Garlic Butter Salmon: A Quick and Delicious Weeknight Meal

Garlic butter salmon is a weeknight dinner staple for a reason. It’s quick, easy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. This recipe delivers perfectly cooked salmon with a rich, savory garlic butter sauce that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this recipe is foolproof and guaranteed to impress.

## Why This Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe Works

* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of garlic, butter, lemon, and herbs creates a symphony of flavors that complements the delicate taste of salmon.
* **Versatile:** This recipe can be easily adapted to your liking. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick, or use different herbs to customize the flavor profile.
* **Healthy:** Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins, making it a nutritious and delicious meal option.
* **Impressive:** Despite its simplicity, garlic butter salmon looks and tastes like a gourmet dish, perfect for entertaining guests.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Salmon Fillets:** Use skin-on or skinless salmon fillets, about 6-8 ounces each. Look for fillets that are bright in color and firm to the touch.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is preferred, as it allows you to control the amount of salt in the dish. You can also use salted butter, but be sure to adjust the amount of salt accordingly.
* **Garlic:** Fresh garlic is essential for the best flavor. Mince it finely to release its aromatic compounds.
* **Lemon:** Lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the sauce, balancing the richness of the butter. You’ll also need lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Parsley, dill, and thyme are all great choices. Use a combination of your favorites, or stick to one for a simpler flavor profile. Chop the herbs finely before adding them to the sauce.
* **Salt and Pepper:** Season the salmon and sauce to taste. Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor.
* **Optional Additions:** Red pepper flakes, white wine, capers, cherry tomatoes, spinach

## Equipment

* **Large Skillet or Oven-Safe Pan:** A skillet is ideal for stovetop cooking, while an oven-safe pan allows you to finish the salmon in the oven for a more even cook.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the garlic butter sauce.
* **Lemon Zester (optional):** For zesting the lemon.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups
* **Spatula or Fish Spatula:** For flipping the salmon.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1. Prepare the Salmon

* Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to ensure a crispy skin, if you’re using skin-on fillets.
* Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

### 2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

* In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped herbs.
* Mix well until all ingredients are evenly distributed.

### 3. Cook the Salmon (Stovetop Method)

* Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
* Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets.
* Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
* Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
* Add the garlic butter sauce to the skillet and let it melt, spooning it over the salmon.
* Cook for another minute or two, until the sauce is heated through and the salmon is coated.

### 4. Cook the Salmon (Oven Method)

* Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
* Place the salmon fillets in an oven-safe pan.
* Spread the garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets.
* Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

### 5. Serve

* Remove the salmon from the skillet or oven and serve immediately.
* Garnish with extra herbs, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.
* Serve with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a salad.

## Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Salmon

* **Don’t Overcook the Salmon:** Salmon is best when cooked to medium-rare or medium. Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh garlic and herbs will make a big difference in the flavor of the dish.
* **Adjust the Amount of Garlic:** If you’re not a fan of garlic, you can reduce the amount in the sauce. You can also use roasted garlic for a milder flavor.
* **Add a Splash of White Wine:** A splash of dry white wine, such as Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, can add depth and complexity to the sauce. Add the wine to the skillet after searing the salmon and let it reduce slightly before adding the garlic butter sauce.
* **Make it Spicy:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as basil, oregano, or rosemary, to customize the flavor profile.
* **Add Vegetables:** Cherry tomatoes, spinach, asparagus, or green beans can be added to the skillet or pan along with the salmon for a complete meal.
* **Let the Butter Soften:** Softened butter is easier to mix with the other ingredients and will create a smoother sauce.
* **Don’t Burn the Garlic:** Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter. Add the garlic to the skillet after the salmon has been seared, and cook it over low heat until fragrant.
* **Rest the Salmon:** Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful dish.

## Variations

* **Honey Garlic Salmon:** Add a tablespoon of honey to the garlic butter sauce for a touch of sweetness.
* **Maple Garlic Salmon:** Substitute maple syrup for honey in the honey garlic salmon recipe.
* **Lemon Herb Salmon:** Skip the garlic and use a generous amount of fresh herbs, such as parsley, dill, and thyme, in the sauce. Add extra lemon zest for a more pronounced lemon flavor.
* **Spicy Garlic Salmon:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes and a dash of hot sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Blackened Garlic Salmon:** Season the salmon with a blackened seasoning blend before searing it in the skillet. Add the garlic butter sauce after the salmon has been seared.
* **Garlic Parmesan Salmon:** Add grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter sauce for a cheesy and savory dish.
* **Creamy Garlic Salmon:** Add a splash of heavy cream to the garlic butter sauce for a richer and creamier sauce.
* **Garlic Salmon with Asparagus:** Roast asparagus alongside the salmon in the oven for a complete and healthy meal.
* **Garlic Salmon with Roasted Vegetables:** Roast your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli, carrots, and potatoes, alongside the salmon in the oven.
* **Garlic Salmon with Quinoa:** Serve the garlic salmon over a bed of cooked quinoa for a healthy and satisfying meal.

## Serving Suggestions

Garlic butter salmon is delicious on its own, but it’s even better when served with complementary sides. Here are a few serving suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or sweet potatoes are all great choices.
* **Rice:** White rice, brown rice, or wild rice.
* **Quinoa:** A healthy and protein-packed alternative to rice.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with grilled vegetables and a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes or garlic mashed potatoes.
* **Pasta:** Linguine, spaghetti, or fettuccine tossed with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
* **Bread:** Crusty bread or garlic bread for soaking up the delicious sauce.

## Make Ahead and Storage Instructions

* **Make Ahead:** The garlic butter sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Bring to room temperature before using.
* **Storage:** Leftover garlic butter salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.

## Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate)

* Calories: 400-500
* Protein: 30-40 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

## Recipe Card

**Garlic Butter Salmon**

**Prep Time:** 10 minutes

**Cook Time:** 15-20 minutes

**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
* 4 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 teaspoon lemon zest
* 2 tablespoons fresh herbs (parsley, dill, thyme), chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* Olive oil or butter for cooking

**Instructions:**

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
2. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chopped herbs.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter.
4. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets.
5. Sear the salmon for 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
6. Flip the salmon and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Add the garlic butter sauce to the skillet and let it melt, spooning it over the salmon.
8. Cook for another minute or two, until the sauce is heated through and the salmon is coated.
9. Remove the salmon from the skillet and serve immediately. Garnish with extra herbs, lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired.

Enjoy your delicious and easy garlic butter salmon!

## Conclusion

Garlic butter salmon is a versatile and delicious dish that’s perfect for any occasion. With its simple ingredients and easy preparation, it’s a weeknight dinner winner that’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, follow the steps, and enjoy this flavorful and healthy meal!