Garlic Butter Salmon Bites

These garlic butter salmon bites are a quick and flavorful way to enjoy tender salmon with a garlicky, buttery finish that elevates weeknight dinners. They come together fast but feel like a special treat that always impresses guests or family.

I first made this while trying to whip up a quick dinner and was amazed by how rich and buttery the bites were. Since then my friends always ask me to bring this dish when we get together.

Ingredients

• One pound salmon about one inch thick skin removed: fresh and firm salmon works best for the right texture
• Salt and pepper to taste: simple seasoning that brings out salmon’s natural flavors
• One tablespoon olive oil: helps sear the salmon and develop a golden crust
• Two tablespoons butter divided: butter adds richness and carries the garlic flavor beautifully
• Four cloves garlic minced: garlic infuses the butter with savory aroma and taste
• One tablespoon lemon juice or to taste: brightens the dish with a refreshing acidity
• One tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: adds color and a mild herbaceous note, choose vibrant green parsley for freshness

Instructions

Sear the salmon pieces:

Cut the salmon into one inch pieces and pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for a better sear. Season thoroughly with salt and pepper on all sides. Heat the olive oil and one tablespoon butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat until the pan is hot. Place the salmon pieces in the pan without overcrowding and let cook undisturbed for two minutes. Turn the pieces using tongs and cook evenly on all sides until nicely browned and cooked through which takes about two to three more minutes. Transfer cooked salmon to a plate to rest.

Prepare the garlic butter sauce:

Lower the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet and let it gently melt. Stir in the minced garlic and cook while stirring continuously for about one minute just until fragrant and cooked through without browning or burning the garlic. Remove the skillet from the heat at this point.

Combine and finish:

Return the salmon bites back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Pour in the lemon juice and sprinkle the chopped parsley over the top. Gently toss everything together so the salmon bites are well coated with the buttery garlic sauce and infused with fresh lemony brightness. Serve immediately, adding extra salt and pepper if needed.

My favorite ingredient is the garlic butter sauce which truly transforms the salmon from simple to sensational. Every time I make this, it reminds me of a summer dinner on the porch with close friends where the smells of garlicky butter mingled with fresh herbs and laughter carried on the breeze.

Storage tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently over low heat in a skillet to avoid drying out the salmon. Because these bites cook quickly, try not to overcook when reheating as they can get tough.

Ingredient substitutions

Salmon can be swapped for other firm fish like cod or halibut but adjust cooking times accordingly. If you do not have fresh parsley, dried parsley or even fresh basil would work well. For a dairy-free option use olive oil or a plant-based butter substitute instead of butter.

Serving suggestions

Serve over steamed rice or quinoa to soak up extra garlic butter sauce. A side of roasted or sautéed vegetables like asparagus or green beans complements the rich salmon nicely. For a light meal, pair these bites with a crisp mixed green salad dressed simply with lemon vinaigrette.

This easy recipe delivers delicious garlic butter salmon bites perfect for quick meals or special occasions.

FAQs about Recipes

→ How do I prevent salmon from sticking to the pan?

Ensure the skillet is hot before adding the salmon and use enough olive oil and butter to create a slick surface.

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this dish?

It's best to use fresh or fully thawed salmon pieces to cook evenly and retain texture.

→ How do I know when the salmon bites are done?

Cook salmon until browned on all sides and opaque inside, usually around 4-5 minutes total depending on size.

→ Why add lemon juice at the end?

Lemon juice brightens and balances the rich garlic butter, enhancing overall flavor.

→ Can I substitute parsley with other herbs?

Yes, fresh dill or chives work well to complement the salmon and garlic butter.