Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Parsley Butter

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Succulent salmon fillets cooked to perfection with a vibrant herb-infused butter sauce that complements the rich fish flavor. This seafood-inspired seafood (low-carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, unsalted butter, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 2, 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.

★ 4.2 (10 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 2 Seafood cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season both sides evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes without moving until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip salmon and cook for 3 minutes more until internal temperature reaches 125°F.
  5. Step 5: Transfer salmon to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
  6. Step 6: Add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 minced garlic cloves to the skillet, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  7. Step 7: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped parsley and 1 tsp lemon zest, then spoon the butter mixture over the salmon.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic-Parsley Butter take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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-Parsley 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 fillets from drying out.

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