Garlic Butter Salmon with Rice

Name: Garlic Butter Salmon with Rice
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets; 4 tablespoons butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; Salt and pepper, to taste; 2 cups cooked rice; Chopped parsley, for garnish

Highlighted under: Warm Dinners

I absolutely love making Garlic Butter Salmon with Rice on busy weeknights when I want something delicious yet uncomplicated. The buttery, garlicky flavor permeates the tender salmon fillets and pairs wonderfully with fluffy rice. It's quick to prepare and satisfying, making it a staple in our household. With just a few ingredients, I can whip up a gourmet meal that feels indulgent but is perfect for any day. Plus, it’s an excellent way to get in some heart-healthy fish while treating the family to something special.

Created by

Monicas

Last updated on 2026-02-17T14:46:18.891Z

When I first made Garlic Butter Salmon, I was amazed by how simple yet flavorful this dish turned out. The key is to use fresh garlic and high-quality butter, which enhances the taste tremendously. I remember discovering that letting the salmon marinate in the garlic butter mixture for just a few minutes really kick-starts the flavor, making every bite a delight.

This recipe has become a favorite in my home because it's not just quick to make, but it also feels fancy enough for dinner parties. I like to serve it with a side of sautéed green beans for added color and crunch. Trust me, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s bound to impress anyone at your table!

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Rich garlic flavor infused with buttery goodness
Quick preparation perfect for busy weeknights
Healthy and satisfying, making fish enjoyable
Pairs perfectly with rice and veggies for a complete meal

Perfecting the Salmon

Choosing the right salmon can significantly elevate your dish. I recommend using fresh, wild-caught salmon if possible, as it tends to have a better texture and flavor compared to farmed varieties. Look for fillets with a vibrant color and firm texture. When seasoning, use kosher salt for an even distribution and a sprinkle of pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the fish. Allowing the salmon to rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking ensures that it cooks evenly.

While cooking the salmon, monitoring the heat is crucial. If your skillet is too hot, the outside can overcook while the inside remains underdone. Medium-high heat is ideal—this allows the salmon to develop a lovely golden crust without burning. You should see the edges turning golden and the fish starting to flake slightly with a fork, indicating it’s approaching the perfect doneness.

Mastering Garlic Butter

The garlic butter sauce is the star of this recipe, adding depth and richness to the dish. Mincing the garlic finely ensures that it infuses evenly into the butter. It's essential to sauté the garlic until fragrant but not browned; browned garlic can impart a bitter taste to the sauce. Keep a close eye on it, as it only takes about a minute—this step is all about enhancing the overall flavor profile without overpowering the dish.

You can customize the garlic butter sauce to suit your taste. For a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of paprika. Additionally, fresh herbs like thyme or dill can be added to the butter; just remember to chop them finely to blend seamlessly into the sauce. Experimenting with these variations can create new flavor dimensions each time you make this dish!

Serving Suggestions and Storage

Serving Garlic Butter Salmon with a side of fluffy rice elevates your meal to something truly special. Consider pairing it with steamed vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for a complete and colorful plate. The lightness of the fish contrasts beautifully with the richness of the butter sauce, while the rice absorbs the flavors perfectly. You can also serve the dish with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness right before diving in.

If you have leftovers, store the salmon and rice in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within 2 days. Reheat gently in a microwave or on the stovetop over low heat to prevent drying out the salmon. For longer storage, you can freeze cooked salmon for up to three months—though I recommend freezing without the rice, as it may lose texture. When it's time to enjoy again, allow it to thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat softly before serving.

Ingredients

Gather the following ingredients to create this delicious Garlic Butter Salmon with Rice:

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets
4 tablespoons butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 cups cooked rice
Chopped parsley, for garnish

Once you have these ingredients ready, you're just about set to create a wonderful meal!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Garlic Butter Salmon:

Prepare the Salmon

Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and lemon juice, and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Cook the Salmon

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook for about 4-5 minutes. Flip the fillets and pour the garlic butter sauce over them. Cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until desired doneness.

Serve

Serve the salmon fillets over a bed of cooked rice, drizzling the remaining garlic butter sauce on top. Garnish with chopped parsley.

Enjoy your delicious meal!

Pro Tips

For the best flavor, let the salmon marinate in the garlic butter for 10 minutes before cooking, and try adding a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of depth.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you're looking to lighten up the dish, you can substitute the butter with a heart-healthy oil like olive oil. While the flavor will differ slightly, it still provides a delicious base for the garlic sauce. For those with dairy sensitivities, consider using vegan butter or a plant-based spread that can withstand cooking temperatures.

To add some variety, you can swap out salmon for other fish like trout or tilapia, which cook similarly and absorb the flavors of the garlic butter beautifully. Adjust the cooking time slightly, as thinner fillets will typically cook faster than salmon. This way, you can enjoy the same indulgent flavors while varying the protein source used in your meals.

Scaling the Recipe

This recipe can easily be scaled up for larger gatherings or family meals. Each salmon fillet is approximately 6 ounces, and this recipe works well with up to 8 fillets cooking simultaneously. Just ensure your skillet is large enough; if needed, cook in batches to prevent overcrowding, which can cause steaming instead of searing.

For a bigger group, I suggest prepping additional rice in advance since it can be reheated easily. You might consider a ratio of 1 cup of uncooked rice per 2-3 fillets, allowing everyone plenty to enjoy with their salmon. This recipe is versatile enough that you can double the garlic butter sauce and adjust seasoning to taste, making sure everyone gets a generous drizzle!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking for even cooking.

→ What can I substitute for rice?

You can substitute rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a lower-carb option.

→ How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

Salmon is cooked through when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

→ Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, you can use olive oil for a lighter version, though the flavor will differ slightly from the classic butter taste.