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Quick Garlic Butter Salmon Bites in 20 Minutes

garlic butter salmon bites - featured image

These Quick Garlic Butter Salmon Bites are a fast, flavorful weeknight dinner made with simple ingredients. The salmon is cooked directly in butter and garlic for an incredibly tender, golden result in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) salmon fillet, skin removed, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons (42g) unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels. Cut into 1-inch cubes. Season generously with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  2. Peel and finely mince 4 cloves of garlic.
  3. Place a large non-stick skillet over medium heat. Add the butter and let it melt completely, swirling to coat the bottom. The butter should be bubbling gently but not browning.
  4. Add the minced garlic and stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant but not brown.
  5. Carefully place the salmon cubes in the pan in a single layer. Do not crowd the pan; work in batches if needed. Let cook undisturbed for 3 minutes until edges are opaque and golden.
  6. Flip each piece gently and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden brown on the outside and just cooked through. The salmon should flake easily with a fork but remain moist.
  7. Remove the pan from heat. Spoon the buttery garlic sauce over the salmon bites. Garnish with fresh parsley and a squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

Pat the salmon dry for best browning. Use fresh garlic for optimal flavor. Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed. For dairy-free, substitute butter with ghee or high-quality vegan butter. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days; reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth.

Nutrition

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