Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

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Golden-crisp on the outside, buttery-tender on the inside — this Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce is what seafood dreams are made of. The salmon fillets are lightly seared until they develop a beautiful crust, then drizzled in a silky garlic butter sauce infused with herbs and lemon slices. The aroma alone is enough to draw the whole family into the kitchen.

This is not your average salmon recipe — it’s a restaurant-quality dish ready in under 20 minutes. The combination of savory garlic, fresh herbs, and a splash of citrus creates a depth of flavor that complements the richness of the salmon without overpowering it. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or impressing guests over the weekend, this is one dish that’s both elegant and effortless.

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Why You’ll Love This Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

• Fast and Flavorful: It takes less than 20 minutes from start to finish, making it ideal for busy evenings.
• Incredibly Satisfying: Perfectly seared salmon paired with a luscious, garlicky butter sauce is pure comfort food.
• Low-Carb & Keto-Friendly: This meal fits well into low-carb diets without sacrificing taste.
• Versatile and Elegant: Serve it with a salad, over mashed potatoes, or alongside roasted veggies — it adapts to any meal style.
• Minimal Cleanup: Cooked all in one skillet, which means fewer dishes after dinner.

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Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Cooking Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce doesn’t require a kitchen full of gadgets, but having the right tools can elevate your experience and ensure perfect results.

Essential Tools and Equipment:

• Nonstick or Cast Iron Skillet: A heavy-bottomed skillet (like the one in the photo) retains and distributes heat evenly, allowing for a crisp sear on the salmon while preventing sticking.
• Fish Spatula: This thin, flexible tool helps flip delicate fillets without breaking them apart.
• Tongs: Great for handling lemon slices and adjusting herbs in the pan.
• Microplane or Garlic Press: For mincing garlic finely, which is essential for infusing the butter sauce quickly.
• Sharp Knife: To cut even fillets and perfect lemon slices that not only taste great but look stunning.
• Paper Towels: Blotting moisture from the salmon before cooking helps ensure a golden, crisp crust.

Each tool plays a role in texture, flavor, and appearance. The skillet gives the fish a restaurant-style sear, the garlic press ensures maximum flavor extraction, and the spatula keeps the fillets intact — beautiful and delicious.

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Preparation Tips

• Pat the Salmon Dry: This is key. Removing excess moisture ensures the salmon sears properly instead of steaming.
• Room Temperature Fillets: Let the salmon sit out for 10–15 minutes before cooking. Cold fillets can stick to the pan and cook unevenly.
• Don’t Move the Fish Too Soon: Place the salmon skin-side down (if using skin-on) and let it sear undisturbed for 3–4 minutes. This builds a golden crust and prevents tearing.
• Use Medium-High Heat: Hot enough to brown the fish, but not so hot that the butter burns. Add butter only after the salmon is seared.
• Layer Flavors: Add garlic after searing the salmon to prevent burning, then swirl in butter, herbs, and lemon slices for a burst of brightness.

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Ingredients for This Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

This dish keeps it simple with high-quality, fresh ingredients that pack in flavor without overwhelming the salmon. Each component plays a specific role in creating the final balance of richness, acidity, and herbaceousness.

Main Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
  Rich in healthy fats and protein, the star of the dish.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
  Used for the initial sear; its high smoke point makes it ideal for pan-frying.
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  Creates the velvety garlic butter sauce that coats the salmon.
• 4 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed
  Infuses the butter with bold, aromatic flavor.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  Adds freshness and a pop of color.
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (optional)
  Earthy undertones that complement the richness of the fish.
• 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
  For bright citrus flavor and presentation.
• Salt and black pepper to taste
  Simple but essential for seasoning the fillets.

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Step 1, Step 2, 3…

Let’s walk through the process of making this delicious Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce. Each step is straightforward, and within minutes, you’ll have a beautifully seared salmon dish ready to be devoured.

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

• Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This helps achieve that crispy, golden-brown crust.
• Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and black pepper.
• Allow the fillets to sit out for about 10-15 minutes to come to room temperature. This ensures they cook evenly.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon

• Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a nonstick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Allow the oil to shimmer but not smoke.
• Place the salmon fillets into the skillet, skin-side down (if using skin-on). Let them cook undisturbed for about 3-4 minutes. This is crucial for developing a crispy crust.
• Once the bottom is golden brown, flip the fillets using a fish spatula and cook the other side for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. If you prefer your salmon well-done, add another minute or so.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• After removing the salmon fillets from the skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 3 tablespoons of butter to the same pan.
• Once the butter has melted, toss in the minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds to 1 minute until the garlic becomes fragrant but doesn’t brown.
• Add fresh thyme (optional) and lemon slices into the pan, stirring gently to combine.
• Swirl the sauce to coat the garlic and herbs, allowing the lemon to release its juice into the butter.

Step 4: Serve

• Drizzle the garlic butter sauce over the cooked salmon fillets.
• Garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish.

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Notes

This Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce is as versatile as it is flavorful. Here are a few additional tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly every time:

• Choose Wild-Caught Salmon: If possible, opt for wild-caught salmon over farmed. It has a richer flavor and firmer texture.
• Butter Options: If you’re looking for a slightly lighter option, you can replace part of the butter with olive oil, though the butter adds that irresistible richness.
• Fresh Herbs: While parsley and thyme are suggested, feel free to experiment with fresh dill, tarragon, or even basil for a different twist on the flavor profile.
• Cook to Your Liking: For a slightly rare center, reduce the cooking time by 1-2 minutes. If you like your salmon well done, you can add a couple of extra minutes to the cooking time.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

While this dish is simple to prepare, a few missteps could affect the outcome. Here’s what to avoid:

• Overcooking the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly and can easily dry out. Keep an eye on it and use a fork to check for flakiness. If it flakes easily, it’s done.
• Not Preheating the Pan: Make sure your skillet is preheated before adding the oil. A cold pan leads to uneven searing and could cause the fish to stick.
• Skipping the Drying Step: Moisture on the surface of the salmon prevents a nice sear and can cause the fish to steam instead of fry.
• Burning the Garlic: Garlic burns quickly, so be sure to sauté it on medium heat and never let it brown. Burnt garlic tastes bitter, which can ruin the delicate flavor of the dish.

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What to Serve With Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce?

The rich, buttery flavor of the salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides that balance its richness and complement the garlic butter sauce. Here are some great ideas to complete your meal:

1. Roasted Vegetables

Pair your salmon with roasted veggies like asparagus, broccoli, or carrots. The caramelized edges of the vegetables add a savory contrast to the tender fish.

2. Garlic Mashed Potatoes

A creamy, buttery mashed potato dish is the ultimate comfort food. The smooth texture pairs perfectly with the flaky salmon and garlic butter sauce.

3. Cauliflower Rice

For a lighter, low-carb option, cauliflower rice provides a neutral base that lets the salmon and sauce shine.

4. Steamed Green Beans

Green beans, when lightly steamed, retain a crisp bite and provide a refreshing, slightly earthy flavor that complements the richness of the salmon.

5. Crispy Roasted Potatoes

Golden, crispy roasted potatoes offer a satisfying crunch and a delicious contrast to the soft fish.

6. Crisp Garden Salad

A simple salad with mixed greens, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette dressing offers a bright, fresh contrast to the richness of the salmon.

7. Rice Pilaf

A flavorful rice pilaf with herbs and spices is a great way to soak up the garlic butter sauce, adding another layer of flavor to the meal.

8. Sautéed Spinach

A quick sauté of spinach with a touch of olive oil and garlic is light, nutritious, and pairs wonderfully with salmon.

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Storage Instructions

If you have leftovers of your Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce, don’t worry — it can be easily stored and enjoyed later. Here’s how to keep it fresh:

• Refrigeration: Store the cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for 2–3 days. Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing it in the container to avoid condensation.
• Freezing: While it’s best to enjoy salmon fresh, you can freeze the cooked fish for up to 1 month. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. Note that the texture may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will remain intact.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the salmon back in a skillet over low heat with a little butter to keep it moist. Alternatively, you can gently reheat it in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10–15 minutes. Avoid reheating it in the microwave as it can dry out the fish.

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Estimated Nutrition

Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional content for one serving of Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce (assuming 6 oz of salmon and typical cooking ingredients):

• Calories: 450–500 kcal
• Protein: 35–40 grams
• Fat: 30–35 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 8–10 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2–3 grams
  • Fiber: 1 gram
  • Sugars: 1 gram
• Cholesterol: 70–80 mg
• Sodium: 200–300 mg
• Vitamin A: 10–12% of Daily Value
• Vitamin C: 10–15% of Daily Value
• Calcium: 2–4% of Daily Value
• Iron: 4–6% of Daily Value

This meal is high in healthy fats (especially omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon), protein, and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for a balanced, nutritious meal.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to some of the most common questions about making Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce:

1. Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly before cooking. The best way to thaw is by placing the salmon in the refrigerator overnight or running it under cold water for a quicker thaw.

2. What other herbs can I use in the garlic butter sauce?

While parsley and thyme are a classic combo, you can experiment with dill, tarragon, rosemary, or basil. Dill, in particular, is an excellent pairing with salmon.

3. Can I make this recipe without butter?

You can use olive oil instead of butter, although you may miss out on the rich flavor butter brings. Alternatively, you can try using ghee for a similar richness with a slightly different flavor.

4. What should I do if the salmon skin sticks to the pan?

To prevent sticking, make sure your pan is preheated, and use enough oil. A nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron skillet will also help. Avoid moving the fish until it’s time to flip it — the skin should naturally release from the pan once it has seared.

5. Can I cook the salmon in advance?

Yes, you can cook the salmon in advance, but it’s best served fresh. If you need to cook ahead, store it in the fridge and reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

6. How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer — the internal temperature should reach about 145°F (63°C).

7. What if I don’t have a fish spatula?

If you don’t have a fish spatula, you can use regular tongs or a wide, flat spatula. Just be gentle when flipping the salmon to avoid breaking it apart.

8. Can I use other types of fish?

Yes, this garlic butter sauce pairs well with other fish like trout, cod, or halibut. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fish, so adjust accordingly.

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Conclusion

Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce is a simple yet luxurious meal that combines the perfect sear with a silky garlic-infused butter sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, this dish is easy to prepare and guaranteed to impress. With a rich flavor profile and minimal preparation time, it’s an ideal choice for both quick weeknight dinners and special occasions.

If you’re looking for a flavorful, healthy, and satisfying seafood dish, this recipe is a must-try. Don’t forget to pair it with your favorite sides to complete the meal — you can’t go wrong with this easy, restaurant-quality recipe!

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