Easy Garlic Butter Pan Seared Salmon

You know, finding a salmon recipe that's both quick and incredibly flavorful can be a challenge, but I've finally cracked the code with this pan-seared garlic butter salmon. It's become my absolute favorite for those busy weeknights when I still want something gourmet yet hassle-free. If you're looking for how to cook salmon in a pan with butter and lemon that tastes like it came from a restaurant, you've come to the right place! Here’s what you’ll need for this delicious dish: 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each) 2 tbsp olive oil 2 tbsp unsalted butter 5 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tbsp pre-minced) 1 lemon, half for juice, half for slices Salt and pepper to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish) Let's get cooking! This is surprisingly easy, and you'll have a fantastic garlic butter salmon recipe in no time: Prep the Salmon: Pat your salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This is crucial for achieving that desirable crispy skin! Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat the Pan: Heat the 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet (preferably cast iron or a good quality non-stick pan) over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer. Make sure your pan is hot before adding the fish. Sear the Salmon: Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin is on) in the hot pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, or until the skin is beautifully crispy and golden brown. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until cooked to your desired doneness. The salmon should flake easily with a fork. Add Garlic Butter: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the 2 tbsp butter to the pan. Once melted, add the minced 5 cloves garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Finish with Lemon: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the salmon and generously spoon the fragrant garlic butter sauce over the fillets. You can also add a few thin lemon slices to the pan for extra aroma and flavor while basting. Serve: Remove from heat and let rest for a minute or two before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if you like, and enjoy your perfectly cooked lemon garlic butter salmon! My Pro-Tips for Perfect Pan-Seared Salmon: Don't Overcrowd: If you're cooking more than two fillets, cook them in batches to ensure proper searing rather than steaming. Pat Dry: Seriously, don't skip patting the salmon dry for that ultimate crispy skin and a beautiful sear. Don't Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly! It's done when it flakes easily with a fork. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for moist, tender results. This garlic butter pan-seared salmon pairs wonderfully with roasted asparagus, steamed broccolini, or a simple side salad. It's a healthy, satisfying, and incredibly tasty meal that looks fancy but is deceptively simple to make. Give this easy pan seared salmon a try, and let me know what you think!