Easy Garlic Butter Salmon

This Easy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is a flavorful, quick, and healthy meal that you can make in under 30 minutes. The salmon fillets are cooked to perfection, bathed in a rich, savory garlic butter sauce that’s infused with fresh herbs. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or meal prep, this dish is sure to impress!

Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley (or fresh parsley for garnish)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the fish sear properly.
2. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Once the skillet is hot, add the salmon fillets, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy, then flip the fillets over and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
3. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low and add 2 tablespoons of butter. Allow it to melt.
2. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, dried thyme, and dried parsley. Let it cook for another 30 seconds to combine the flavors.
4. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and let it melt into the sauce. Stir well.

Step 4: Coat the Salmon

1. Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top to coat the fish. Let the salmon soak up the sauce for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if needed.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the garlic butter salmon with the sauce spooned over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra lemon wedges for a refreshing burst of flavor.
2. Pair with your favorite sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a salad for a complete meal.

Tips and Variations:

• Add a kick: If you enjoy spicy food, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for a subtle heat.
• Make it smoky: Try using smoked paprika in place of or in addition to the dried thyme for a smoky flavor.
• Oven method: For an even easier method, you can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes with the garlic butter sauce. Just place the salmon in a baking dish, pour the sauce over it, and bake until cooked through.

Conclusion

This Easy Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is the perfect combination of rich, buttery, and zesty flavors that complement the natural taste of the salmon. Quick to prepare and packed with deliciousness, this meal is sure to become a regular in your dinner rotation. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and elegant!