Description
Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon is a rich yet simple dish featuring tender salmon fillets coated with a creamy mixture of butter, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and fresh lemon juice. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a flavorful, healthy, and quick seafood meal that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (fresh or thawed, skin-on, about 6 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or additional butter (for searing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season them generously on both sides with salt and pepper to enhance flavor and ensure a good sear.
- Make the Garlic Butter Parmesan Mixture: In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir well until the mixture is creamy and evenly blended.
- Sear the Salmon: Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add olive oil or butter. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook without moving for about 4-5 minutes until a crispy golden crust forms.
- Add the Garlic Butter Parmesan: Carefully flip the salmon fillets and immediately spread the garlic butter Parmesan mixture evenly over the top of each fillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and cook gently for an additional 3-4 minutes to melt the topping and finish cooking the salmon.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the pan, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately with your choice of sides and a lemon wedge for extra brightness.
Notes
- Let salmon come to room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure proper searing.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and flavor.
- Maintain medium heat to get crispy skin without burning the butter topping.
- Allow the salmon to rest for a minute before serving to retain moisture and tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and pan cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0.5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Salmon, Parmesan Salmon, Quick Salmon Recipe, Healthy Salmon, Easy Seafood Dinner, Weeknight Dinner