Oh my gosh, let me tell you, pan fried salmon with garlic butter sauce is one of those dishes that makes my heart sing! It’s quick to whip up—literally ready in just 20 minutes—and the flavors are absolutely out of this world. The moment that garlic hits the pan and starts to sizzle, I’m telling you, it’s like a warm hug from the kitchen. I love how the crispy skin meets the luscious, buttery garlic sauce; it’s a match made in heaven! Plus, salmon is so nutritious, making this dish not only comforting but also a healthy choice for any weeknight dinner. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll become a go-to favorite in your home too!
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (skin on, approximately 6 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley (chopped for garnish)
How to Prepare Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce
Now, let’s dive into making this delicious pan fried salmon with garlic butter sauce! I promise you, it’s easier than you think. Just follow these steps, and you’ll have a gorgeous meal ready in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- First, heat a skillet over medium heat. You want it hot enough to get that lovely sear on the salmon, so give it a minute or two to warm up.
- While the skillet is heating, season your salmon fillets generously with salt and pepper on both sides. This step is key to enhancing the flavor, so don’t skip it!
- Once the skillet is nice and hot, add the butter. Let it melt and bubble, swirling the pan a bit to coat the bottom evenly. Oh, the smell of melting butter is just divine!
- Now, carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. You should hear a satisfying sizzle—this means you’re on the right track!
- Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes without moving it. This will give you that beautiful golden crust. Trust me, patience is key here!
- After 4-5 minutes, gently flip the fillets using a spatula. Be careful not to break the skin; it should be crispy and perfect!
- Once flipped, add the minced garlic to the skillet. Stir it around to infuse that amazing flavor into the butter. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and the garlic is fragrant. Keep an eye on the garlic so it doesn’t burn!
- Finally, drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the salmon and give it a little swirl in the pan. This brightens up the dish beautifully.
- To finish, garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving. Wow, just look at that gorgeous dish!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for those busy weeknights!
- The combination of garlic and butter creates a robust flavor that elevates the simple salmon to something truly special.
- Salmon is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making this dish not just delicious but nutritious too! Learn more about the benefits of salmon.
- This recipe is incredibly versatile; serve it with veggies, over rice, or alongside a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- The crispy skin and tender fish provide a delightful texture contrast that’s oh-so-satisfying.
- It’s an impressive dish that’s easy enough for beginners, yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.
Tips for Success
Alright, let’s talk about how to make this pan fried salmon with garlic butter sauce even better! I’ve got a few handy tips that will help you nail it every time.
- Choose the right salmon: Look for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets that have a vibrant color and minimal fishy smell. Wild-caught salmon often has better flavor and texture, so if you can, go for that!
- Adjust cooking time: The thickness of your salmon fillets can change how long you need to cook them. Thinner fillets might only need 3-4 minutes per side, while thicker ones could take closer to 6 minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking!
- Watch the garlic: Garlic can go from perfectly fragrant to burnt in a flash, so be sure to stir it in when you flip the salmon and keep an eye on it. If it starts to brown too quickly, lower the heat a bit.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the salmon rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making each bite even more tender and juicy.
- Experiment with flavors: Don’t be afraid to play with the recipe! Add in some red pepper flakes for a kick, or toss in a handful of spinach or cherry tomatoes while cooking for extra flavor and nutrition.
With these tips in your back pocket, you’re ready to impress everyone at the dinner table with your perfect pan fried salmon!
Variations
If you want to mix things up with your pan fried salmon with garlic butter sauce, I’ve got some delightful variations for you! Trust me, these tweaks can elevate this dish even further and keep your taste buds dancing!
- Herb Infusion: Instead of just parsley, try adding fresh herbs like dill or thyme for a different flavor profile. Simply sprinkle them over the salmon while it cooks, and enjoy the aromatic boost!
- Veggie Boost: Toss in some vegetables like asparagus or spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. They’ll soak up that delicious garlic butter sauce and create a vibrant, colorful plate!
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a touch of honey or maple syrup to the garlic butter for a sweet glaze that pairs beautifully with the salmon. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
- Mustard Twist: Mix in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard with the butter and garlic for a tangy twist that complements the richness of the salmon perfectly.
- Citrus Zing: Along with the lemon juice, try adding some orange or lime zest for an extra burst of citrus flavor. It brightens the dish and adds a lovely aroma!
Feel free to get creative! These variations can turn a simple dish into something even more exciting, and I can’t wait for you to try them out!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delicious pan fried salmon with garlic butter sauce, and now you have some leftovers? No problem! Let me share the best ways to store and reheat them so they stay just as tasty as when you first made them.
First off, to store your leftover salmon, let it cool completely at room temperature for about 15-20 minutes—this helps prevent condensation in the container. Then, place the salmon fillets in an airtight container. You can also wrap them tightly in plastic wrap if that’s what you have on hand. They’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 days, but trust me, they’re best enjoyed sooner rather than later!
Now, when it comes to reheating, you’ve got a couple of options. The microwave is quick but can make the fish a bit rubbery, so I usually recommend reheating it in a skillet over low heat. Just add a splash of water or a tiny bit of butter to the pan and heat the salmon gently for about 3-5 minutes, flipping halfway through. This way, it stays nice and moist!
If you want to keep the crispy skin intact, you can also pop it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes. Just place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it loosely with aluminum foil to prevent it from drying out. Either way, you’ll have a delicious meal ready to go!
Nutritional Information
Alright, let’s break down the nutritional goodness of this pan fried salmon with garlic butter sauce! Each serving is packed with flavor and nutrition, making it a wholesome choice for any meal. Here’s what you can expect:
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 200mg
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Protein: 30g
Keep in mind that these values can vary based on the specific ingredients you use and portion sizes, so feel free to adjust according to your needs. But regardless, you’re getting a hearty dose of those lovely omega-3 fatty acids along with plenty of delicious flavor!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before cooking. Frozen salmon can be just as delicious, but you’ll want to adjust your cooking time slightly, as it may take a minute or two longer to cook through.
What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
No worries at all! You can use garlic powder in a pinch. Just sprinkle about 1/2 teaspoon over the salmon when you flip it. It won’t have the same robust flavor as fresh garlic, but it’ll still add a nice touch!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can certainly prepare the salmon and garlic butter sauce in advance. Just store them separately in the fridge and reheat gently when you’re ready to serve. Just be careful not to overcook the salmon during reheating!
What should I serve with pan fried salmon?
I love serving this pan fried salmon with garlic butter sauce alongside steamed veggies, a light salad, or over fluffy rice. It pairs beautifully with pretty much anything, so let your cravings guide you!
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The best way to check is to use a fork to gently flake the salmon at the thickest part. If it flakes easily and looks opaque, it’s done! You can also use an instant-read thermometer; it should read about 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.
Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce in 20 Minutes!
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Pan fried salmon with garlic butter sauce is a quick and flavorful dish.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium heat.
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Add butter to the skillet and let it melt.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet.
- Cook for 4-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Flip the fillets and add minced garlic to the skillet.
- Cook for another 3-4 minutes.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the salmon.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon.
- Serve with vegetables or rice.
- Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 0g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: pan fried salmon with garlic butter sauce
