If you’re looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner, this Garlic Butter Salmon is sure to become a favorite in your home! Imagine perfectly cooked salmon fillets bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce that’s simply irresistible. It’s the kind of dish that impresses guests yet is easy enough for a busy evening. Once you try it, you’ll understand why I can’t get enough of this recipe!

This dish is perfect for family gatherings or cozy dinners with friends. The simple, wholesome ingredients come together quickly, making it an ideal choice when time is tight but you still want something special on the table. Trust me, everyone will be asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick to Prepare: With just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you’ll have dinner ready in no time!
Family-Friendly: This Garlic Butter Salmon is a hit with both kids and adults. Its flavors are mild but delicious.
One-Pan Wonder: Less cleanup means more time enjoying your meal with loved ones!
Flexible Ingredients: Feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your family’s preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the ingredients for this Garlic Butter Salmon is super simple! You probably already have most of these items in your pantry or fridge. All you need are fresh salmon fillets and a few pantry staples to whip up this delightful dish.

For the Salmon

4x boneless skinless Salmon Fillets
40g / 1/4 cup Plain Flour
1 tsp EACH: Garlic Powder, Salt (plus more to taste)
1/2 tsp Black Pepper (plus more to taste)
1/2 tbsp Olive Oil
6 tbsp / 90g / 3.2oz Unsalted Butter (divided into tbsp chunks)
2 cloves of Garlic (finely diced)
120ml / 1/2 cup Vegetable Stock
1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Parsley
1 Lemon (divided into 4 wedges to serve)

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Here are some variations you can try to customize it to your taste:

Swap the protein: If you’re not keen on salmon, try using chicken breasts or even shrimp for a different twist!
Add some veggies: Toss in some spinach or cherry tomatoes during the last few minutes of cooking for added color and nutrition.
Change the herbs: Instead of parsley, experiment with dill or basil for a fresh flavor change.
Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce if you like a little heat!

How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

In a large shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This step helps create a lovely crust on the salmon as it cooks. Coat each salmon fillet in this mixture before setting them aside.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the coated salmon fillets and fry them for about 3 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip gently and cook for another 2 minutes. Adding butter at this stage gives that incredible flavor while basting keeps it moist.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

After removing the salmon from the pan, lower the heat to medium and add the diced garlic. Sauté until fragrant but watch closely so it doesn’t burn! Pour in vegetable stock next; this deglazes the pan and captures all those savory bits left behind. Add in your remaining butter and whisk until combined—that’s where all that creamy goodness comes from!

Step 4: Combine and Serve

Let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, then return the salmon fillets to bask in that luscious garlic butter sauce. Give everything a gentle toss to ensure each piece is well-coated. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side—squeezing fresh lemon juice elevates every bite!

With these steps, your Garlic Butter Salmon will be ready to dazzle at any dinner table! Enjoy every moment spent cooking and sharing this delightful dish!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Salmon

Cooking salmon to perfection can be a breeze with a few helpful tips!

Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and high-quality butter can greatly enhance the flavor of your sauce, giving it that irresistible homemade touch.
Don’t overcrowd the pan: Frying too many fillets at once can lower the temperature of the pan, preventing the salmon from getting that beautiful golden crust. Cook in batches if necessary!
Baste for flavor: Basting your salmon with the garlic butter sauce while it cooks will not only keep it moist but also infuse it with delicious flavors.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different! Don’t be afraid to add a little more salt or pepper to suit your preferences.
Let it rest before serving: Allowing your cooked salmon to rest for a few minutes before serving helps retain its juices, making each bite tender and flavorful.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon

Presenting your Garlic Butter Salmon beautifully can make all the difference at the dinner table. Here are some delightful ideas!

Garnishes

Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or dill adds a burst of color and freshness that enhances the dish visually and flavor-wise.
Lemon wedges: Placing lemon wedges alongside not only looks appealing but also allows guests to add a zesty twist as they wish.

Side Dishes

Steamed Asparagus: Crisp-tender asparagus lightly seasoned with salt complements the rich flavors of the salmon perfectly.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic pair wonderfully with the buttery sauce, creating a comforting combination.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a squeeze of lemon offers a refreshing contrast to the richness of the fish.
Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until caramelized adds both color and nutritional value to your plate.

With these serving suggestions, your Garlic Butter Salmon will not only taste fantastic but also look stunning on any dinner table! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy a delicious dinner without the fuss on busy weeknights. Here’s how to handle leftovers and make the most of your cooking session.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the salmon to cool completely before storing.
Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator.
Enjoy the leftovers within 3 days for optimal freshness.

Freezing

Wrap the cooked salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
Place it in a freezer-safe bag, removing as much air as possible.
Freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Place the salmon in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through.
Alternatively, you can reheat on the stove over low heat, basting with a little extra garlic butter sauce.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Garlic Butter Salmon that might help you out!

Can I use frozen salmon for Garlic Butter Salmon?

Absolutely! Just ensure to thaw it completely before cooking. This will help achieve that perfect golden crust.

What can I serve with Garlic Butter Salmon?

This dish pairs wonderfully with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Get creative with your sides!

How can I make Garlic Butter Salmon healthier?

You can reduce the butter amount or substitute with olive oil for a lighter version while still enjoying great flavor.

What is the best way to season Garlic Butter Salmon?

The basic seasoning of garlic powder, salt, and pepper works beautifully. Feel free to add herbs like dill or thyme for extra flavor!

Final Thoughts

I truly hope you find joy in making this Garlic Butter Salmon recipe! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with delightful flavors. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish is sure to impress. Thank you for reading, and happy cooking!