Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Butter Sauce and Green Beans
Perfectly seared salmon fillets served with a quick garlic-butter sauce and crisp-tender green beans for a restaurant-quality dinner in 25 minutes. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes blends olive oil, salt, black pepper 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 350 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, about 1.5 lbs total) salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 (minced) garlic cloves
- 1/2 (juiced) lemon
- 12 oz (trimmed) green beans
- 1 tbsp (chopped) fresh dill
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, then drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil.
- Step 2: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy.
- Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for 3-4 minutes more, until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- Step 4: Remove salmon and set aside. Add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Add 12 oz trimmed green beans to skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender-crisp.
- Step 6: Return salmon to skillet, squeeze 1/2 lemon (juiced) over, and sprinkle with 1 tbsp fresh dill. Cook for 1 minute more to warm through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Butter Sauce and Green Beans take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Sauce and Green Beans?
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 Sauce and Green Beans?
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 Sauce and Green Beans 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 Sauce and Green Beans?
American 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many seafood recipes and this is hands down the best.
- ★★★★★
Swapped butter for olive oil to keep it lighter. Still delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
