Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Dijon Mustard Sauce
Salmon fillets pan-seared to a crisp golden crust, served with a luscious garlic butter and tangy Dijon mustard sauce. This french-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes blends (6 oz each) salmon fillets, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets dry and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 4: Reduce heat to low, add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the salmon for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Remove the pan from heat, stir in 2 tbsp Dijon mustard and 1 tbsp lemon juice to the butter sauce, then drizzle over the salmon.
- Step 6: Garnish with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Dijon Mustard Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Dijon Mustard Sauce?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Dijon Mustard Sauce?
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 Dijon Mustard Sauce 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 Dijon Mustard Sauce?
French 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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