Easy 5-Ingredient Salmon Recipe

Name: Easy 5-Ingredient Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon garlic powder; 1 tablespoon dried basil; 0.5 teaspoon salt; 4 (6 ounce) fillets salmon; 2 tablespoons butter; 4 lemon wedges

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Ingredients

1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon dried basil
teaspoon salt
4 (6 ounce) fillets of salmon
2 tablespoons butter
4 lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1: Gather all the ingredients and prepare your workspace for cooking.

Step 2: In a small bowl, mix together the garlic powder, dried basil, and salt. Stir until evenly combined.

Step 3: Rub the spice mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated.

Step 4: In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the salmon fillets to the skillet.

Step 5: Cook the salmon for about 5 minutes per side, or until the fish is golden brown on the outside and flakes easily when tested with a fork.

Step 6: Remove the salmon from the skillet and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for a burst of freshness.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrient	Amount	% Daily Value*
Calories	304	-
Total Fat	16g	20%
Saturated Fat	6g	29%
Cholesterol	90mg	30%
Sodium	402mg	17%
Total Carbohydrate	3g	1%
Dietary Fiber	1g	4%
Total Sugars	1g	-
Protein	37g	73%
Vitamin C	12mg	13%
Calcium	88mg	7%
Iron	1mg	8%
Potassium	665mg	14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Easy 5-Ingredient Salmon Recipe

Recipe Overview: This easy salmon recipe delivers big flavor with just a few pantry and fridge staples. Pan-searing in butter browns the fillets but keeps them moist. Its the perfect weeknight dinner thats simple, healthy, and delicious!

History of Salmon Dishes

Salmon has been a popular fish for centuries, particularly in regions with abundant access to fresh water, like Scandinavia, the Pacific Northwest, and parts of Asia. It has been an integral part of various cuisines, especially in Norway, Japan, and North America. Traditional recipes include methods like smoking, grilling, or baking salmon with herbs and spices. Over time, modern cooking techniques have simplified the preparation of salmon, allowing for quick and flavorful recipes like this one. This "easy" approach aligns with the growing trend for meals that require minimal time and effort without sacrificing taste.

Regional Variations

In different regions, the way salmon is prepared can vary greatly. In the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada, salmon is often grilled over an open flame or smoked to enhance its natural flavor. Meanwhile, in Scandinavia, it is common to see salmon cured with salt and sugar, known as gravlax, or smoked. In Mediterranean countries, salmon is frequently prepared with olive oil, lemon, and a range of fresh herbs. This 5-ingredient salmon recipe is an American take on the fish, focusing on simplicity while maintaining rich flavor through the use of butter, garlic powder, and basil.

What Makes This Recipe Different

While there are many ways to prepare salmon, this 5-ingredient recipe stands out for its simplicity and speed. Compared to more complex recipes that require marinating or elaborate spice blends, this version focuses on just a few pantry staplesgarlic powder, dried basil, and saltcombined with fresh butter to create a beautifully pan-seared salmon fillet. It's also different from other common salmon recipes in that it uses minimal ingredients but delivers rich, flavorful results. The addition of lemon wedges serves to elevate the dish with a fresh, zesty contrast.

Where This Dish is Typically Served

This easy salmon recipe is often served in casual dining settings such as home dinners, informal gatherings, or even meal prep for the week. Its a versatile dish that pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Common accompaniments include rice pilaf, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad. It's also ideal for serving at a family meal or a quick weeknight dinner due to its minimal prep and cook time. While the recipe is distinctly American in its approach, its universally loved and can be found in home kitchens around the world.

Interesting Facts About Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known for their health benefits, including supporting heart health and reducing inflammation.
Wild-caught salmon is considered a more sustainable choice compared to farmed salmon, as its generally lower in contaminants and raised in a more natural environment.
Did you know that salmon can be pink or red in color? The rich red-orange hue is due to the carotenoid astaxanthin, which the fish acquire from their diet of krill and other small crustaceans.
In many Native American cultures, salmon is considered sacred, often associated with the spiritual renewal of the people and the land.
Salmon can travel up to 900 miles during their life cycle, migrating from freshwater rivers to the ocean and back again to spawn.

FAQ about Easy 5-Ingredient Salmon Recipe

Leftover cooked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing to prevent freezer burn.

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. It’s recommended to thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight or by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about 15-20 minutes before cooking. Make sure to pat it dry with paper towels to prevent it from becoming soggy while cooking.

Yes, you can substitute fresh basil with dried basil. The ratio is about 1 tablespoon of dried basil for every 2 tablespoons of fresh basil. If you don’t have basil, other herbs like thyme, oregano, or dill can work well as alternatives.

Yes, you can cook salmon with the skin on. If you prefer crispy skin, cook the salmon skin-side down first for about 5 minutes, then flip it to cook the other side. The skin will help keep the fish moist while cooking.

This simple salmon pairs well with various side dishes. Consider serving it with a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, steamed rice, couscous, or quinoa for a balanced meal. A squeeze of lemon on top adds a nice touch of brightness.

Yes, you can use other fish fillets like trout, tilapia, or cod instead of salmon. Just be aware that cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets, so adjust accordingly.

Salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), and the flesh flakes easily with a fork. It should be opaque but still moist. If you don’t have a thermometer, look for the salmon to be slightly pink in the center when cut into, but fully cooked through.

While it’s best to enjoy this salmon fresh, you can prepare the seasoning mixture and rub it on the salmon a few hours before cooking. Store the seasoned fillets in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook them. However, salmon is best served immediately after cooking.

Yes, you can substitute olive oil for butter. Olive oil will give the salmon a slightly different flavor but still results in a tasty dish. Use about 2 tablespoons of olive oil in place of the butter.

Yes, you can bake the salmon in the oven. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), place the seasoned salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper, and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Comments

jessimocha

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

Amazing! I used a frozen salmon fillet that I'd put in the fridge the night before. Absolutely delicious! And my first time making salmon, too! I'm making it a second time this week! (If making any fish from frozen, you must pat it dry with paper towels before you cook! it'll fall apart and be mushy if you don't!)

Rachel

02/17/2012 08:14:31 PM

This was a very tasty way to prepare Salmon! I added just a couple things when fixing mine: I used sea salt instead of regular salt, and used a little less than the recipe called for, and also added a chopped up clove of garlic to the butter in the saucepan. I allowed the butter and garlic to simmer a few minutes before added the filets. It was delicious! **I used a lb. of Salmon and had to double the ingredients to have enough for all three filets.

Lori McKay

08/07/2019 01:11:58 AM

Looking for a new way to do salmon and the word easy popped out lol. I read a lot of the reviews and opted to use 1/4t salt, replaced basil w Italian seasoning and added some lemon pepper and Parmesan. I also followed someone else by cooking 4 min on each side and then moving to the broiler for a few minutes w some Panko. Everyone loved it! Served over some rice w vegetables.

Francis Masullo

04/24/2019 01:06:05 AM

I made this twice last week. Before making it I sprinkled the fillets all over with Kosher salt and some sugar. I let it sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes and then rinsed them off in ice water. From there I followed the recipe exactly and it was excellent! The next time I make it I will cut back a bit on the garlic powder.

Eric Malcolm

03/31/2020 06:49:46 PM

I made this, pretty good! Used frozen salmon had purchased previously, thawed for about 15 mins in cold water, and feeling kinda lazy decided to bake instead of pan fry. Preheated the oven to 375, and instead of melting the butter, used a cooking pan lined with foil and put a slice of butter underneath and a slice above (after seasoning), baked my 6oz pc about 9 mins and finished with a squirt of lemon juice, and served on a bed of couscous. Very tasty, and will make again!!

Shari

06/15/2023 11:34:13 PM

very good, but I cooked with skin on, skin side down 1st until crisp..turn and cook just until you can see a bit of opaqueness on top and bottom but still pink in middle! So completely delicious…not flaky and dry at all ❤️. Most fish cooked this way is wonderful BUT Salmon reigns supreme for us‼️

Laurahallie

06/14/2023 02:21:30 PM

This was a great, extremely simple salmon preparation. I removed the skin from the fillets and added the seasoning to both sides. Cooked in a cast iron skillet, which made the salmon nice and crispy on the outside. Served with a Caesar salad. It really doesn't need any modifications, but if I want a little heat next time, I might add a touch of cayenne pepper or hot Hungarian paprika.

Pat

01/27/2024 12:32:58 AM

This was the best salmon I've ever prepared! I didn't have regular honey. All I had in the pantry was sugar-free honey and Steen's Cane Syrup. I used the sugar-free honey, and it was still fantastic! I will try it next time with the Steen's, and I'll stir in some pineapple tidbits. This was SO good!

DEBBIEDH

04/20/2020 05:12:53 PM

I took a little bit of something from different reviews. This recipe is fantastic! For 1/2 pound of fillet, I used 1/2 tsp each of garlic powder and dried basil. Added 1/8 tsp. salt and 1/4 tsp. lemon pepper. Used that mixture as the rub. I had sautéed a large garlic clove, minced in the 2Tablespoons of butter before cooking the salmon per side 5 minutes- all in low heat. I used these measurements for 1 or 2 servings. Absolutely delicious!

fruitdog

05/10/2019 01:07:59 AM

Simple and delicious! We are salmon lovers so this was an easy dinner night! Thank you! ***I have made this several times and it is always good! I mix up the herbs in a zip lock ( change up the seasonings to your liking) and shake the fish all around and throw it on the cast iron!

MerrySpam5722

05/11/2023 10:29:14 PM

Made with skin-on salmon and 2T fresh basil as that's what I had on hand. The whole family including two picky toddlers loved how it turned out.

TackyCow8355

06/17/2025 01:29:11 PM

This was delicious. The only thing I did different was add a little extra virgin olive oil. The butter burns at high heat so the EVOO keeps that from happening. :)

rev

05/21/2025 10:48:21 PM

Really easy and delicious way to serve salmon! Didn't change a thing. And my husband loved it.

ElfinGoat1017

05/11/2025 06:08:10 PM

Only change I made was I have outdoor kitchen and cook everything on the grill. Two people I get 3/4-1LB of salmon

BraveCarp5529

03/28/2025 08:58:47 PM

It was great 👍🏿

David Brown

03/17/2025 06:43:58 PM

This recipe is a total game-changer.

Bunnee's Kitchen

03/12/2025 11:39:01 PM

My hubby doesn't like just any old salmon... But he'll say yes to this every time!! I pair it with herbed rice pilaf (ATK)

Susan Rivera

02/24/2025 01:14:53 PM

Everyone thought I spent hours on it.

SereneCress6583

02/04/2025 01:15:07 AM

I made this with my daughter and even she could make it! It was so easy and simple and ended with great taste. I would definitely make this again. I make a lot of fish recipes because me and my daughter are pescatarian, so when we make these recipes we gotta find one to stick with, and we would definitely stick with this one. I am very impressed five steps and it takes only 15 minutes. I am very impressed with this recipe.

Daniel Thomas

01/27/2025 11:44:47 PM

Made it once — planning round two immediately.

Cook Time: 30 minutes