Hey y'all! If you're craving a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen, this Garlic Butter Salmon Skillet is about to become your new best friend. Each buttery, golden fillet is infused with fragrant garlic, fresh herbs, and a splash of zesty lemon. Whether it's a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this crowd-pleasing recipe is not only easy but absolutely delicious. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Salmon Skillet
- Super Fast: Ready in just 20 minutes from start to finish!
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh salmon for a gourmet flavor without fuss.
- One-Skillet Ease: Minimal cleanup makes weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Rich & Flavorful: The buttery garlic sauce makes every bite melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
- Versatile: Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or meal prep!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh chopped parsley (optional, for garnish)
- Lemon slices (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Prep the Salmon
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper.
Sear the Salmon
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil and 2 tablespoons butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Once the butter is melted and foamy, add salmon fillets (skin-side down if skin-on). Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until golden and releases easily from the pan.
- Flip the salmon carefully. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until nearly cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 125°F (52°C) for medium.
- Transfer salmon to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium. Add remaining 2 tablespoons butter to the same skillet.
- Add minced garlic, thyme, and smoked paprika. Sauté about 1 minute, stirring, until fragrant.
- Pour in lemon juice and let simmer 30 seconds to blend flavors.
Finish & Serve
- Return the salmon fillets to the skillet, spoon the sauce generously over each fillet, and cook for another 1 minute to heat through.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon slices. Serve immediately!
Notes
- If your salmon fillets are thicker, add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time for perfect doneness.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed for a crispy sear.
- Use freshly minced garlic for the most aromatic flavor.
Variations
- Cajun Style: Sprinkle Cajun seasoning on the salmon before searing for a spicy kick.
- Creamy Sauce: Stir ¼ cup heavy cream into the sauce after adding lemon juice for a richer texture.
- Honey Garlic: Add 1 tablespoon honey to the sauce to balance the lemony tang with sweetness.
Required Equipment
- Large non-stick or stainless steel skillet (12-inch recommended)
- Fish spatula or flat turner
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Juicer (optional)
Storage Instructions
- Let leftover salmon cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes to avoid drying out.
- Not recommended for freezing, as the texture may become mushy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or quinoa for a hearty meal.
- Serve alongside roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a crisp Caesar salad.
- Top with extra fresh herbs and lemon zest for a finishing touch.
Pro Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Salmon Skillet
- Let salmon come to room temperature for 10 minutes before searing for even cooking.
- Don’t flip the salmon too soon; wait until it naturally releases from the skillet for a crisp crust.
- Adjust lemon and herbs to your taste—more for brightness, less for a subtle flavor.
FAQ
- Can I use frozen salmon?
- Yes, just make sure to thaw the salmon completely and pat dry before cooking for the best sear and texture.
- What type of salmon works best?
- Any variety works well—Atlantic, sockeye, or coho—just choose fillets that are firm and fresh for the best results.
- How can I tell when my salmon is done?
- Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout; for precise results, aim for an internal temperature of 125°F for medium.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or mixed herbs)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
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1Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt, black pepper, and Italian herbs.
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2Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until melted.
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3Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until golden and crispy.
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4Flip the salmon fillets and add minced garlic and remaining butter to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes while basting the salmon with the garlic butter.
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5Drizzle lemon juice over the salmon, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and cook for 1 minute more. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges.
CLICK FOR NUTRITION INFO
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Approximate Information for One Serving
Serving Size:
1 serving
Calories:
340cal
Protein:
32 gg
Fat:
22 gg
Saturated Fat:
0g
Trans Fat:
0g
Cholesterol:
0mg
Sodium:
0mg
Potassium:
0mg
Total Carbs:
2 gg
Fiber:
0g
Sugar:
0g
Net Carbs:
0g
Vitamin A:
0
Vitamin C:
0mg
Calcium:
0mg
Iron:
0mg
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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