Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter
A tender pan-seared salmon filet topped with a fragrant garlic herb butter that melts into the flaky fish. This american-inspired seafood (gluten free, high protein) ready in about 15 minutes pairs salmon filet, unsalted butter, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 1, 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
- 6 oz salmon filet
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 6 oz salmon filet and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes without moving, until edges are crispy and golden brown.
- Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through and opaque.
- Step 4: In a small saucepan, melt 3 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Remove butter from heat and stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp lemon juice.
- Step 6: Spoon the garlic herb butter over the hot salmon before serving to let it melt into the fish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Herb Butter?
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 salmon filet from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter?
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 Herb Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Herb Butter gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
