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Savory baked salmon fillet garnished with herbs and lemon wedge on a textured plate.

Garlic Butter Salmon

Brown horse with white markings and woman smiling outdoors.Karena Garrity
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Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 439 kcal

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.
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  • 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.
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  • Carefully flip the salmon fillets over and cook for an additional minute. Then, add the butter cubes to the pan.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.
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  • 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.

Nutrition

Calories: 439kcalCarbohydrates: 0.2gProtein: 34gFat: 33gSaturated Fat: 13gSodium: 368mgFiber: 0.04g
Keyword Garlic Butter Salmon
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