Delicious Garlic Butter Salmon in 15 Minutes, I Swear

Okay, let me tell you, this Garlic Butter Salmon? It’s a lifesaver! Seriously. We’re talking restaurant-quality flavor, but ready faster than you can say “takeout.” I swear, even on the craziest weeknights, I can whip this up and everyone’s happy. And hey, it’s actually good for you! Flaky salmon, swimming in a rich, garlicky, buttery sauce … what’s not to love? I’ve been making this dish for over 10 years – tweaking it here and there – and trust me, this version is *the* one!

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Seriously, if you’re not already making this, you’re missing out! Here’s why I’m obsessed:

• Super quick and easy – ready in like, 15 minutes.
• That garlic butter sauce? Insanely flavorful.
• It’s kinda healthy, right? Salmon’s good for you! Plus it’s low-carb if you’re into that.
• Cleanup is a breeze. One pan, that’s it!
• Perfect for those hectic weeknights when you need something delicious *fast*.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Salmon

Alright, let’s gather our goodies! This is what you’ll need for the *best* Garlic Butter Salmon ever. Trust me, quality ingredients make a difference!

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off – your call!)
• 4 tablespoons of real butter, unsalted, and cut into pats (don’t skimp here!)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced. I mean *minced*. None of that chunky stuff.
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from about half a lemon)
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt.
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (curly or flat-leaf, whatever you’ve got!)

How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, ready to get cooking? This is so easy, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have perfect Garlic Butter Salmon every single time. Promise!

Preparing the Garlic Butter Sauce for the Salmon

First, grab your favorite skillet (I like cast iron, but anything works!). Plop in those 4 tablespoons of butter and melt it over medium heat. Careful, don’t let it burn! Once it’s melted, toss in all that minced garlic. Cook it for about a minute, until it gets nice and fragrant. Mmm, that smell! That’s how you *know* it’s gonna be good.

Cooking the Garlic Butter Salmon Fillets

Now, pat those salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps them get a nice sear! Sprinkle ’em with salt and pepper – don’t be shy! Then, gently place the salmon in the skillet with the garlic butter, skin-side down if you’ve got skin on. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, depending on how thick the fillets are. You want it cooked through, but not dry! Nobody likes dry salmon.

Finishing the Garlic Butter Salmon

Alright, almost there! Once the salmon’s cooked, stir in that lemon juice and chopped parsley. It adds a little zing and freshness that’s just *chef’s kiss*. Spoon that glorious garlic butter sauce all over the salmon. To make sure it’s done, the salmon should flake easily with a fork. And that’s it! Pat yourself on the back; you just made amazing Garlic Butter Salmon!

Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Salmon

Want to take your Garlic Butter Salmon from good to *amazing*? Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned over the years:

• Fresh garlic is non-negotiable! Seriously, that jarred stuff just doesn’t cut it.
• Don’t. Overcook. The. Salmon! It should be flaky and moist, not dry and rubbery.
• Good butter makes all the difference. Splurge on the good stuff; you deserve it!
• Pat your salmon dry before cooking. It helps it get a nice crust, which is always a win.
• Don’t be afraid to taste and adjust the seasoning! A little extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice can really brighten things up.

Serving Suggestions for Your Garlic Butter Salmon

Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Garlic Butter Salmon… now what? Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! It goes with pretty much anything, but here are a few of my faves:

• Fluffy rice is always a classic choice to soak up all that yummy sauce.
• Roasted vegetables! Especially Garlic Roasted Vegetables – talk about a flavor explosion!
• Quinoa is another great healthy option.
• A simple side salad adds a nice, fresh contrast.

So easy, right? Get creative and see what *you* like best!

Variations of Garlic Butter Salmon

Want to shake things up a little? This Garlic Butter Salmon is amazing as-is, but it’s also super easy to customize! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Swap out the parsley for fresh dill or thyme. Seriously, try it – it’s a whole new flavor profile!
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick. Just a *pinch*, unless you like it HOT!
• Throw in some asparagus or green beans during the last few minutes of cooking. Veggies and salmon? Yes, please!
• A splash of white wine with the lemon juice? Divine!

Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own! That’s the best part about cooking, right?

Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Salmon

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common things people ask me about this Garlic Butter Salmon recipe:

Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely! Just make sure it’s fully thawed before you cook it. Nobody wants a soggy, half-frozen salmon fillet! I usually thaw mine overnight in the fridge.

How do I store leftovers?

Leftover salmon is still just as tasty as fresh! Pop it in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently – you don’t want to dry it out!

Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-frying?

Sure thing! If you’re not in the mood for pan-frying, bake it at 375°F (190°C) for about 12-15 minutes, or until it’s cooked through. Spread the garlic butter sauce over the top before baking for extra flavor!

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

No problem! A little white wine vinegar will work in a pinch. It won’t have *quite* the same flavor, but it’ll still add that necessary bit of acidity! Or just skip it – it’s still amazing with just the garlic butter.

Nutritional Information for Garlic Butter Salmon

Okay, a quick note: the nutritional info below is just an estimate. It’ll change depending on the exact brands and ingredients you use. So, take it with a grain of salt, okay?

Enjoy Your Delicious Garlic Butter Salmon!

Alright, that’s it from me! I really hope you give this Garlic Butter Salmon a try. And if you do, please leave a comment below and let me know what you think! I’d also love it if you rated the recipe or shared it with your friends. Happy cooking!

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