Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Butter and Zucchini Noodles

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

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared and topped with garlic butter, served over fresh zucchini noodles for a low-carb keto meal. This american-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 22 minutes pairs salmon fillet, olive oil, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 500 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

★ 4.6 (12 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 2 American cuisine 500 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Season 2 salmon fillets evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
  3. Step 3: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the edges are crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip the fillets and add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan; baste the salmon with the melted butter and garlic for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon to a plate and tent with foil to rest.
  6. Step 6: In the same skillet, add the spiralized noodles from 2 medium zucchinis and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, cooking for 2-3 minutes until just tender but still firm.
  7. Step 7: Return salmon to the skillet over the zucchini noodles, sprinkle with 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Zucchini Noodles?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

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

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 Zucchini Noodles 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 Zucchini Noodles 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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