I still remember the evening I first made garlic butter salmon. It was a simple weeknight, and I was searching for something easy but tasty after a busy day. That first pan-seared salmon with garlic butter filled my kitchen with the most wonderful aroma, and the buttery garlic sauce was rich but not overpowering. My family’s reactions sealed the deal — their “wow” faces said it all. Since then, this garlic butter salmon has become my go-to for an impressive, fuss-free dinner that feels special enough for guests but doable on any night.
This buttery garlic salmon recipe checks all the boxes: it’s quick, requires just a handful of ingredients you probably already have, and the flavor is reliable every time. Whether you’re cooking for one or feeding a crowd, Garlic Butter Salmon fits into real-life cooking perfectly. It’s never too complicated or intimidating, and yet it always tastes like you’ve put in a little extra love.
Garlic Butter Salmon is also a dish I turn to for gatherings because it creates that cozy, inviting atmosphere with minimal effort. It pairs beautifully with simple sides but steals the show on its own. If you’ve been looking for a delicious, reliable fish dish that you can count on, I invite you to try this recipe. I’ll walk you through everything, sharing tips I’ve picked up along the way. Let’s get cooking!
What You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin on for crispiness
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (My secret? A little extra butter adds that rich, velvety finish.)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (Fresh garlic is a must for this garlic butter salmon, but if all you have is jarred, that’s no problem—it works, though fresh really shines.)
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice (You’ll find lemons at any grocery store year-round.)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (Optional but fantastic for that herb garlic butter salmon touch.)
No fancy ingredients here—this garlic butter salmon uses staples you likely already have in your kitchen. The butter and garlic combination is what turns simple salmon fillets into a crowd-pleaser.
If you want to swap out fresh parsley, try fresh dill or chives. If you happen to run out of butter, olive oil can work in a pinch for pan-seared salmon with garlic butter, but it won’t have quite the same luxurious feel.
A quick shopping tip: keep your garlic peeled and minced in the fridge to save prep time next time you make this. Also, salmon fillets are best fresh but can be frozen ahead; just thaw overnight in the fridge and pat dry before cooking.
Because this garlic butter salmon recipe is affordable and uses ingredients that keep well in your pantry, it’s a great staple to have on hand. Plus, the butter and garlic flavor combo makes every bite feel indulgent without needing extra sauces or garnishes.
Let’s Cook It Together!
- Prepare Your Salmon Fillets: Begin by patting your fillets dry with paper towels—this helps get that crispy skin in pan-seared salmon with garlic butter. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Melt Butter & Garlic: Heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat in a large skillet. Once melted, add the minced garlic. Let the garlic sizzle for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. If it browns, it can taste bitter, so watch closely.
- Cook the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4-5 minutes. You’re looking for a golden crisp on the skin and partial cooking through the fillets.
- Flip and Add More Butter: Flip the salmon carefully using a spatula. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter along with the fresh lemon juice to the pan. Spoon the buttery garlic sauce over the salmon gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes, depending on thickness.
- Finish and Garnish: Once cooked through (salmon should flake easily but still be moist), remove from heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley for that fresh herb garlic butter salmon finish.
From start to finish, this garlic butter salmon takes about 15-20 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dish. While it cooks, you can whip up a quick salad or steam some veggies—multitasking is so satisfying.
If your garlic butter salmon looks a bit too brown on the garlic, lower the heat next time or time how long you sauté it before adding the salmon. It’s a simple tweak that improves the flavor big time after a few tries.
After cooking, I like to pour myself a drink and set the table while the salmon rests for just a minute or two. The kitchen should smell incredible, and the buttery garlic sauce will have you excited for that first bite.
How to Serve & Enjoy It!
This garlic butter salmon shines when served with simple, fresh sides. Steamed green beans, roasted asparagus, or even a fluffy mashed potato are great because they don’t compete with the rich buttery garlic flavors.
For a quick weeknight meal, I often serve my easy garlic butter salmon fillets with a side of brown rice or warm crusty bread to scoop up all the buttery garlic sauce.
It’s the kind of dish that works well for both intimate dinners and casual gatherings. I’ve served this herb garlic butter salmon for friends over a holiday meal, and it was an instant crowd-pleaser without having to fuss over complicated steps.
If you have leftovers, flake the salmon and incorporate it into a fresh salad or a savory pasta. You can also reheat gently, spooning leftover garlic butter from the pan to refresh the flavor.
When the season calls for cozy meals, oven baked garlic butter salmon is a fantastic alternative—you can check out this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon – Fox and Briar for an option that lets the oven do the work.
Serving this garlic butter salmon makes any meal feel a bit more special, without the stress. Guests often comment on how rich and flavorful it tastes, yet it’s all made with everyday ingredients.
Your Questions Answered
Can I make this Garlic Butter Salmon ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can prep the garlic butter sauce ahead and keep it refrigerated. Cook your salmon fresh for the best texture, but leftovers reheat well if done gently in a low oven or pan over medium heat.
What’s a good substitute for butter in this garlic butter salmon?
If you’re out of butter, olive oil works okay, especially for pan-seared salmon with garlic butter. The flavor will be slightly different and less rich but still tasty.
How do I adjust this garlic butter salmon recipe for more or less servings?
Simply multiply or divide ingredients based on the number of fillets. The timing stays similar, but watch the pan crowding—cook in batches if needed for even searing.
Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
Yes, oven baked garlic butter salmon is a hands-off alternative. Try this Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon – Simple Home Edit for a simple oven version.
Should the skin be removed or left on?
I prefer skin on for pan-seared garlic butter salmon because it crisps up nicely and holds the fillet together. You can always remove it before eating if you don’t like it.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
Look for opaque flesh that flakes easily with a fork but still feels moist inside. Overcooking dries it out, so I keep an eye after 8 minutes total cooking time.
Can I add herbs other than parsley?
Sure! This herb garlic butter salmon is a good canvas. Dill, thyme, or chives all pair well and add fresh layers of flavor.
For more flavorful home-cooked meals, check out my garlic butter chicken skillet recipe here or some comforting garlic butter beef bites with mashed potatoes here.
There are many ways to enjoy garlic butter salmon. I also love this quick Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Sheet Pan Recipe – Averie Cooks when I want to simplify cleanup.
Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Salmon holds a special place in my recipe collection because it’s the dish that balances ease and flavor like few others. It brings out the best in salmon with simple ingredients you trust.
My Best Garlic Butter Salmon Tips:
- Always pat the salmon dry for crispy skin.
- Don’t rush the garlic step; watch it closely to avoid bitterness.
- Add fresh herbs at the end for brightness and color.
Three tested variations I love: pan-seared salmon with garlic butter as described, oven baked garlic butter salmon for a no-fuss option, and herb garlic butter salmon with extra fresh herbs mixed in for a garden-fresh twist.
The pan-seared garlic butter salmon version gets requested most often at my dinner table because of that crispy skin and buttery sauce finish.
I hope you make this dish your own and enjoy the comforting flavors as much as I do. Cooking garlic butter salmon doesn’t have to be tricky; it’s all about simple steps and real ingredients. You’ve got this, fellow home cooks. Dive in and savor every buttery, garlicky bite.
For another tasty salmon spin, check out my Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon recipe, it’s just as flavorful and easy to make.
Happy cooking!
Garlic Butter Salmon
Garlic Butter Salmon is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender salmon fillets cooked in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
Instructions
- Pat salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side up in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the salmon and reduce heat to medium.
- Add butter and minced garlic to the pan, spooning the melted butter and garlic over the salmon as it cooks for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
- Remove skillet from heat, drizzle lemon juice over the salmon, and sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes.
Notes
For an extra burst of flavor, serve with a side of steamed asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes.