This one-skillet recipe for Garlic Butter Salmon is all about healthy, simple, tasty food that’s ready in just 30 minutes.
Developed on a whim, garlic butter salmon is sure to become a favorite staple in your household. You can serve it for special occasions, or as a weeknight dinner. Simple to create and equally as simple to clean up, you don’t have to be a master chef to perfect this healthy dinner, which features the bright, acidity of fresh lemons and highlights the clean, juicy taste of fresh salmon. However, some may say the most important part of this recipe is not the ingredients, but instead, the way it is cooked, constantly basting the fish in the butter sauce to ensure that every nook and cranny is covered in a bath of decadent goodness.
You’ll love this recipe simply because it tastes great, it’s super healthy and it’s easy to make. What could be better? Stepping up your culinary game, the recipe uses lemon zest, garlic and dill to set it apart from other ordinary salmon dishes. The aromatic taste oozes with hints of citrus, which provide a subtle tang to offset the creaminess of the butter creating a mouthwatering dish that everyone will love.
Many have said to opt for the salted butter when creating this dish because that extra bit of seasoning goes a long way in the tastiness of the final creation. In addition, some recommend that instead of using a garlic press, finely chopping the garlic with a knife gives this recipe just the right texture. And, if you prefer your fish to be crispy, caramelize it in the pan when frying it. Others who prefer a more tender, moist fish may opt for oven-baking this dish. The choice is yours. However you choose to prepare it, once these flavors mix together, it creates something wonderfully delicious. I like to pair this with delicious Honey-Glazed Carrots.
Not Just Healthy, But Fast, Too!
This is a super quick recipe that is both easy and fancy. It can be prepared in less than 30 minutes, so it is a perfect go-to dinner suitable for weeknights, date nights and even dinner parties with guests. And it’s healthy so people won’t feel over-stuffed or guilty about cleaning their plates.
FAQs & Tips
How to Make Ahead and Store
As this recipe is quick to make, there isn’t much need to prep in advance – although you could mince the garlic beforehand to save time. Once cooked you can store the salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge or freeze for up to 3 months.
Why is This a Healthy Dish?
Salmon is known for being packed with nutrition including omega-3 fatty acids, protein, vitamin B12, antioxidants and other essential vitamins and minerals. Sockeye salmon in particular is especially full of nutrients.
How to Diversify This Recipe?
If you have mastered this recipe and want to change it up a bit, why not introduce a little apricot to the scene? In South Africa, preparing fish with stone fruit is common and the addition of a little apricot to the butter sauce will add a unique, sweet, colorful taste to the dish that will enhance all of the flavors.
Serving Suggestions
One of the best things about this simple recipe is that it can pretty much be served with anything you want. A favorite is a side of Creamy Mashed Potatoes, which make the perfect backdrop for soaking up any leftover butter sauce. However, my personal favorite is Smashed Red Potatoes and Grilled Green Beans.
I’m also sure to garnish with a little pinch of parsley and a lemon wedge, to add color and pizazz to the plate. The protein, carbohydrate and vegetables all work well to balance each other and create a fantastic, healthy meal that even the pickiest of eaters will thoroughly enjoy. The plates are always clean when I serve this meal at my house.
Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets 6 ounces each, skinless and boneless
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 1/2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh garlic finely minced (about 2 cloves)
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter cubed (if using salted butter, skip the additional salt)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice plus extra wedges for serving
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley finely chopped
- Optional: additional herbs such as dill or chives for garnish
Instructions
- Remove the salmon from the fridge about 30 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature. Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Set aside.
- Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the pan, presentation side down (that’s the side that would have had the skin), and sear for 3 minutes until you get a beautiful golden crust.
- Carefully flip the salmon fillets over and cook for an additional minute. Then, add the butter cubes to the pan.
- As the butter melts and begins to foam, stir in the minced garlic. Tilt the pan slightly so the butter pools to one side, and use a large spoon to continuously baste the salmon with the garlic butter for about 1 1/2 minutes. This creates a rich crust and keeps the salmon moist.
- The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 120°F for medium-rare, which is typically after the basting step. If you prefer your salmon more cooked, aim for 130°F to 140°F. Remove the salmon from the pan and let it rest on a plate for 3 minutes.
- With the heat off, leave the pan on the stove to keep the butter warm. Stir in the lemon juice to create your creamy herb and garlic sauce.
- Place the salmon fillets on individual plates. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top. Garnish with chopped parsley and any additional herbs you like.
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