This easy carnivore garlic butter salmon recipe is a perfect dish for anyone looking for a simple yet satisfying meal.
With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a dish that’s rich in flavor and texture without a lot of fuss.
Salmon is known for being a nutrient powerhouse, and this recipe highlights its natural flavors with a buttery, garlicky twist.
Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a small gathering, this dish comes together quickly and feels like a special treat.
The golden sear on the salmon combined with the rich garlic butter sauce makes every bite feel indulgent while still being incredibly simple to prepare.
Whether you’re following a carnivore diet or just looking for a quick and delicious way to enjoy salmon, this recipe delivers.
Serve it as is for a low carb option or pair it with your favorite sides if you prefer. Let’s get started!
👍 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Rich in Omega 3: Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for anyone on the carnivore diet.
Combined with the butter, this recipe provides an excellent balance of healthy fats that can help keep you in ketosis while supporting brain health.
Good for Meal Prep: If you like to prepare meals ahead of time, this recipe works well for that. You can cook extra and save some for later. The leftovers can be easily reheated or even eaten cold if you like.
Flavorful Without Being Complex: This dish proves that you don’t need a lot of ingredients to make something tasty. The combination of salmon, garlic, and butter creates a rich flavor that’s satisfying without being overwhelming.
✨ Recipe Ingredients
- 1 pound Salmon (cut into 4 pieces)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- Salt (to taste)
- Pepper (to taste)
- 5 tablespoons Butter (divided) – I recommend this butter (amazon link)
- 3/4 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Chopped Parsley
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👨🍳 How To Make
Follow this easy recipe:
Step 1
For best results, take the salmon out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before starting. Cut it into 4 pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Season each piece with salt and pepper.
Step 2
Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat for 3-4 minutes.
Step 3
Cook the salmon with the skin side down for 4-5 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium and flip the pieces over. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. Then transfer to a plate.
Step 4
Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the remaining butter and let it melt. Then, add the garlic and lemon juice, and continue stirring until the garlic is just cooked.
Step 5
Take the skillet off the heat. Add the salmon back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the salmon pieces. At this stage, you can also add the parsley if using. Enjoy!
💡Tips
1. Pat It Dry – Really Dry
This might seem like a small detail, but it’s actually really important for getting that nice golden crust on your salmon. Use paper towels and pat both sides of the salmon until they’re completely dry.
Any moisture left on the surface will create steam when it hits the hot pan, which prevents proper browning.
Keep patting until the paper towel comes away clean and the salmon surface feels dry to the touch.
2. Watch The Heat
Starting with medium-high heat is key for getting that initial sear, but don’t forget to lower it to medium after flipping. If you keep it too high, the outside will burn before the inside is done.
You’ll know your pan is ready when a drop of water sizzles and evaporates immediately. If your butter starts to brown too quickly when you add it to the pan, your heat is too high.
3. Let It Rest
Just like with meat, letting your salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking can make a big difference. When you take the salmon off the heat, it will continue cooking for a little while.
If you cut into it right away, all the juices will run out and your salmon might end up dry. Instead, after you’ve spooned the sauce over the salmon, let it sit in the warm pan off the heat for about 3-5 minutes.
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FAQ
1. Why is my salmon dry?
Dry salmon usually means it’s overcooked. Keep in mind that salmon will continue cooking for a few minutes after you take it off the heat. It’s better to slightly undercook it than overcook it.
Also, make sure you’re not using very thin pieces of salmon – they cook much faster and can dry out quickly.
2. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
While you can use olive oil, it won’t give you the same rich, buttery flavor that makes this recipe special.
If you do need to use olive oil, use it only for the initial cooking, and then add at least a tablespoon of butter at the end for the garlic sauce.
Carnivore Garlic Butter Salmon
Print RecipeIngredients
- 1 pound Salmon cut into 4 pieces
- 4 cloves Garlic minced
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
- 5 tablespoons Butter divided – I recommend this butter (amazon link)
- 3/4 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- Optional: 1 tablespoon Chopped Parsley
Instructions
- For best results, take the salmon out of the refrigerator 20 minutes before starting. Cut it into 4 pieces and pat them dry with paper towels. Season each piece with salt and pepper.
- Add 2 tablespoons of butter to a skillet over medium-high heat. Allow it to heat for 3-4 minutes.
- Cook the salmon with the skin side down for 4-5 minutes, then reduce the heat to medium and flip the pieces over. Cook for another 3-4 minutes. Then transfer to a plate.
- Turn the heat down to medium-low. Add the remaining butter and let it melt. Then, add the garlic and lemon juice, and continue stirring until the garlic is just cooked.
- Take the skillet off the heat. Add the salmon back to the skillet and spoon the sauce over the salmon pieces. At this stage, you can also add the parsley if using. Enjoy!