Salmon lovers, rejoice! Garlic Butter Salmon is a dish that brings together the rich flavors of succulent salmon fillets and a delightful garlic butter sauce. Perfect for any occasion, this recipe is not only simple to prepare but also impressively delicious. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just enjoying a family meal, this dish will surely stand out with its irresistible aroma and mouthwatering taste.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Prepare – With straightforward steps, making garlic butter salmon is quick and hassle-free, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Irresistible Flavor – The combination of garlic and buttery goodness elevates the natural flavors of the salmon, creating a dish everyone will love.
- Versatile Serving Options – Pair it with rice, veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete meal that suits various tastes and dietary needs.
- Perfect for Any Occasion – Whether it’s a casual family dinner or an elegant gathering, this recipe fits right in.
- Healthy Option – Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish is not only tasty but also nutritious.
Tools and Preparation
To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools at hand is essential.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Non-stick pan
- Shallow dish
- Whisk
- Knife
- Cutting board
Importance of Each Tool
- Non-stick pan – Ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and prevents sticking, making cleanup easier.
- Whisk – Essential for combining ingredients smoothly when making the garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4x boneless skinless Salmon Fillets
For the Coating
- 40g / 1/4 cup Plain Flour
- 1 tsp EACH: Garlic Powder, Salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp Black Pepper (plus more to taste)
For Cooking
- 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil
- 6 tbsp / 90g / 3.2oz Unsalted Butter (divided into tbsp chunks)
For the Sauce
- 2 cloves of Garlic (finely diced)
- 120ml / 1/2 cup Vegetable Stock
For Garnish
- 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Parsley
- 1 Lemon (divided into 4 wedges to serve)
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Coating
In a large shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Coat each salmon fillet thoroughly; give them a gentle shake before placing them aside.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon Fillets
Add olive oil to a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once hot:
1. Add the salmon fillets.
2. Fry for about 3 minutes until they develop a golden crust on one side.
3. Carefully flip and fry for another 2 minutes until golden on the other side.
4. Add 1 tablespoon of butter to baste the fillets for about one minute or until nearly cooked through.
5. Remove from the pan and lower heat to medium.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Add diced garlic to the same pan:
1. Fry until it starts to take on color—be careful not to burn it!
2. Pour in vegetable stock and scrape any flavor from the pan bottom.
3. Add remaining butter and whisk until combined with stock.
4. Stir in parsley along with additional salt and pepper if desired.
Step 4: Combine and Serve
Simmer for several minutes while stirring until the sauce thickens slightly:
1. Lower the heat.
2. Return salmon fillets to the pan.
3. Baste in sauce until warmed through.
4. Serve with extra sauce drizzled on top and lemon wedges on the side.
Enjoy your delicious Garlic Butter Salmon!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon
Garlic Butter Salmon is a delightful dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or having a simple meal at home, these serving suggestions will elevate your experience.
With Fresh Vegetables
- Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus pairs well with the rich flavors of garlic butter salmon.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy Brussels sprouts add a nutty flavor that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Sautéed Spinach: Quick sautéed spinach offers a vibrant green contrast and adds essential nutrients.
On a Bed of Rice
- Fluffy Jasmine Rice: The light fragrance of jasmine rice enhances the taste of garlic butter salmon.
- Creamy Risotto: A rich, creamy risotto acts as a luxurious base for the salmon, soaking up all the delicious sauce.
With a Salad
- Mixed Green Salad: A fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the salmon.
- Caesar Salad: The crisp romaine and creamy dressing are perfect companions to this savory dish.
How to Perfect Garlic Butter Salmon
To achieve the best results with your Garlic Butter Salmon, pay attention to these helpful tips.
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Opt for fresh salmon fillets for maximum flavor and texture.
- Don’t Overcook: Monitor cooking time closely; overcooked salmon can become dry. Aim for just cooked through.
- Use High-Quality Butter: Unsalted butter gives you control over salt levels while providing rich flavor.
- Baste Often: Basting during cooking helps keep the fish moist and infuses it with buttery goodness.
- Adjust Seasoning to Taste: Feel free to experiment with additional herbs or spices based on your preferences.
Best Side Dishes for Garlic Butter Salmon
Pairing your Garlic Butter Salmon with complementary side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some top choices:
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic enhance the dish’s flavors.
- Quinoa Pilaf: A nutritious quinoa pilaf mixed with herbs provides a wholesome alternative.
- Grilled Zucchini: Smoky grilled zucchini adds texture and brings out the freshness of the meal.
- Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn on the cob brings a pop of sweetness that contrasts nicely with the savory salmon.
- Couscous Salad: Light and fluffy couscous salad tosses in veggies, adding color and crunch to your plate.
- Potato Wedges: Crispy baked potato wedges make for a fun finger food that complements the richness of the fish.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Cooking garlic butter salmon can be simple, but there are common mistakes that can ruin this delightful dish.
- Overcooking the Salmon: Salmon should be cooked until it’s just flaky. Keep an eye on cooking times to prevent dryness.
- Skipping the Basting Step: Basting the salmon with garlic butter adds flavor and moisture. Don’t skip this crucial step for a rich taste.
- Not Using Fresh Ingredients: Fresh garlic and quality salmon make a significant difference. Always opt for fresh over dried ingredients when possible.
- Ignoring Seasoning: Proper seasoning enhances flavor. Be generous with salt and pepper, tasting as you go to adjust levels.
- Using the Wrong Pan: A non-stick pan is essential for achieving a golden crust without sticking. Avoid using pans that tend to stick.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover garlic butter salmon in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Garlic Butter Salmon
- Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil.
- Freeze for up to 2 months for best quality.
Reheating Garlic Butter Salmon
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place salmon on a baking sheet and heat for about 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for about 1-2 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
- Stovetop: Heat a non-stick skillet over low heat. Add the salmon and cover to gently warm it, basting occasionally with any remaining sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about garlic butter salmon.
How do I make garlic butter for salmon?
To make garlic butter for salmon, simply melt unsalted butter in a pan, add minced garlic, and sauté briefly before pouring over cooked salmon.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes! Just thaw the frozen salmon in the refrigerator overnight before preparing your garlic butter salmon for best results.
What sides pair well with garlic butter salmon?
Garlic butter salmon pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
How long does it take to cook garlic butter salmon?
Cooking garlic butter salmon typically takes about 15 minutes total—3 minutes per side followed by basting time.
Final Thoughts
Garlic butter salmon is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. This dish can easily be customized with different herbs or spices based on your preference. Give it a try, and enjoy the comforting flavors of this irresistible recipe!
Garlic Butter Salmon
Indulge in the delectable experience of Garlic Butter Salmon, a dish that transforms simple ingredients into a meal bursting with flavor. This recipe features succulent salmon fillets expertly coated and pan-seared to golden perfection, then drizzled with a rich garlic butter sauce that enhances the natural taste of the fish. Ideal for busy weeknights or special occasions, Garlic Butter Salmon is incredibly easy to prepare yet impressive enough to wow your guests. Pair it with fresh vegetables, rice, or a salad for a complete and nutritious meal that pleases every palate. With its vibrant flavors and enticing aroma, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 boneless skinless salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup plain flour
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (divided)
- 2 cloves garlic (finely diced)
- 1/2 cup vegetable stock
- Fresh parsley (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Coat each salmon fillet thoroughly.
- Heat olive oil in a non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Cook salmon for 3 minutes on one side until golden, then flip and cook for an additional 2 minutes.
- Add 1 tbsp butter to baste the fillets until nearly cooked through.
- In the same pan, sauté diced garlic until fragrant. Pour in vegetable stock and scrape pan drippings.
- Whisk in remaining butter, then stir in parsley. Return salmon to the pan to warm through.
- Serve garnished with extra sauce and lemon wedges.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (approx. 170g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
