Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Sautéed Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and flavorful keto-friendly salmon dish featuring garlic butter and tender sautéed spinach, perfect for a nutritious low-carb meal. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 520 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.6 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 520 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tbsp olive oil.
  2. Step 2: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving, until the edges are crispy and golden. Flip and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and opaque.
  3. Step 3: In the last 2 minutes of salmon cooking, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan, spooning the melted garlic butter over the salmon to infuse flavor.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon and set aside. In the same skillet, add 5 cups fresh baby spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green. Drizzle with 1 tbsp lemon juice and season with a pinch of salt.
  5. Step 5: Serve the salmon over the garlic sautéed spinach, spooning any remaining garlic butter from the pan on top.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Sautéed Spinach?

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 6 oz each salmon fillets from drying out.

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

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 Sautéed Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Sautéed Spinach low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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