Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Basil

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared and topped with a rich garlic butter sauce infused with dried basil and fresh lemon juice. This general-inspired seafood ready in about 15 minutes pairs (6 ounce) pieces salmon fillets, tablespoon garlic powder, tablespoon dried basil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets and season both sides with 1 tablespoon garlic powder, 1 tablespoon dried basil, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
  2. Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and melt 2 tablespoons butter until foaming. Add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip the salmon and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet and pour 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice into the pan. Let it bubble for 30 seconds to deglaze, then spoon the garlic butter sauce over the salmon before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Basil take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Basil?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep tablespoon garlic powder from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Basil?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Basil for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Basil?

General seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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