Description
Flaky salmon fillets seared to perfection and bathed in a rich, flavorful garlic butter sauce. A quick and easy weeknight meal that’s sure to impress!
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Sear for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and golden brown. If using skinless fillets, sear for 3-4 minutes per side. Flip the salmon fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Reduce the heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. Let it melt and then spoon the garlic butter over the salmon fillets. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the salmon to absorb the delicious garlic butter flavor.
- Serve the garlic butter salmon immediately, garnished with extra fresh parsley and a lemon wedge.
Notes
- For baking, preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, spoon garlic butter over fillets, and bake for 12-15 minutes.
- For grilling, preheat grill to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grill grates. Place salmon on the grill, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Spoon garlic butter over fillets during the last minute of grilling.
- Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the salmon.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste.
- Garlic butter can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes