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Pan-seared garlic butter salmon fillets in a cast iron skillet, golden crust on top, melted garlic butter sauce, fresh dill and lemon slices, rustic kitchen setting
Sarah Mitchell

Garlic Butter Salmon (Ready in 20 Minutes)

Salmon used to intimidate me. I was always worried about overcooking it or not seasoning it right.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 390
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Lemon slices for serving

Method
 

  1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Place the salmon skin-side up and sear for 4 minutes until a golden crust forms. Flip the fillets.
  4. Add the butter and garlic to the pan. Once the butter melts and the garlic is fragrant (about 30 seconds), spoon the garlic butter over the salmon repeatedly.
  5. Squeeze the lemon juice over the fish.
  6. Continue basting and cooking for another 4-5 minutes until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness (145°F for fully cooked, 125°F for medium).
  7. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh dill, and serve with lemon slices.

Notes

Take the salmon out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking — room temperature fish cooks more evenly. The skin doesn't need to be crispy for this recipe since you sear the flesh side first, but if you want crispy skin, flip it flesh-side up for the last 2 minutes. Pair with roasted asparagus or a simple salad.