This Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Sauce: A 20-Minute Triumph comes together in about 20 minutes and is cooked in one pan for a easy weeknight dinner that your family will love! Switch up the seasonings or add in any veggies you have lying around to make it your own, or use it as a ‘clean out the fridge’ meal to get rid of those odds and ends hanging out in your fridge! Trust me, this dish is about to become your new go-to recipe when you need to whip up something tasty and satisfying in no time.
Ingredients Breakdown
- Salmon Fillets
- Salt and Black Pepper
- Olive Oil
- Garlic
- Chicken Broth
- Fresh Lemon Juice
- Butter
- Fresh Parsley
How to Make Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Sauce
Pat the salmon fillets dry. Start by using a paper towel to pat the salmon fillets dry completely. This step is super important if you want that beautiful, crispy skin. Season both sides generously with a couple pinches of salt and pepper, don’t be shy!
Heat the pan. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and let it heat up until it shimmers, this ensures you get that perfect sear!
Add the salmon. Lay the salmon fillets in the hot skillet, skin-side down (if applicable). Don’t move them around; let them cook undisturbed. Cook for about 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is very crispy. You’ll know it’s time to flip when the sides look opaque about halfway up the fillet.
Flip the fillets. Carefully flip each fillet over with a spatula. Cook the other side for another 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily basically, you’re looking for that tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Transfer the salmon. Once cooked, transfer the salmon fillets to a plate and cover them loosely with foil to keep them warm. Just let them chill while we whip up that amazing sauce!
Make the garlic sauce. Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the pan drippings, stirring occasionally for about a minute until fragrant, just wait; it’s gonna smell divine!
Add broth and lemon juice. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice and use a wooden spoon to scrape the yummy bits off the bottom of the pan (those bits are flavor gold!). Bring the liquid to a simmer, then reduce heat slightly.
Stir in the butter. Let the sauce simmer for about a minute to reduce slightly, then stir in the butter until it melts completely and the sauce looks smooth. Taste the sauce; add more salt or pepper if you think it needs it!
Finish the dish. Return the salmon fillets to the skillet and spoon the warm garlic sauce over the top to coat each fillet evenly. Garnish with the chopped parsley for that fresh kick!
Serve immediately. And just like that, you have a fabulous dinner ready to be devoured! Serve it right away with your favorite sides like roasted veggies, quinoa, or even a fresh green salad.
Why I Love This Recipe
Honestly, this Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Sauce is my go-to recipe when I want something quick and easy that feels like a treat. It’s loaded with flavor and simply never fails to impress! I’m a real sucker for meals that come together in a flash but taste like they took all day. Plus it’s such a versatile dish! You can throw in whatever veggies you have on hand. The best part is this recipe never gets boring; I switch up the ingredients based on what’s in season or what I have in my pantry.
Oh! And did I mention how much my family loves it? My picky 8-year-old actually asked for seconds last week! That calls for a victory dance in my kitchen!
If you loved this Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Sauce recipe, be sure to check out my Pan Seared Salmon in Parmesan Cream Sauce, my Texas Roadhouse Salmon, or my Smoked Salmon Potato Salad. Each one has that same warmth and yum factor that you’ll love!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This dish comes together in under 20 minutes so if you’re juggling work and family, this is your go-to! No need to stress; dinner is sorted.
One-Pan Meal
Minimal cleanup required! Seriously, one pan means not only quicker cooking but also quick cleanup, allowing you more time to unwind after a long day. Yay for easy weeknight meals!
Budget-Friendly
Using affordable, everyday ingredients found right in your pantry makes this a friendly option for your wallet. No fancy shopping trips necessary!
Customizable
You can use whatever ingredients you have on hand! Feel like adding spinach or cherry tomatoes? Go for it! Want to switch out the chicken broth for vegetable broth? You do you!
Comfort Food
It’s absolutely loaded with tons of flavor and that buttery, garlicky goodness that makes it feel like a warm hug on a plate.
Serving & Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
When serving your Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Sauce, I recommend pairing it with a light side like a fresh garden salad, asparagus, or some fluffy quinoa. You could even whip up some garlic mashed potatoes because, why not?!
Storage
Leftovers are good for about 3 days in the fridge. Just put them in an airtight container and voilà!
Reheating Instructions
For the best results, reheat leftovers in a skillet over low heat. This keeps the salmon moist and prevents it from drying out. Microwave works too, just be careful not to overdo it; nobody wants rubbery fish!
Freezer Friendly
I don’t recommend freezing cooked salmon as it can change the texture significantly. However, if you prep uncooked salmon, it can be frozen for up to 3 months, just don’t forget to wrap it up tight!
And there you have it, an absolutely scrumptious, quick and easy Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Sauce that your family will absolutely adore. Cheers to delicious meals in a hurry! Create those simple moments around the dinner table that are filled with laughter and good food. Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
Method
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
- Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Add salmon fillets to the skillet, skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until crispy.
- Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
- Transfer cooked salmon to a plate and cover loosely with foil.
- Reduce skillet heat to medium, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in chicken broth and lemon juice, scraping the pan to deglaze.
- Let the sauce simmer briefly, then stir in butter until melted.
- Return salmon to skillet and coat with the garlic sauce.
- Serve immediately garnished with chopped parsley.