Garlic Butter Salmon is the ultimate fast-and-fancy dinner that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Imagine perfectly seared salmon fillets bathed in a silky garlic butter sauce with hints of lemon and herbs—ready in under 20 minutes! Whether you’re cooking for a busy weeknight or hosting a last-minute dinner, this dish is the kind of foolproof recipe that never fails to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Speedy and Simple: This is a one-pan wonder that’s done in under 20 minutes—yes, really! No complicated steps, just straight-up deliciousness.
Irresistibly Flavorful: Rich, savory garlic butter seeps into every bite of tender salmon. It’s buttery without being heavy and just garlicky enough to make your kitchen smell amazing.
Healthy with Indulgent Vibes: Salmon is packed with omega-3s, and when you pair it with garlic and fresh lemon, you get that perfect balance of rich and refreshing.
Perfect for All Skill Levels: You don’t need chef skills to nail this recipe. Just a hot pan, good salmon, and a little butter magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what makes this dish shine—and why you’ll want to keep these ingredients on hand:

Salmon Fillets: Skin-on or skinless both work—choose fresh, center-cut fillets for the best texture and flavor.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here. Minced or grated, it’s the heart of the sauce.
Butter: Unsalted is best so you can control the seasoning. Butter creates the rich, velvety base for the sauce.
Olive Oil: Just a touch to sear the salmon and keep it from sticking.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up the richness of the butter and adds a bit of tang to balance everything.
Parsley or Dill: Fresh herbs add color and a lovely fresh note. Use whichever you have.
Salt and Pepper: Keep it simple. Season generously for the best flavor.
Optional Red Pepper Flakes: For a little heat, totally up to you.

Variations

Feeling adventurous or just want to use what you have on hand? Try these tasty twists:

Honey Garlic: Add a spoonful of honey to the butter for a sweet-savory combo that’s ridiculously good.
Creamy Spin: Stir in a splash of cream and a handful of spinach at the end for a luscious, creamy version.
Cajun Kick: Rub the salmon with Cajun seasoning before searing for a spicy Southern twist.
Asian-Inspired: Swap lemon for lime and add a dash of soy sauce and ginger to the butter for a totally different flavor profile.

How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This helps it sear properly and brings out the natural flavor.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down (if it has skin) and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving it, so it gets that gorgeous crust. Flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes until just cooked through.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

While the salmon finishes, reduce the heat to medium-low. Add butter and garlic to the pan, stirring gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden—but not burned. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and swirl it into the butter.

Step 4: Spoon and Serve

Spoon the garlicky butter over the salmon to coat it completely. Finish with fresh herbs and a final splash of lemon juice if desired. Serve hot and enjoy every buttery bite.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Overcook: Salmon should be just opaque in the center. If it flakes easily with a fork, it’s done.
Let It Rest: After searing, let it sit in the pan off-heat for a minute to soak in the garlic butter.
Use Cast Iron or Stainless Steel: These pans hold heat better and give you a crisp, golden crust.
Fresh is Best: Fresh garlic and lemon make a huge difference—skip the jarred stuff if you can.

How to Serve

This garlic butter salmon is incredibly versatile, so you’ve got plenty of options when it comes to serving:

Pairings:

Steamed Rice or Mashed Potatoes: Something starchy to soak up that amazing butter sauce.
Roasted Veggies: Think asparagus, green beans, or zucchini.
Pasta: Toss some angel hair or fettuccine with the leftover garlic butter and serve the salmon right on top.

Garnishes:

A sprinkle of chopped parsley or dill
Lemon wedges on the side
Cracked black pepper for a little extra bite

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep any leftover butter sauce separately if possible.

Freezing

You can freeze this dish, but fresh is really best. If needed, wrap tightly and freeze for up to a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, spooning the butter sauce over the top. Avoid the microwave if you can—it dries out the fish.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Moisture will prevent it from searing properly.

What type of salmon works best?
Atlantic or wild-caught sockeye salmon are both great choices. Look for center-cut fillets for even cooking.

Can I bake the salmon instead of searing it?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, then pour the garlic butter over the top just before serving.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! It’s naturally low in carbs and high in healthy fats, making it perfect for keto and low-carb diets.

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Salmon is the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick, incredibly flavorful, and looks fancy enough for guests while being easy enough for a solo Tuesday dinner. Try it once, and it’ll earn a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe