Name: Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Universal
Ingredients: 4x boneless skinless Salmon Fillets, approx 4-5oz / 120-150g each, taken out of the fridge 15-30 mins before cooking; 40g / 1/4 cup Plain Flour; 1 tsp Garlic Powder; 1 tsp Salt, plus more to taste; 1/2 tsp Black Pepper, plus more to taste; 1/2 tbsp Olive Oil; 6 tbsp / 90g / 3.2oz Unsalted Butter, divided into tbsp chunks; 2 cloves Garlic, finely diced; 120ml / 1/2 cup Vegetable Stock; 1 tbsp finely diced Fresh Parsley; 1 Lemon, divided into 4 wedges (to serve)

Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 6 reviews

I absolutely love this Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe because it combines rich, buttery goodness with perfectly cooked salmon, creating a dish that feels both luxurious and incredibly satisfying. The garlic sauce is irresistibly flavorful yet simple to make, making this one of my favorite go-to meals whenever I want something delicious but not fussy. Every bite is tender, juicy, and packed with that lovely garlic butter flavor that just melts on your tongue.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

What makes this Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe truly stand out for me is the incredible balance of flavors. The crispy, golden crust on the salmon paired with the silky garlic butter sauce creates a mouthwatering contrast that keeps me coming back for more. I especially appreciate how the fresh garlic adds just the right punch without overpowering the delicate flavor of the salmon itself. It’s comfort food elevated with a touch of elegance, and I love that it’s something I can whip up on any night without stress.

Beyond taste, I find this recipe wonderfully accessible. The preparation is straightforward and quick, which is a lifesaver on weekday evenings when time feels limited but I still want an impressive dish. Plus, it’s flexible enough for both casual family dinners and more celebratory occasions, making it a versatile recipe in my cooking repertoire. Honestly, there’s a sense of pride serving this to guests because it looks and tastes like a special-occasion dish but couldn’t be easier to prepare.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two side-by-side views of salmon fillets in a black frying pan. On the left, there are five raw salmon slices with a pink color and a light dusting of flour, laid flat and spread out in the pan. On the right side, four salmon pieces are cooking, with a golden, crispy, and slightly brown surface indicating they are being fried. A woman's hand holds a spoon, pouring oil or butter over one of the cooking fillets, adding shine and moisture. The pan's dark surface contrasts with the bright salmon. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and how each ingredient plays a vital role in achieving the perfect flavor and texture. From the flaky salmon fillets to the fresh garlic and luscious butter, every element is essential to creating that rich, comforting dish I love so much.

Salmon Fillets: Choose boneless, skinless pieces that have been brought to room temperature for even cooking.
Plain Flour: Helps create a golden crust that also thickens the sauce beautifully.
Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle garlicky base that enhances the fresh garlic’s punch.
Salt and Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the salmon’s natural flavor.
Olive Oil: Used for frying the salmon, creating that perfect sear without sticking.
Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and creaminess, allowing you to perfectly control the saltiness of the dish.
Fresh Garlic: Finely diced to infuse the sauce with its aromatic flavor without any bitterness.
Vegetable Stock: Adds depth to the sauce and helps loosen any delicious bits stuck in the pan.
Fresh Parsley: Adds a fresh, vibrant touch and a pop of color to garnish.
Lemon Wedges: Served on the side, they brighten the entire dish with their fresh acidity.

Directions

Step 1: In a large shallow dish, combine the plain flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. This seasoned flour will give your salmon that irresistible golden crust. Coat each salmon fillet in this mixture, shaking off the excess, and set them aside while you heat up the pan.

Step 2: Heat the olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the salmon fillets carefully. Fry them for around 3 minutes without moving, so they develop a beautiful golden crust on the underside.

Step 3: Flip the fillets gently using tongs and cook the other side for about 2 minutes. Then, add one tablespoon of butter, and with a wooden spoon, baste the salmon by spooning melted butter over the top for about a minute. This helps finish cooking and infuses the fish with buttery flavor. Remove the salmon from the pan and lower the heat to medium.

Step 4: Add the finely diced garlic to the pan and cook for just a few seconds until it starts to become fragrant and takes on a slight color. Be very careful not to burn it, or the sauce will become bitter. Immediately pour in the vegetable stock, scraping the bottom of the pan to lift all those flavorful bits.

Step 5: Add the remaining butter chunks to the pan and whisk continuously to emulsify the sauce, which will turn a creamy, cloudy texture. Stir in the freshly chopped parsley and season with a pinch more salt and pepper if needed.

Step 6: Let the sauce simmer gently for a few minutes, stirring frequently until it begins to thicken. After that, reduce the heat to low, return the salmon to the pan, and baste it in the sauce to warm through. This final step brings everything together perfectly before serving with a fresh squeeze of lemon.

Servings and Timing

This Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe serves 4 people comfortably, making it ideal for a family dinner or a small gathering. The prep time is merely 10 minutes, while the cooking itself takes approximately 15 minutes, giving you a total time of just 25 minutes from start to finish. There is no resting time required, but I like to let the salmon sit in the sauce off the heat for a minute or two to absorb all those wonderful flavors fully.

How to Serve This Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

A white plate with three main items: in the center, a piece of salmon covered in a light yellow sauce mixed with green herbs, the sauce pooling around the fish; on the left, a cluster of bright green asparagus spears laid side by side; behind the asparagus, a golden brown fried item with a crispy texture, slightly blurred; a small lemon wedge peeks from the lower left corner; a silver fork rests on the right edge of the plate on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

When it comes to serving this dish, I like to keep things simple and let the salmon shine. Roasted baby potatoes or Parmesan smashed potatoes are my top choices for sides because they soak up the luscious garlic butter sauce so well. Adding some lightly steamed asparagus or green beans balances the richness of the dish and brings freshness and color to the plate.

Presentation-wise, I sprinkle a little extra chopped parsley over the top just before serving, along with a wedge of lemon on each fillet for guests to squeeze as they like. This not only looks inviting but offers that bright citrus note that cuts through the richness beautifully. For drinks, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Chardonnay pairs perfectly, but I have also enjoyed this with a zesty lemonade or sparkling water with fresh herbs when I want something non-alcoholic.

I most often serve this Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe hot or warm to fully appreciate the buttery sauce’s silky texture, but it’s also delightful at room temperature for a casual lunch. Whether you’re setting a weeknight table or impressing at a holiday dinner, this dish feels special without overwhelming your time or effort.

Variations

I get excited thinking about all the ways you can tweak this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs. For instance, if you’re cooking for someone who prefers a more herbaceous flavor, adding a splash of white wine to the sauce or fresh thyme or dill instead of parsley can really elevate it. I’ve also swapped the vegetable stock for chicken or fish stock when I want a deeper umami flavor.

If you want a gluten-free version, simply use a gluten-free flour blend instead of plain flour to coat the salmon. The rest of the ingredients remain the same, and you still get that wonderful crust and silky sauce. For a dairy-free take, I’ve experimented using olive oil or a vegan butter substitute in place of regular butter, and while the flavor changes slightly, it’s still very satisfying.

Instead of pan-frying, you can bake the coated salmon fillets at 400°F (200°C) for about 12-15 minutes, then prepare the garlic butter sauce separately to drizzle over. This method works well when cooking for a crowd and reduces hands-on time, although you might miss out on the crust that pan-frying creates.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The salmon keeps well for up to 2 days. Make sure the sauce remains separate or loosely coats the fish to retain moisture without letting the crust become soggy. Using a shallow container helps avoid over-compressing the delicate fillets.

Freezing

This Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe can be frozen, but I find the texture is best preserved when you freeze just the cooked salmon fillets without the sauce. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. The sauce is better made fresh when you plan to serve, as freezing and reheating can cause it to separate or become greasy.

Reheating

When reheating leftover salmon, gently warming it in a low oven (around 275°F / 135°C) covered loosely with foil helps maintain moisture without drying it out. Reheat the garlic butter sauce separately over low heat, whisking frequently to restore its texture. Spoon the warmed sauce over the salmon just before serving. Avoid using a microwave if possible, as it tends to overcook the fish and toughen the texture.

FAQs

Can I use skin-on salmon fillets for this recipe?

Absolutely! If you prefer salmon with the skin on, I recommend starting to cook with the skin side down to get it extra crispy before flipping to baste with butter. Just adjust cooking times slightly since the skin adds a barrier that slows down cooking. The end result is deliciously crispy skin paired with that garlic butter sauce.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe works well for meal prepping. Cook and cool the salmon and sauce, then store them separately in portioned containers. Reheat gently before eating to preserve texture and flavor. Just keep in mind the sauce thickens after refrigeration, so you might need to loosen it with a splash of stock or water when reheating.

Can I substitute fresh garlic with garlic powder in the sauce?

While garlic powder is included in the flour coating, I highly recommend fresh garlic for the sauce to get that fragrant, vibrant flavor. Garlic powder won’t replicate the same depth and can taste flat or powdery if cooked in oil or butter. Fresh garlic, cooked carefully so it doesn’t burn, brings the sauce alive.

What sides pair best with Garlic Butter Salmon?

From experience, creamy mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or rice are perfect to soak up that buttery sauce. Steamed or roasted green vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add freshness and crunch to balance the richness. I also love serving it alongside a crisp garden salad for a lighter option.

How can I tell when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Look for salmon to flake easily with a fork but still remain moist inside. The center will change from a deep pink to a lighter, opaque pink similar to the cooked exterior. Avoid overcooking to keep the texture tender and juicy. The residual heat while resting and basting finishes cooking perfectly.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe enough if you want a quick, delicious meal that feels special every time. It’s one of those dishes I find myself returning to because it’s simple but so packed with flavor and satisfaction. Give it a go—I promise it’ll become one of your favorite salmon recipes too!