Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter Sauce
A rich, keto-friendly salmon dish pan-seared to perfection and topped with a fragrant garlic herb butter sauce. This mediterranean-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes blends (6 oz each) salmon fillets, 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 450 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 pieces (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each), season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Remove salmon to a plate, lower heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter to the same skillet, and melt it.
- Step 5: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp finely chopped parsley, and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves to the butter, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and the butter is slightly browned.
- Step 6: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice, swirl the sauce to combine, then pour it over the cooked salmon before serving.
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 Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (5 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 Herb Butter Sauce?
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 Herb Butter Sauce?
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 Sauce 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 Herb Butter Sauce keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
