Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Herb Rice
Tender pan-seared salmon fillets topped with a rich garlic butter and served alongside fragrant herb-infused rice. This american-inspired seafood (high protein) ready in about 35 minutes pairs sea salt, black pepper, divided unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.
Ingredients
- 4 fillets (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 4 tbsp, divided unsalted butter
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 cup long grain white rice
- 2 cups low sodium chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup long grain white rice under cold water until water runs clear. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed rice and 2 cups low sodium chicken broth. Bring to a boil over high heat, then reduce to low, cover, and simmer for 18 minutes until rice is tender and liquid absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
- Step 2: Season 4 salmon fillets with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper on both sides. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp.
- Step 3: Flip salmon and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Spoon melted butter and garlic over salmon as it cooks for another 3-4 minutes until salmon is cooked through but still moist.
- Step 4: Remove salmon and set aside. Stir 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley into the cooked rice. Serve salmon fillets on a bed of herb rice, drizzling remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Herb Rice take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 Herb Rice?
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 sea salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Herb Rice?
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 Herb Rice 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.
Is Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Herb Rice high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
