Garlic Butter Salmon (Easy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe – 20 Minute Skillet Dinner)

This garlic butter salmon is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make in just 20 minutes. Pan-seared salmon is finished with a buttery garlic sauce, infused with hints of lemon and herbs, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home. If you love quick salmon dinners like Crispy Skin Pan-Seared Salmon, Lemon Garlic Salmon, or bold Mediterranean flavors from our Mediterranean Recipes collection, this easy garlic butter salmon recipe is a must-add to your weeknight rotation.

Why You’ll Love This

• Rich garlic butter sauce with bright lemon flavor

• Easy 20-minute salmon recipe

• Perfectly tender, flaky salmon every time

• One-pan skillet dinner with minimal cleanup

• Great for weeknights or quick entertaining

Recipe Card

• Prep Time: 5 minutes

• Cook Time: 15 minutes

• Total Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

Nutrition Information

(per serving, estimated)

• Calories: 480

• Protein: 34g

• Carbohydrates: 2g

• Fat: 38g

• Fiber: 0g

• Sugar: 0g

• Sodium: 390mg

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)

• Salt and black pepper, to taste

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (15 ml)

• 3 tablespoons butter (45 g)

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (30 ml)

• 1 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

• Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add salmon and cook for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

3. Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

4. Add lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring to combine into a silky garlic butter sauce.

5. Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the fillets.

6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and optional red pepper flakes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor

• Add spinach or asparagus to the pan for a complete meal

• Swap parsley for dill for a different flavor profile

• Use ghee instead of butter for a slightly different richness

• Serve over pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes

Make-Ahead & Storage

Store leftover garlic butter salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in short microwave intervals. Avoid overcooking to keep the salmon tender.

FAQ

Can I bake this instead of pan-searing?

Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 12–15 minutes, then spoon the garlic butter over the top.

What’s the best salmon to use?

Atlantic salmon is rich and buttery, while sockeye is leaner and more robust in flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, substitute olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative.

What to Serve With

This garlic butter salmon pairs perfectly with simple, cozy sides. Serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, or mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. For a Mediterranean-style meal, try it with Mediterranean Baked Salmon with Tomatoes & Olives, Greek Lemon Potatoes, or explore a fresher pairing, such as Greek Village Salad (Horiatiki).

Final Thoughts

This garlic butter salmon is one of those go-to recipes you’ll come back to again and again. It’s quick, flavorful, and versatile enough for both busy weeknights and special dinners. With its rich buttery sauce and perfectly cooked salmon, it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.