Garlic Butter Salmon 🧄🐟🍋 Crispy-Skinned, Flaky Salmon Glazed in Silky Garlic Butter With Lemon and Fresh Herbs

This is salmon at its best: seared to golden perfection, glazed in fragrant garlic butter, and finished with a hit of lemon and herbs. It’s fast, forgiving, and rich without being heavy. Serve it with rice, greens, potatoes, or crusty bread to mop up the sauce.

Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

For the salmon

• 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Garlic butter glaze

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Zest of ½ lemon (optional)
• 1 tbsp chopped parsley, dill, or chives
• Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes

Instructions

Step 1: Season and sear the salmon
Pat salmon dry. Season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a nonstick or cast iron skillet over medium-high. Place salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on) and sear 3–4 minutes until golden and crisp. Flip and cook 2–3 more minutes, depending on thickness. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Make the garlic butter glaze
Lower heat to medium. Add butter to the skillet. Once melted, stir in garlic and sauté 30–60 seconds until fragrant. Stir in lemon juice, zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer 30 seconds.

Step 3: Glaze and finish
Return salmon to the pan. Spoon garlic butter over the fillets for 1–2 minutes to coat and finish cooking. Sprinkle with fresh herbs.

Step 4: Serve
Serve hot with extra butter spooned on top. Pair with rice, mashed potatoes, couscous, sautéed greens, or a bright salad.

Flavor Variations

• Add a splash of white wine to the butter for extra depth
• Stir in a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or honey for contrast
• Use thyme or tarragon instead of parsley for a more savory note
• Top with capers and lemon slices for a Mediterranean feel
• Serve over wilted spinach or garlicky white beans for a one-pan meal

Pro Tips

• Don’t move the salmon while searing — let it form a crisp crust
• Use a fish spatula to flip gently without breaking the fillets
• Garlic burns fast — add it after salmon is seared
• Baste constantly in the last minute for max flavor
• Skin-on helps protect the flesh during cooking, even if you don’t eat it

Final Thoughts

Garlic Butter Salmon is the kind of dish that feels like a reward — quick, rich, and deeply satisfying. Crispy edges, flaky center, and a buttery sauce that brings it all together. A staple with no notes.

Sear it golden. Butter it bold. Serve it hot. 🧄🐟🔥

🧄 Garlic Butter Recipes Collection

Explore them all → Rich, golden, and versatile — garlic butter is the flavor bomb your weeknight meals (and fancy dinners) need.

🔥 Garlic Butter Proteins (Main Dishes)

• Garlic Butter Shrimp – Fast, juicy shrimp with bold garlic butter flavor.
• Garlic Butter Chicken – Crispy thighs smothered in a buttery garlic glaze.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Bites – Bite-sized skillet gold.
• Garlic Butter Steak Bites – Quick-seared steak cubes in sizzling garlic butter.
• Garlic Butter Tilapia – Mild fish with a rich, buttery finish.
• Garlic Butter Salmon – Buttery, flaky salmon perfect for weeknight dinner.

🍝 Garlic Butter Pastas & Noodles

• Garlic Butter Shrimp Pasta – Seafood and carbs in harmony.
• Garlic Butter Pasta – Minimalist magic with max flavor.
• Garlic Butter Noodles – A simple classic that pairs with anything.
• Garlic Butter Lobster Mac & Cheese – Rich, decadent, and over-the-top good.
• Garlic Butter Parmesan Fettuccine – Creamy, cheesy, and craveable.
• Garlic Seafood Pasta Bake – Bubbly and golden with garlic and seafood.
• Garlic Butter Seafood Lasagna Rolls – Creamy, rolled seafood pasta baked in butter sauce.

🍚 Garlic Butter Sides, Bases & Sauces

• Garlic Butter Rice – Buttery rice with bold flavor and fluff.
• Garlic Butter Sauce – Base for seafood, pasta, and more.
• Garlic Butter Seafood Boil Sauce – Bold, spicy, and ready for dunking.
• Garlic Butter Mashed Potatoes – Creamy with a garlicky punch.
• Garlic Butter Green Beans / Asparagus – Your favorite veg made crave-worthy.
• Garlic Bread with Homemade Garlic Butter Spread – Essential upgrade for any carb lover.

🌶️ Garlic Butter Fusion Recipes (Flavor Bombs)

• Garlic Butter Cajun Shrimp – Spicy, buttery, and bold.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Tacos – Crispy shells, buttery shrimp.
• Garlic Butter Chicken Alfredo – Creamy fusion of two comfort classics.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi – Bright lemon and rich butter make magic.
• Garlic Butter Ramen Noodles – Lazy, comforting, deeply satisfying.

🐟 Explore Salmon Recipes for Every Occasion

From quick weeknight dinners to elegant mains, these salmon recipes cover everything from baking and grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make.

🔥 Easy Baked Salmon in the Oven – Tender, flaky salmon with garlic butter and lemon.
🍽️ Air Fryer Salmon Recipes – Crispy on the outside, juicy inside — done in minutes.
🥫 Canned Salmon Recipes for Quick Meals – Pantry-friendly meals that don’t skimp on flavor.
🌿 Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs – Lightly charred and bright with citrusy herb flavor.
🥗 Salmon Salad Recipes – Fresh, protein-packed salads with flaky or grilled salmon.
🍚 Salmon Rice Bowl Recipes – Build-your-own bowls with veggies, grains, and sauce.
🍝 Creamy Salmon Pasta – Rich, velvety sauce with tender salmon chunks.
🍋 Salmon Pasta with Spinach or Lemon – A lighter twist with greens or zesty citrus.
🥑 Keto Salmon with Avocado – Low-carb, high-flavor, and full of healthy fats.
🍯 Honey Glazed Salmon – Sweet and savory glaze with a caramelized finish.
🧀 Stuffed Salmon with Spinach – Creamy spinach filling wrapped in perfectly baked fillets.
🍱 Asian Glazed Salmon – Soy-ginger glaze with sticky, umami-packed goodness.