Description
These Garlic Butter Salmon Bites are tender, flaky chunks of perfectly seared salmon coated in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. Ready in just 15 minutes, this restaurant-quality dish is perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinner parties!
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon:
- 1½ pounds skinless salmon fillet, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil (or avocado oil)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 5-6 large garlic cloves, minced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillet completely dry with paper towels – this is crucial for getting a good sear. Cut the salmon into roughly 1.5-inch cubes, trying to keep them as uniform as possible for even cooking. Place the salmon cubes in a bowl.
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine salt, black pepper, paprika, and garlic powder. Sprinkle this seasoning mixture over the salmon cubes and gently toss to coat all sides evenly. Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 5 minutes while you prepare your other ingredients.
- Heat the Pan: Place your large skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it heat for about 1-2 minutes until shimmering but not smoking. You want the pan hot enough to sear the salmon quickly without overcooking it.
- Sear the Salmon (First Side): Working in a single layer without overcrowding, place the salmon cubes in the hot skillet, leaving space between each piece. If necessary, cook in two batches. Let the salmon cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until a golden-brown crust forms on the bottom. Resist the urge to move them around – the crust needs time to develop.
- Flip and Continue Cooking: Using a spatula or tongs, carefully flip each salmon cube to another uncooked side. Cook for an additional 2 minutes, then flip to a third side if desired. Total cooking time should be about 6-8 minutes for medium doneness. The salmon should be golden on the outside and slightly translucent in the very center (it will continue cooking from residual heat).
- Remove Salmon: Transfer the cooked salmon bites to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm. Don’t worry if there are some browned bits stuck to the pan – those are flavor!
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it – if the pan is too hot, remove it from heat while adding garlic.
- Add Butter and Lemon: Add the butter to the skillet with the garlic, stirring as it melts. Once the butter is melted, add the lemon juice, lemon zest if using, and red pepper flakes if you want heat. Stir everything together and let it bubble for about 30 seconds to combine the flavors.
- Combine and Finish: Return the salmon bites to the skillet, gently tossing them in the garlic butter sauce to coat completely. Cook for just 30 seconds to warm everything through. Remove from heat.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the fresh chopped parsley over the salmon bites and give one final gentle toss. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Salmon Doneness: For medium-rare salmon (which many prefer), cook just until the center is slightly translucent. For well-done, cook an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Batch Cooking: If your skillet isn’t large enough for all the salmon without overcrowding, cook in two batches. Overcrowding creates steam instead of a sear.
- Frozen Salmon: If using frozen salmon, thaw completely in the refrigerator overnight and pat very dry before cooking.
- Skin-On Salmon: If your salmon has skin, remove it before cutting into cubes, or ask your fishmonger to do it for you.
- Make It Creamier: Add 2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the butter sauce for an extra-luxurious finish.
- Spicy Version: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of hot sauce to the butter for kick.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: About 6 oz salmon with sauce (¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 105mg