Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter

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

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to golden perfection with a silky garlic lemon butter sauce that brightens the rich fish. This general-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 calories and feeds 4, 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 0.5 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving, until edges are crispy and skin releases easily.
  4. Step 4: Flip fillets and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon is just cooked through.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 3 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Stir butter and garlic gently for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Remove skillet from heat and stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley to create a glossy sauce.
  7. Step 7: Spoon the garlic lemon butter over the salmon fillets and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Lemon Butter 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 Lemon 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 6 oz each salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Lemon 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 Lemon Butter 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 Lemon Butter?

General 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.

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