Description
A quick, one-skillet weeknight dinner featuring crispy salmon bites tossed in a rich garlic-lemon butter sauce. Ready in 15 minutes and better than takeout.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs (680g) salmon fillets, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons neutral oil (avocado or grapeseed)
- Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 large fresh lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained (optional)
- 2 tablespoons dry white wine (optional)
Instructions
- Pat salmon cubes completely dry with paper towels and toss with neutral oil, salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat with a splash of oil. Add salmon in a single layer (cook in batches if needed) and sear undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until golden.
- Flip salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove salmon from pan and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Add butter to the same pan and let it melt and foam.
- Add minced garlic and stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant (do not brown). Add red pepper flakes or capers if using.
- Remove pan from heat. Stir in fresh lemon zest and lemon juice.
- Return salmon to the pan and gently toss to coat in the sauce. Sprinkle with fresh herbs.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
Patting the salmon dry is crucial for a good sear; wet salmon will steam. Do not overcrowd the pan. Remove the pan from heat before adding lemon juice to prevent the butter sauce from separating. Fresh garlic is preferred over jarred for better flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approximately 1/4 of
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 10
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 34
Keywords: salmon, garlic butter, quick dinner, weeknight meals, one skillet, healthy seafood, lemon salmon, easy recipe