If you’re looking for a foolproof way to elevate weeknight dinners, Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce is your answer. Golden-crisp on the outside and tender inside, each bite delivers a rich, buttery flavor kissed with garlic and a hint of lemon. It’s the kind of meal that tastes indulgent but is simple enough to whip up in under 30 minutes.
This salmon dish is an excellent choice for home cooks who want impressive results with minimal effort. Served with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or mashed potatoes, it transforms an ordinary night into a restaurant-quality experience. Whether you’re feeding family or entertaining guests, this salmon will steal the show.
Ingredients for this Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce
- 2 salmon fillets (skin on or off, about 6 oz each)
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon (plus slices for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: lemon zest or red pepper flakes for a hint of spice
Step 1: Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on). Cook without moving them for 4-5 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip the salmon and cook the other side for an additional 2-3 minutes.
Step 3: Add Garlic and Butter
Reduce the heat to medium. Push the salmon to one side of the pan and add the butter and minced garlic to the other side. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
Step 4: Baste with Garlic Butter
Tilt the pan slightly and use a spoon to baste the salmon with the garlic butter sauce. Repeat for 1-2 minutes to coat the fillets thoroughly.
Step 5: Finish with Lemon and Herbs
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and sprinkle with chopped parsley. Add lemon slices for garnish and remove the pan from heat. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque, pink center. An internal temperature of 125°F (for medium) is ideal.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.
What pan is best for searing salmon?
A cast iron skillet or stainless steel pan retains heat well and creates a perfect sear. Avoid nonstick pans if you want a crispier crust.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely. Substitute the butter with a plant-based butter or a splash of extra olive oil.
What sides go well with this dish?
Try pairing with garlic mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, or a fresh arugula salad for a balanced meal.
How can I keep the salmon from sticking to the pan?
Ensure the oil is hot before adding the salmon, and don’t move the fillets while they’re searing. This allows a crust to form and makes flipping easier.
Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
Description
Elevate your dinner table with this quick and easy salmon recipe that’s bursting with flavor. This Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce delivers restaurant-quality taste in under 30 minutes, making it one of the best easy dinner ideas you’ll ever try. It’s perfect for a healthy snack, quick lunch, or elegant weeknight meal. Each fillet is pan-seared to golden perfection, then bathed in a buttery garlic-lemon sauce that’s rich, bright, and comforting all at once. Whether you’re looking for food ideas to impress guests or a reliable go-to for busy nights, this dish brings both flavor and ease to the table.
Ingredients
2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
3 garlic cloves, minced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional: lemon slices, zest, red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Pat the salmon dry and season with salt and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high. Place salmon skin-side down. Sear for 4-5 minutes.
- Flip and cook 2-3 more minutes. Push fillets aside and add butter and garlic.
- Sauté garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds.
- Baste salmon with garlic butter sauce for 1-2 minutes.
- Finish with lemon juice and parsley. Serve with lemon slices if desired.