There’s nothing like a dish that’s both delicious and quick to prepare. This garlic butter salmon is tender, flavorful, and bathed in a rich, buttery garlic sauce. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners or even special occasions when you want a restaurant-quality meal at home!
Table of Contents
📋 Recipe Overview:
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Calories per Serving: 343 kcal
- Cost per Serving: £2.50 / $3
🛠 Equipment Needed:
- Sharp knife and chopping board
- Large shallow dish and fork
- Large non-stick pan and tongs
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring jug
🍴 Ingredients :
- 4 boneless, skinless salmon fillets (4–5 oz or 120–150g each) 🐟
- 40g (¼ cup) plain flour 🌾
- 1 tsp garlic powder 🧄
- 1 tsp salt 🧂 (plus more to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper 🌶️ (plus more to taste)
- ½ tbsp olive oil 🫒
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter (90g or 3.2 oz), divided into tbsp-sized chunks 🧈
- 2 cloves garlic, finely diced 🧄
- 120ml (½ cup) vegetable stock 🍲
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely diced 🌿
- 1 lemon, cut into 4 wedges 🍋
👨🍳 Instructions:
1️⃣ Prepare the Salmon:
- In a large shallow dish, combine flour, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Coat each salmon fillet evenly with the mixture, ensuring a light, even layer, and shake off any excess. Set the fillets aside while you heat the pan.
2️⃣ Cook the Salmon:
- Heat olive oil in a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the oil is shimmering, add the salmon fillets. Cook each fillet for about 3 minutes on the first side until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 2 minutes on the second side.
- Add 1 tbsp of butter to the pan. Using a spoon, baste the salmon with the melted butter for an additional minute to enhance its flavor and texture.
- Remove the salmon from the pan and set it aside on a plate. Cover lightly with foil to keep it warm.
3️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- Reduce the heat to medium and add the diced garlic to the same pan.
- Sauté the garlic for 30 seconds to 1 minute, or until it turns golden and fragrant. Be careful not to let it burn, as burnt garlic can taste bitter.
- Pour in the vegetable stock, stirring to deglaze the pan and scrape up any browned bits.
- Add the remaining 5 tbsp of butter, one piece at a time, whisking until the butter melts and the sauce turns smooth and slightly cloudy.
4️⃣ Simmer the Sauce:
- Stir in the fresh parsley and season the sauce with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Let the sauce simmer gently for 2–3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and deepen in flavor.
5️⃣ Finish the Dish:
- Reduce the heat to low and return the salmon fillets to the pan.
- Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the salmon to warm it through, ensuring it is well-coated in the sauce.
- Serve each fillet with a generous drizzle of the garlic butter sauce and a lemon wedge for a zesty finishing touch.
🌟 Serving Suggestions:
Pair this flavorful salmon with:
- Steamed asparagus or green beans for a fresh, crisp side 🌱
- Garlic mashed potatoes for a hearty meal 🥔
- Fluffy white rice or quinoa to soak up the sauce 🍚
💡 Pro Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon is best when slightly opaque in the center. Overcooking can lead to dryness.
- Freshness Matters: Use fresh parsley and garlic for the most vibrant flavors.
- Adjust the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer longer. For a tangier kick, squeeze additional lemon juice directly into the sauce.
📝 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Q1: Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry to ensure a good sear.
Q2: What can I substitute for vegetable stock?
Chicken stock or even white wine can be used as alternatives. Each adds its unique flavor to the dish.
Q3: Can I prepare the sauce in advance?
The garlic butter sauce is best made fresh, but you can prepare and refrigerate it for up to a day. Reheat it gently over low heat, adding a splash of stock if needed.
Q4: How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan over low heat to preserve its texture.
Q5: Can I make this dish dairy-free?
For a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with a plant-based alternative, such as vegan butter or olive oil.
🍃 Health Benefits:
- Rich in Omega-3s: Salmon is an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
- High in Protein: Each serving provides a substantial amount of protein, perfect for muscle repair and energy.
- Nutrient-Packed Sauce: Garlic and parsley add antioxidants, while lemon juice boosts vitamin C.
🔥 Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Quick and easy to make, perfect for busy evenings.
- Packed with flavor from the garlic butter sauce.
- Versatile enough for casual meals or elegant dinner parties.
🍽️ Conclusion:
Garlic butter salmon is a delightful dish that balances simplicity and elegance. Its buttery richness, combined with the freshness of garlic and parsley, makes it an irresistible choice for salmon lovers. Serve it with your favorite sides and watch it become a household favorite!
Enjoy your meal! 😋🐟✨
