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Quick Garlic Butter Salmon Bites: Easy 15-Minute Dinner

garlic butter salmon bites - featured image

These quick garlic butter salmon bites are golden, crispy on the outside, tender and flaky on the inside, all coated in a rich, nutty garlic butter sauce. Ready in under 15 minutes, this easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and is a crowd-pleaser that feels fancy but takes almost no effort.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ pounds fresh salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • ¼ teaspoon paprika
  • Optional: ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for sauce)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prep the salmon: Place salmon fillet on a cutting board and cut into 1-inch cubes. Pat dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper, and paprika, tossing gently to coat.
  2. Heat the pan: Place a large non-stick or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and 2 tablespoons of butter. Swirl until butter is foamy and bubbling but not browning.
  3. Sear the salmon bites: Place seasoned salmon cubes in the pan in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for 2-3 minutes until edges are golden and opaque.
  4. Flip and add garlic: Flip each piece using a spatula. Add minced garlic to the pan, stirring into the butter. Cook for another 2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and salmon is just cooked through (flakes easily with a fork).
  5. Finish with the sauce: Reduce heat to low. Add remaining 1 tablespoon butter, fresh lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Toss gently to coat. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Serve immediately: Transfer to a serving plate and spoon remaining butter sauce over the top. Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry thoroughly for crispy edges. Don’t crowd the pan—cook in batches if needed. Use unsalted butter to control salt level. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork, about 4-5 minutes total. For dairy-free, substitute butter with vegan butter or ghee. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a skillet for best results.

Nutrition

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