Garlic Butter Salmon

Name: Garlic Butter Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs salmon fillets, skin-on; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground; 2 tbsp olive oil; 4 tbsp unsalted butter; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped; 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes; 1 lemon lemon slices, for garnish

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to perfection and basted in a rich garlic butter sauce. This elegant yet simple dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

25 minEasyServes 4380 cal/serving

AmericanDinnerStovetopPescatarianHigh ProteinKetoLow CarbHalal-friendlyLow-SodiumPork-FreeAlcohol-FreeCorn-Free

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Ingredients

2 lbs salmon fillets, skin-on
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper, freshly ground
2 tbsp olive oil
4 tbsp unsalted butter
4 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
2 tbsp fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
1 lemon lemon slices, for garnish

Instructions

1

Pat the 2 lbs skin-on salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper.
2

Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
3

Place the salmon in the skillet, skin-side down. Cook without moving for 4-5 minutes, until the skin is crispy.
4

Reduce heat to medium, carefully flip the salmon, and cook for another 2-3 minutes, depending on thickness. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for fully cooked salmon, or 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.
5

Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
6

In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium-low and add 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Once melted, add 4 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
7

Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute.
8

Return the salmon to the skillet, spoon the garlic butter sauce over the fillets, and cook for another minute to warm through.
9

Sprinkle with 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill and 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro.
10

Serve immediately with 1 lemon for garnish lemon slices and extra sauce spooned over the top.

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Questions

What internal temperature should Garlic Butter Salmon reach?

For Garlic Butter Salmon, the target internal temperature is 145 F (about 65 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork. The target internal temperature is 125 F (about 50 C), given in step 4. A probe thermometer removes the guesswork.

Why pat it dry first in Garlic Butter Salmon?

Step 1 reads: "Pat the 2 lbs skin-on salmon fillets dry with paper towels." Surface water has to boil off before anything can brown. Drying at step 1 means the food sears in the first minute instead of steaming.

Can I use another fish instead of salmon in Garlic Butter Salmon?

Arctic char or steelhead trout cooks the same way. Thinner fillets need a minute or two less, so go by thickness rather than the clock. As written, the entry for Garlic Butter Salmon uses 2 lbs salmon fillets, skin-on.

How hot is Garlic Butter Salmon?

Moderately. The heat in Garlic Butter Salmon comes from 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. For a milder plate, halve the red pepper flakes; nothing else in the method changes. For more, add it at the table rather than in the pot, so everyone sets their own level.

Can I make Garlic Butter Salmon dairy-free?

Yes. The dairy in Garlic Butter Salmon is 4 tbsp unsalted butter. Swap the butter for olive oil where it melts, or a plant-based block butter where it is creamed. The richness shifts slightly, but the method does not change.

How many calories are in Garlic Butter Salmon?

One serving (the recipe makes 4) is about 380 calories, with 34 g protein, 2 g carbohydrate and 18 g fat, plus 280 mg sodium. The figures are estimates computed from the ingredient list.

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