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Featured image of perfectly cooked Garlic Butter Salmon.

Garlic Butter Salmon Quick Dinner

This garlic butter salmon recipe delivers perfectly cooked, melt-in-your-mouth salmon in a flavorful garlic butter sauce. Achieve a delicious browned crust and prevent the salmon from drying out by controlling heat and moisture. Serve immediately for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Paper towels
  • Fork
  • Measuring spoons
  • Measuring cups
  • Spatula

Method
 

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Melt Butter and Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
  3. Sear the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Sear for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown (or until the bottom side is nicely browned if using skinless fillets).
  4. Flip and Cook: Gently flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
  5. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Remove the salmon fillets from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in the lemon juice and parsley.
  6. Serve: Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the salmon fillets and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use a stainless steel skillet to achieve a good sear without scorching the butter. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your preference. You can serve with a side of Garlic Butter Bread Rolls or a fresh salad. Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.