Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

Alright, listen up, buttercups. You know those nights when you *want* to cook something impressive, but also want to binge-watch whatever new true crime doc just dropped? This Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce is your new best friend. It’s got that fancy restaurant vibe, but without the need for actual pants (unless you’re expecting company, then, you know, maybe). It’s quick, it’s buttery, it’s garlicky, and it’ll make you feel like a five-star chef even if your secret is just knowing how to melt butter. So, dust off that skillet, because we’re about to make magic happen.

The other night, I whipped this up, and my husband, bless his heart, asked if I’d gotten takeout. *Takeout*. After I meticulously seared each fillet to golden perfection, and the kitchen smelled like a gourmet bistro. My kids, meanwhile, decided to stage a dramatic reenactment of a salmon migrating upstream… using my actual salmon fillets as props. One even tried to “catch” a piece mid-air with a fork. We ate it anyway. What’s a little kid-cootie protein boost between family? Adds character, I say.

Time-Saving Hacks

– Don’t have fresh garlic? Use the pre-minced stuff in a jar. Your Italian nonna might disown you, but your hands won’t smell like a vampire’s worst nightmare for three days.
– Cook it all in one pan, then *gently* slide the salmon onto plates. The pan can “soak” overnight. We’ll deal with it later. Maybe. Dishwasher Tetris is a sport, people.
– Skip patting the salmon dry if you’re truly in a rush. It might spatter a bit more, but hey, that’s just extra flavor on your backsplash, right?

Serving Ideas

Serve this with a generous pour of your favorite crisp white wine (or just cold brew coffee if the kids successfully negotiated bedtime down to 30 minutes of extra screen time). A simple side salad, because you need *some* green on the plate to pretend you’re healthy. Roasted asparagus or some quick rice are also solid choices. Or just eat it straight from the pan with a fork. No judgment here. Sometimes elegance is overrated, and efficiency is king.

What to Serve It With

✔Tips & Mistakes

Don’t overcrowd the pan, unless you *want* steamed salmon. We’re going for a golden crust, people, not a spa treatment. Also, for the love of all that is holy, don’t overcook the salmon. It goes from flaky perfection to fishy hockey puck in about 30 seconds. Keep an eye on it!

✔Storage Tips

Store it in the fridge… if there’s any left. Cold midnight leftovers? Sometimes better than fresh.

✔Variations and Substitutions

Swap whatever you want—sugar ↔ honey, soy sauce ↔ tamari, or skip steps and call it “deconstructed.” It still counts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Pan Fried Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

A delicious pan-fried salmon dish topped with rich garlic butter sauce.

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Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Calories: 120kcal

Ingredients

 

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Main Ingredients

• ▢ 4 oz salmon fillets skinless, about 1 inch thick
• ▢ 2 tbsp butter unsalted
• ▢ 4 clove garlic minced
• ▢ 1 lemon juice freshly squeezed
• ▢ 1 tsp salt to taste
• ▢ 1 tsp black pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparation Steps

• Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
• Melt the butter in a large skillet over medium heat.
• Add the seasoned salmon fillets to the skillet and cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown.
• In the last minute of cooking, stir in the minced garlic and lemon juice, allowing the flavors to meld.
• Remove the salmon from the skillet and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top before serving.

Notes

Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.