Perfect for busy evenings
When you need a fast, elegant dinner without spending hours in the kitchen, this Simple Garlic Butter Salmon is the perfect choice. It’s rich, flavorful, and ready in under 20 minutes — making it ideal for busy evenings when you still want something homemade and satisfying.
With just a few simple ingredients, you get tender salmon with a buttery garlic sauce that feels restaurant-quality but is incredibly easy to prepare.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 15–20 minutes
- One pan, quick cleanup
- Rich flavor with simple ingredients
- Healthy and protein-packed
- Perfect for weeknight dinners
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika (optional)
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
How to Make Simple Garlic Butter Salmon
Step 1: Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika if using.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets in the pan and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Remove salmon from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Add butter to the same pan, then add minced garlic. Cook for 30–60 seconds until fragrant (do not brown).
Step 4: Combine and Finish
Return the salmon to the pan. Spoon the garlic butter over the fillets and add lemon juice. Let everything cook together for 1–2 minutes.
Step 5: Serve
Remove from heat, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Tips for Best Results
- Don’t overcook salmon — it should flake easily
- Use fresh garlic for best flavor
- Add a splash of white wine for extra depth (optional)
- Works well with both fresh and frozen salmon (thawed)
What to Serve With It
This salmon pairs perfectly with:
- Steamed rice or quinoa
- Roasted vegetables
- Simple green salad
- Mashed potatoes
Storage & Reheating
- Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days
- Reheat gently in a pan or microwave
- Avoid overheating to keep salmon tender
Final Thoughts
This Simple Garlic Butter Salmon is proof that a quick meal can still be flavorful and elegant. It’s the kind of recipe you’ll come back to again and again on busy nights.
If you’re building a collection of fast, reliable dinners, this one deserves a permanent spot.