Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich and zesty: The garlic butter sauce with lemon and red pepper gives the seafood bold, dynamic flavor.

• Elegant yet simple: Restaurant-worthy dish prepared in under 20 minutes.

• Perfect balance: Succulent salmon and tender shrimp in one skillet.

• Versatile sides: Pairs beautifully with veggies, grains, or pasta.

• Great for any occasion: Weeknight dinner or special weekend treat.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

Main Protein

• 1 salmon fillet (6–8 oz)

• 8–10 large shrimp, peeled & deveined

• 2 Tbsp olive oil

• Salt & black pepper, to taste

• Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 Tbsp unsalted butter

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 tsp red pepper flakes

• Juice of 1 lemon

• ¼ cup chicken or seafood broth

• Zest of ½ lemon (optional, for extra zing)

Directions

1. Prep the Seafood

• Pat the salmon fillet and shrimp dry with paper towels.

• Season both generously with salt and black pepper.

2. Sear the Salmon

• Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

• Place the salmon fillet, skin-side down (or presentation side down), and sear for 4–5 minutes until the exterior is golden and crisp.

• Flip the salmon and cook another 2–3 minutes, until cooked through. Remove from pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Shrimp

• Add more olive oil to the same pan if needed.

• Sauté the shrimp for 1–2 minutes per side, until pink and lightly charred. Remove and set aside with the salmon.

4. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

• Reduce heat to medium-low and melt the butter in the pan.

• Add minced garlic and red pepper flakes; sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant.

• Stir in lemon juice, broth, and optional lemon zest. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing flavors to meld.

5. Finish & Serve

• Return the salmon and shrimp to the pan, spooning sauce over them to heat through and coat.

• Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon slices on the side.

Servings and timing

• Yield: 2 servings

• Prep time: 5 minutes

• Cook time: 12–14 minutes

• Total time: Approximately 20 minutes

Variations

• Creamy sauce: Stir in 2 Tbsp heavy cream at the end for a richer sauce.

• Spicy kick: Increase red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

• Herb twist: Use fresh thyme or dill instead of parsley for a different flavor.

• Citrus mix: Swap lemon juice with lime or orange juice for a nuanced citrus note.

• Make it surf & turf: Add seared steak bites for an indulgent surf-and-turf variation.

Storage/reheating

• Refrigeration: Store salmon, shrimp, and sauce in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

• Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth to maintain moisture.

• Avoid microwave: To preserve texture and sauce quality, reheat on the stove.

FAQs

1. Can I cook salmon and shrimp together?

Yes, but they cook at slightly different rates—cook salmon first and rest it while you cook shrimp.

2. What pan is best?

A non-stick or stainless-steel skillet with good heat retention works best.

3. Can I use frozen seafood?

Yes—thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure proper searing.

4. What broth can I use?

Chicken broth works well; seafood or vegetable broth adds extra depth.

5. Do I need to remove the salmon skin?

No—the skin crisps up nicely and adds flavor. Remove it before eating if preferred.

6. Can I double the recipe?

Yes—use a larger pan and increase cooking time slightly. Cook in batches if necessary.

7. Is this gluten-free?

Yes, provided the broth and seasonings are gluten-free.

8. How do I know when shrimp are done?

Shrimp are cooked when they turn pink and curl into a loose “C” shape—not tight.

9. Can I add vegetables to the pan?

Yes—broccoli, asparagus, or green beans work well. Add before seafood to ensure even cooking.

10. What sides pair well?

Serve with steamed vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp is an easy, flavorful dish that looks and tastes gourmet. With just one pan and 20 minutes, you can enjoy tender seafood bathed in a zesty, buttery sauce. Perfect for weeknight meals, date nights, or whenever you want a restaurant-quality dish at home.

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