Garlic Butter Salmon is the kind of recipe that makes weeknight dinners feel like dining out. With perfectly seared salmon fillets that are golden on the outside, tender and flaky inside, and coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, this dish is quick, simple, and downright irresistible.
When it comes to salmon, less is more - and this recipe proves it. A hot skillet, a handful of fresh ingredients, and just 20 minutes are all you need for a restaurant-quality meal. Whether you're making it for a busy weeknight or a cozy date night at home, this pan-seared salmon delivers every time.
If you liked this recipe, you should try our Greek Salmon or Creamy Garlic Salmon next. This salmon pairs perfectly with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or buttery green beans almondine.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy. Who doesn't love a recipe that looks impressive but comes together in minutes? From fridge to table in about 20 minutes, this garlic butter salmon recipe is one of the fastest, most flavorful mains you can make. One pan = easy cleanup. It's perfect for busy weeknights!
- Restaurant-quality flavor. The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon turns simple salmon into a dish that tastes like it came straight from a steakhouse. Garlic and butter are a classic match for salmon, but the addition of fresh lemon juice is what makes this dish shine. It cuts through the richness of the butter, brightens every bite, and makes the salmon taste fresh and light instead of heavy. Once you try this combination, it might become your go-to way to cook salmon.
- Pan-seared perfection. Cooking salmon in a cast-iron skillet or heavy pan gives it a crisp, golden crust on the outside while keeping the inside flaky and tender. Basting with garlic butter infuses even more flavor, and you'll never have to worry about dry, overcooked salmon again.
- The pan drippings. Don't discard the garlicky, buttery, lemony sauce left in the pan. Those drippings are liquid gold! Spoon them generously over your salmon and use them to dress up sides like rice, pasta, roasted vegetables, or crusty bread for a flavor boost that makes the whole meal shine.
- Versatile and customizable. Lemon garlic butter salmon is one of those dishes that works for everything - a quick weeknight meal, a romantic dinner for two, or a holiday feast. It pairs effortlessly with almost any side, from simple steamed veggies to creamy mashed potatoes or fresh salad, making it as flexible as it is delicious.
Jump to:
Ingredients and Substitutions
To make this easy Garlic Butter Salmon, you will need the following ingredients (full quantities in the recipe card below):
- salmon fillets - Use skin-on salmon filets about 2 inches wide. Skin helps keep the fish moist and adds crispness when seared. You can substitute with skinless fillets if preferred. For best flavor and nutrition, choose wild salmon when available.
- salt and pepper - Simple seasoning to bring out the natural flavor of the salmon.
- olive oil - Helps sear the fresh salmon and prevents sticking. You can swap with avocado oil or canola oil.
- butter - Creates the rich, velvety garlic butter sauce. Use unsalted butter to control salt levels.
- garlic - Fresh garlic is best here for bold flavor. Use finely minced garlic cloves for the sauce. If substituting with garlic powder, use ½ to ¾ teaspoon in this recipe.
- lemon juice - Brightens the dish and balances the richness. Fresh lemon is key.
- fresh parsley - Optional, for adding freshness and color. Other fresh herbs like dill, chives, or oregano also pair well with salmon.
Equipment
You'll also need measuring cups and spoons, a sharp knife and cutting board, a cast-iron skillet or heavy-bottomed pan, a spatula or fish turner, and a spoon for basting.
Instructions
- Prep the salmon. Pat dry the fillets and season with salt and pepper. Set aside at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Bringing salmon to room temperature ensures even cooking.
- Sear the salmon. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until sizzling hot, about 1 minute. Place the salmon skin side down first and sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. The flesh should turn opaque and flake easily with a fork.
- Make the garlic butter. Add butter to the pan and melt until it bubbles, about 1 minute. Stir in garlic and lemon juice, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Baste the salmon. Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the salmon continuously for about 1 minute.
- Serve and garnish. Top with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Serve immediately.
Oven Baked Instructions
To make baked garlic butter salmon, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place salmon fillets on a parchment paper lined baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Meanwhile, prepare the garlic butter sauce in a skillet by melting butter, then sautéing garlic and lemon juice until fragrant. Spoon the sauce over the baked salmon before serving, and garnish with parsley.
Expert Tip: Bring to Room Temperature
Letting salmon rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking ensures even cooking. Cold salmon straight from the fridge often results in overcooked edges and undercooked centers.
More Tips and Tricks
- Pat the salmon dry. Removing excess moisture helps achieve that golden sear.
- How to get crispy skin. If you love salmon skin, the secret to getting it extra crispy is to thoroughly pat it dry before searing. Any excess moisture will cause the skin to steam instead of crisp, so use paper towels to get it as dry as possible. Searing in a hot skillet with oil will then give you beautifully charred, crunchy, salty skin that's irresistible.
- Don't move the salmon. Let it sear undisturbed for 5-6 minutes to form a crust before flipping.
- Use a fish spatula. It makes flipping delicate salmon fillets easier and prevents them from breaking apart.
- Baste for flavor. Continuously spooning the garlic butter sauce over the salmon infuses flavor and keeps it moist.
- Check doneness with a thermometer. Insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon. The safe internal temperature for salmon is 145°F, though many chefs prefer removing it at 135°F and letting carryover cooking finish it off for juicier results.
- Broil for extra char. After pan-searing, you can place the salmon under the broiler for 1-2 minutes to add a slightly smoky finish.
- Finish with fresh herbs. A sprinkle of parsley, dill, or chives adds color and brightness.
Recipe Variations
- Make it spicy. Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce for a kick.
- Add veggies. Toss in asparagus, green beans, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes to cook alongside the salmon.
- Citrus twist. Swap lemon juice with lime or orange for a different citrus profile.
- Creamy sauce. Stir a splash of heavy cream into the garlic butter for a richer sauce.
- Herb butter. Use compound butter made with parsley, dill, or chives for extra flavor.
- Make it on a sheet pan. Bake salmon fillets at 400°F for 12-15 minutes, then spoon the garlic butter mixture over before serving. See our Oven Baked Instructions above for more details.
Storage
How to Store
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little butter until warmed through. You can also reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the salmon moist while restoring a slightly crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the salmon.
How to Freeze
Freeze cooked salmon in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Garlic butter salmon is one of those seafood recipes that pairs well with just about anything. Keep it light with a fresh salad or roasted veggies, or make it hearty with rice, pasta, or potatoes. It's an easy recipe that works for weeknights and special occasions alike.
These are my favorite dishes to serve with pan-seared salmon:
Side Dishes for Salmon
For more recipe ideas, explore our collection of side dishes that pair perfectly with salmon, including fresh salads, roasted vegetables, light grains, and flavorful appetizers that complement the richness of the fish.
FAQ
Yes! Garlic butter is one of the best pairings for salmon because it enhances the natural richness of the fish while adding a savory, aromatic flavor. The butter keeps the salmon moist, while garlic and lemon balance it out with brightness.
Absolutely. Garlic adds depth and savory notes that complement salmon's slightly sweet, mild flavor. Whether pan-seared or baked, garlic elevates salmon into a flavorful, restaurant-worthy meal without overpowering it.
Salmon pairs well with citrus (lemon, lime, orange), fresh herbs (dill, parsley, chives), garlic, butter, honey, mustard, soy sauce, and spices like paprika or red pepper flakes. These flavors enhance its natural richness.
Seasoning it well, cooking it properly, and adding balance. Garlic butter, fresh lemon, and herbs make salmon taste better by highlighting its richness without overwhelming it. Searing or baking at high heat ensures tender, flaky results.
Keep it simple: salt, black pepper, and garlic. Add herbs like thyme or parsley, plus a squeeze of lemon juice. Garlic butter is a classic finish that enhances flavor and keeps salmon juicy.
Pan-searing in a hot skillet with garlic butter is one of the tastiest ways. It creates a golden crust, keeps the inside moist, and builds rich flavor in minutes. Baking is another delicious, hands-off option.
Salmon is versatile and pairs well with grains (rice, quinoa, couscous), potatoes, pasta, and a wide variety of vegetables. Garlic butter salmon in particular shines with roasted veggies, mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
More Salmon Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Tried this recipe?
I'd love to hear what you think! Leave a comment and rating below to share your feedback. Your reviews help others discover this recipe and help me keep creating more free recipes for you. Snap a photo and tag me on social media @aheadofthyme too.
Recipe
Garlic Butter Salmon
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 5 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pan-seared garlic butter salmon is tender, flaky, and flavorful. An easy 20-minute recipe with lemon and parsley, perfect for weeknights.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds skin on salmon fillets, 2-inches wide (about 5 pieces)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ¼ cup butter
- 1 ½ tablespoons garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Pat dry the fillets and season with salt and pepper. Set aside at room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Bringing salmon to room temperature ensures even cooking.
- In a large skillet, heat oil over medium-high heat until sizzling hot, about 1 minute. Sear the salmon fillets for 5-6 minutes on each side (skin side down first) until golden brown and fully cooked. When salmon is cooked, the flesh will turn opaque, and it will flake easily when using a fork.
- Add butter to the pan and melt until it bubbles, about 1 minute. Stir in garlic and lemon juice, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the salmon continuously for about 1 minute (basting the salmon).
- Top with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon juice, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
How to get crispy skin: If you are a fan of salmon skin and want it extra crispy, the secret is to thoroughly pat the salmon dry before searing. Excess water will cause it to steam, and you don't want that. So, make sure your salmon skin is as dry as possible.
How to store: Keep leftover garlic butter salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
How to reheat: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a little butter until warmed through. You can also reheat in the air fryer at 350°F for 3-4 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the salmon moist while restoring a slightly crisp exterior. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can dry out the salmon.
How to freeze: Freeze cooked salmon in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Seafood
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
This post was originally published in 2021. It has since been updated with new content.
Dee Anderson says
Everything looks delicious and I love your ingredients!