Overview

Garlic Butter Salmon is a quick and flavorful dish that features salmon fillets cooked to perfection in a rich garlic butter sauce. This easy recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion!

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish, optional)

Timing

Making Garlic Butter Salmon takes about 10 minutes for preparation and 10 minutes for cooking.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Season the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

1. Heat the Pan: In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat.
2. Sear the Salmon: Once the butter is melted and bubbling, add the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked halfway up the sides.
3. Flip the Salmon: Carefully flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flaky.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Add Garlic: Reduce the heat to medium. Push the salmon to the side of the skillet and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and minced garlic to the pan.
2. Sauté Garlic: Cook the garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
3. Add Lemon Juice and Thyme: Stir in the lemon juice and thyme, then spoon the garlic butter over the salmon fillets.

Step 4: Serve

1. Garnish: Remove the skillet from heat and garnish with chopped parsley if desired.
2. Plate and Enjoy: Serve the salmon with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Nutritional Information

Here’s a quick overview of the nutritional content of the Garlic Butter Salmon (per serving, based on 4 servings):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	350
Protein	34g
Fat	22g
Carbohydrates	2g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	0g

Tips for Customization

• Add Vegetables: Consider adding asparagus, green beans, or broccoli to the skillet during the last few minutes of cooking for a complete meal.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat or a dash of smoked paprika for extra flavor.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different herbs such as dill, rosemary, or basil for a unique twist.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Salmon is a delicious and simple dish that highlights the natural flavors of salmon with the richness of garlic and butter. This recipe is quick to prepare and sure to impress your family and guests!