Garlic Butter Salmon

Garlic Butter Salmon is the ultimate dinner indulgence. It’s rich, flavorful, and irresistibly creamy. Perfectly pan seared until golden and crispy on the edges, each juicy salmon fillet is smothered in a creamy garlic butter sauce with just a touch of white wine and lemon.

This pan seared garlic butter salmon is so simple to make. It delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. If you’re craving a simple sauce for salmon that feels luxurious but takes minimal effort, this recipe will hit the spot.

What Makes This Garlic Butter Salmon Work

This Garlic Butter Salmon strikes the perfect balance between richness and freshness. Pan searing locks in the salmon’s natural juices while creating that irresistible golden crust. The combination of garlic, butter, and a splash of white wine transforms into a creamy garlic butter salmon sauce that’s both simple and luxurious.

It all comes together in one pan, making cleanup a breeze. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned pro, this pan seared garlic butter salmon is a foolproof way to get big flavor fast.

What Goes Into This Garlic Butter Salmon

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This recipe uses simple ingredients that come together to create a rich and flavorful salmon dish with minimal effort. The creamy garlic butter sauce adds depth and elegance to the tender, pan seared fillets.

Here are a few standout ingredients that bring everything together:

• Salmon fillets – These are the star of the dish, cooked until golden and crisp on the outside, while remaining juicy and tender inside.
• Dry white wine – Just half a cup enhances the sauce with a subtle acidity that balances the richness of the cream and butter.
• Parmesan cheese – Freshly grated for maximum flavor, parmesan melts into the sauce to create a salty, nutty layer of depth.
• Lemon juice – A final squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the entire dish, cutting through the creaminess with a burst of citrus.

Note: Please see recipe card at the bottom for the full list of ingredients with measurements.

How To Make This Recipe

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1. Sear the Salmon: Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then sear flesh-side down for 5 minutes per side until golden.

2. Melt the Butter: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant and slightly golden.

3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth. Let it simmer and reduce by half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom to build flavor into the sauce.

4. Simmer the Cream: Lower the heat to medium-low. Stir in the cream and bring to a gentle simmer, letting it bubble for a minute while stirring occasionally. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Add the Cheese: Mix in the parmesan cheese and let the sauce simmer for another minute or two until the cheese melts completely and the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Finish and Serve: Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the sauce over the fillets. Add a squeeze of lemon juice and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.

Give your Garlic Butter Salmon a fresh twist with Avocado Tomato Corn Salad, Crispy Sweet Potato Wedges with Garlic Avocado Aioli, and Black Beans & Rice. The salad brings zesty lime and creamy avocado, while the sweet potatoes add spice and crunch. The beans and rice round it out with cozy, garlicky flavor.

These bold, vibrant sides cut through the richness of the creamy garlic butter salmon and balance every bite of the pan seared garlic butter salmon and its simple sauce for salmon.