Garlic Butter Skillet Salmon

Easy One-Pan Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon, Herbs and Crispy Seared Edges


Garlic butter skillet salmon with lemon and herbs

Description

This garlic butter skillet salmon is a quick, flavorful and reliable recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort. The salmon is seared until golden and crisp on the outside while remaining tender and flaky inside. A rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and herbs adds brightness and depth, making this one-pan dish ideal for both busy weeknights and elegant dinners.

Ingredients

For the salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets (150–180 g each)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the garlic butter sauce

  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 3–4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • 1–2 tablespoons water or broth (optional)

Optional to serve

  • Lemon wedges
  • Steamed or roasted vegetables
  • Rice, potatoes or pasta

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon completely dry to help it sear properly.
  2. Season with olive oil, salt, pepper and paprika.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
  4. Sear the salmon skin-side down for 3–4 minutes.
  5. Flip and cook another 2–4 minutes until nearly done.
  6. Reduce heat and add butter around the fillets.
  7. Stir in minced garlic and let it sizzle briefly.
  8. Baste the salmon with garlic butter for 1–2 minutes.
  9. Add lemon juice, zest and fresh herbs.
  10. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.

Tips & Variations

  • Let the salmon rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
  • Do not overcrowd the pan for best browning.
  • Add chili flakes for a spicy version.
  • Use dill, basil or chives to change the flavor profile.
  • For a creamy sauce, add 60–80 ml heavy cream.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, green beans or a fresh salad. The buttery garlic sauce complements almost any side dish.

Storage & Reheating

  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat gently over low heat with a little water or butter.
  • Avoid microwaving to prevent the salmon from drying out.

Nutrition (Approx.)

  • Calories: 420–480
  • Protein: 32–35 g
  • Fat: 28–32 g
  • Carbs: 2–4 g

Frequently Asked Questions

If I’m sensitive to dairy, what should I do?

Short answer: Replace the butter with olive oil or vegan butter.

Detailed answer: Use olive oil, avocado oil or lactose-free vegan butter. The flavor becomes slightly lighter, but the texture and cooking method remain unchanged. Vegan butter with natural butter flavor provides the closest match.

Can I make this without garlic?

Short answer: Yes, reduce it or use garlic-infused oil.

Detailed answer: Garlic is a core flavor, but you can halve the amount or replace it with garlic-infused oil, which keeps the aroma without overwhelming sharpness.

Is there a low-fat version?

Short answer: Use less butter and more lemon.

Detailed answer: Reduce butter by 40–50% and replace with broth or lemon juice. Cooking on medium heat preserves moisture even with reduced fat.

Is this keto-friendly?

Short answer: Absolutely.

Detailed answer: Salmon and garlic butter are naturally zero-carb. Pair with low-carb greens like broccoli, spinach or asparagus to keep the entire meal keto compliant.

Is this gluten-free?

Short answer: Yes.

Detailed answer: All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just ensure seasoning blends or broth (if used) are certified gluten-free for maximum safety.

Can I cook this in the oven?

Short answer: Yes, bake at 190°C for 10–14 minutes.

Detailed answer: Baking yields a more tender, delicate texture. Prepare the garlic butter separately and pour it over the cooked salmon for best results.

Why does my salmon stick or fall apart?

Short answer: It wasn’t dry enough or the pan wasn’t hot.

Detailed answer: Dry the fillets thoroughly and preheat the skillet until very hot. A good sear forms a protective crust that prevents sticking.

How do I reduce the fishy smell?

Short answer: Soak briefly in ice water with lemon.

Detailed answer: A 10–15 minute soak in ice water with lemon or sea salt neutralizes odor compounds and firms the flesh for a cleaner taste.

Can I use frozen salmon?

Short answer: Thaw it first.

Detailed answer: Frozen salmon releases water and steams instead of searing, preventing browning. Thaw fully and pat dry before cooking.

Can I substitute another fish?

Short answer: Yes.

Detailed answer: Trout, sea bass, halibut or white fish all work. Adjust the cooking time based on thickness and fat content.