Garlic Butter Salmon Skillet with Lemon and Capers

Garlic Butter Salmon is the star of this Tuscan-inspired skillet dish, where rich garlic butter mingles with bright lemon and briny capers to create an irresistible burst of flavor. The tender, flaky salmon soaks up every drop of this luscious sauce, making each bite a delight. And the best part? This impressive meal comes together in under 30 minutes, all in one pan. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion—let’s dive into this flavorful recipe!

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Salmon

• Salmon Filets (Preferably with Skin): Salmon is the star of this dish, providing a rich, buttery flavor and flaky texture. It’s an excellent source of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, making it a nutritious choice.
• Dry Dill, Red Pepper Flakes, and Smoked Paprika: These spices add depth and complexity to the dish. Dry dill imparts a subtle herbaceous note, while red pepper flakes provide a touch of heat. Smoked paprika lends a smoky and mildly sweet flavor, elevating the overall taste.
• High-Quality Olive Oil (Divided): Olive oil enhances the salmon’s flavor and helps achieve crispy skin when searing. It’s a source of healthy monounsaturated fats and antioxidants, promoting heart health.
• Chopped Onion and Minced Garlic: Onions and garlic provide aromatic depth and savory undertones to the recipe. They serve as the flavorful base for the sauce.
• Roma Tomatoes: Tomatoes contribute natural sweetness and acidity to balance the dish’s flavors. They also provide vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a vibrant green color and a mild earthy taste. It wilts down during cooking, incorporating a dose of leafy greens.
• Fresh Basil Leaves (Chopped): Basil infuses the dish with its distinctive aroma and a hint of sweetness. It pairs wonderfully with tomatoes and elevates the overall freshness.
• Capers: Capers contribute a briny, tangy flavor, offering a delightful contrast to the rich salmon and buttery sauce.
• Dry White Wine: White wine imparts acidity and depth to the sauce, enhancing the overall complexity of flavors. It also complements the lemon and tomatoes.

Preparing and Cooking Garlic Butter Salmon

Start with high-quality, wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and a boost of omega-3s—perfect for the Mediterranean diet. Keep the pieces uniform in size, and leave the skin on for added flavor and easy handling.

Heat your skillet until hot before adding the salmon for the perfect sear. Let it cook undisturbed until the edges turn golden and the fillet releases easily from the pan—this is your cue to flip.

To check doneness, gently press the thickest part of the fillet with a fork. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily, and the flesh is opaque. Be careful not to overcook, as salmon can quickly dry out.

This recipe skips heavy cream, relying on vegetable broth and white wine to create a light yet rich base. Fresh spinach adds color and heartiness, but you can swap in similar quick-cooking greens like kale or Swiss chard to complement the delicate flavor of the salmon.

Pairing Sides With Garlic Butter Salmon

Consider serving this flavorful salmon alongside a classic Traditional Greek Salad with crisp cucumbers and creamy feta. Or dive into the Middle Eastern flavors of Fattoush, a zesty bread salad that’s always a crowd-pleaser. If you want something more Italian, try a Tomato Panzanella Salad, where juicy tomatoes and crunchy croutons steal the show. For those seeking warmth and heartiness, a bowl of Warm Lentil Soup offers earthy flavors and plenty of protein. And, of course, there’s Tunisian Couscous, a fluffy and spiced side that rounds out your meal perfectly.