freezing

• Allow the cooked salmon to cool completely before freezing.
• Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, or use freezer-safe bags.
• Freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat gently in a pan over low heat or in the microwave with a splash of vegetable stock to keep it moist.
• Avoid reheating more than once to maintain quality.

FAQs

Here are some commonly asked questions about preparing Garlic Butter Salmon.

Can I use frozen salmon for this Garlic Butter Salmon recipe?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even results.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Salmon?

This dish pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Feel free to mix and match based on your preferences!

How do I know when my salmon is cooked through?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If you’re using a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Garlic Butter Salmon as much as I do! It’s a simple yet flavorful dish that’s sure to impress at any dinner table. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a cozy weeknight meal, this recipe will shine bright. Happy cooking, and don’t hesitate to share your experience!