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Quick Garlic Butter Salmon Skillet in 20 Minutes

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A quick and easy garlic butter salmon skillet that comes together in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe delivers flaky, moist salmon with a crispy golden crust and a rich, nutty garlic butter sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Salmon: Take the salmon fillets out of the fridge and let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  2. Zest and Juice the Lemon: Zest the lemon using a microplane or fine side of a box grater. Cut the lemon in half and juice it (about 2 tablespoons). Set zest and juice aside separately.
  3. Mince the Garlic: Peel and finely mince the garlic cloves. Set aside with parsley and red pepper flakes (if using).
  4. Heat the Skillet: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil. Heat until the oil shimmers, about 2 minutes.
  5. Sear the Salmon: Place salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down. Press gently with a spatula. Cook without moving for 4 minutes until skin is golden and crispy. Flip carefully and cook for another 2 minutes on the other side.
  6. Make the Garlic Butter: Reduce heat to medium-low. Push salmon to one side. Add butter to the empty space and let it melt. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned.
  7. Baste the Salmon: Tilt the skillet slightly so garlic butter pools. Spoon the butter over the salmon fillets for about 1 minute. Add lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir gently.
  8. Finish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped parsley over the salmon. Remove from heat and let rest for 1 minute before serving.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for a good sear. Don’t overcrowd the pan. Watch the garlic carefully to prevent burning. Use a meat thermometer for precise doneness (125°F-130°F for medium). Let salmon rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, quick salmon recipe, salmon skillet, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon, 20 minute meal

Find it online: https://novanosh.com/quick-garlic-butter-salmon-skillet-in-20-minutes/