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Best Easy Garlic Butter Shrimp and Salmon Skillet in 20 Minutes

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This quick and forgiving one-pan recipe delivers restaurant-quality garlic butter shrimp and salmon in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, it features a golden crust on the salmon and tender shrimp in a rich, flavorful sauce.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (21–25 count)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (sweet)
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the salmon with ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon black pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Season the shrimp with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, and ½ teaspoon paprika. Toss to coat evenly. Set aside.
  2. Zest the entire lemon using a microplane, then cut it in half and juice it (about 2 tablespoons juice). Set aside.
  3. Mince the garlic and chop the parsley. Set aside.
  4. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil is shimmering, place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on). Press down gently with a spatula for 5 seconds. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes for medium or 3-4 minutes for well-done. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
  5. In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon of butter. When melted and sizzling, add the shrimp in a single layer. Cook for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and curled into a loose ‘C’ shape. Transfer to the plate with the salmon.
  6. Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the remaining 3 tablespoons of butter to the skillet. When melted, add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Cook for 30-45 seconds, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not brown.
  7. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Let bubble for about 30 seconds. Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet, spooning the garlic butter sauce over the top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pat seafood dry for best sear. Don’t crowd the pan. Watch garlic carefully to avoid burning. Use room temperature butter. Cooking times are guidelines; trust your senses.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter shrimp and salmon, one-pan seafood, quick seafood dinner, easy salmon recipe, shrimp skillet, 20-minute meal

Find it online: https://evabake.com/best-easy-garlic-butter-shrimp-and-salmon-skillet-in-20-minutes/