Go Back
+ servings
Garlic Butter Salmon fillet with fresh herbs, minced garlic, and a lemon wedge.

Garlic Butter Salmon

Brown horse with white markings and woman smiling outdoors.Karena Garrity
No ratings yet
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Resting Time 3 minutes
Total Time 28 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
 

  • Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Set aside.
    Fresh salmon fillets with seasoned salt on a white plate, surrounded by fresh herbs and a pepper grinder.
  • 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.
    Garlic butter salmon fillets searing in a black skillet.
  • Carefully flip the salmon fillets over and cook for an additional minute. Then, add the butter cubes to the pan.
    Searing four garlic butter salmon fillets in a black skillet.
  • 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.
    Cooking Garlic Butter Salmon fillets in a skillet as butter melts and foams.
  • 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.
    Salmon fillets with garlic and seasoning on a green plate.
  • 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.
    Squeezing fresh lemon juice into the warm garlic butter sauce for Garlic Butter Salmon.
  • 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
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!