Seafood • 15 min • Quick
A simple, elegant Garlic Butter Salmon dish infused with lemon, garlic, and herb-rich butter. This quick recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavour in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for effortless weeknight dinners or a refined meal without the stress.
Ingredients
Salmon & Seasoning
- 2 Samon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Zest of ½ lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
Finish
- Lemon slices
- Extra parsley
To Serve (Optional)
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- Roasted vegetables
- Green salad
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the salmon
Pat salmon dry. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Sear the salmon
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down (if using) and cook 3–4 minutes until crisp and golden. Flip and cook another 2 minutes.
3. Make the garlic butter
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the pan. When melted, stir in garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let bubble 20–30 seconds until aromatic.
4. Baste the salmon
Spoon the hot garlic butter over the salmon repeatedly for 1–2 minutes, helping it absorb flavor and stay moist.
5. Finish & garnish
Turn off heat. Sprinkle parsley over the salmon and add lemon slices on top.
6. Serve
Plate immediately with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad. Pour the remaining garlic butter over the fillets.
Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
Equipment List
- Large skillet
- Spatula
- Knife & cutting board
- Small bowl (for lemon prep)
Notes & Substitutions
- Butter alternative: Use olive oil for a lighter version.
- Herbs: Parsley can be replaced with dill or chives.
- No lemon? Substitute lime or white wine splash.
- Oven option: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 10–12 minutes, add garlic butter halfway.
- Crispy skin tip: Start with a dry fillet and a hot pan.
Storage Instructions
- Refrigerator: Up to 2 days.
- Freezer: Not recommended (texture changes)
- Reheat: Warm gently in a covered skillet with a little butter.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Elegant flavor with minimal ingredients
- Ready in 15 minutes
- High-protein, nutrient-rich meal
- Perfect for both weeknights and special dinners
- Pairs well with many sides
You may also enjoy our Budget Tuna Pasta, try the 20 Min Honey Soy Chicken, or go for a Honey Garlic Shrimp Bowl.