Some nights, you just want something simple but a little special too. That’s where my Salmon with Butter Sauce comes in. It’s the kind of dish that sounds fancy but is actually very easy to make at home. You only need a handful of ingredients, but they work so well together that you end up with a meal that tastes like it came straight from a cosy little restaurant.
The star of the show, of course, is the salmon. I like to use fresh salmon fillets with the skin on. The skin gets lovely and crispy when you pan fry it, and it helps to keep the fish moist inside. You only need a touch of seasoning—just a little salt and pepper—because salmon already has such a beautiful, rich flavour on its own. There’s no need to overcomplicate it.
Now, the butter sauce is where the magic really happens. Good quality butter is key here, as it forms the silky base of the sauce. When you melt it gently in the pan, it creates a rich, creamy backdrop that makes the salmon even more luxurious. To lift the sauce and add a hint of something earthy and aromatic, I use fresh rosemary. Just a few sprigs are enough to infuse the butter with that lovely herby fragrance. The smell that fills the kitchen when the butter and rosemary meet the heat is absolutely irresistible.
I also like to add a tiny squeeze of lemon juice right at the end. It cuts through the richness of the butter and fish, bringing a bright, fresh note that makes everything taste lighter and more balanced. A few grinds of black pepper over the top, and you’re done. It’s that simple.
When it comes to serving, this dish pairs beautifully with almost anything. Sometimes I go for a simple green salad and a hunk of crusty bread to mop up that gorgeous butter sauce. Other times, I might whip up some mashed potatoes or steamed green beans to sit alongside it.
Salmon with Butter Sauce is a real winner in my kitchen. It’s quick enough for a busy weeknight but feels special enough for a weekend treat. Best of all, you don’t need any fancy techniques or hard-to-find ingredients—just a little love, a hot pan, and a good appetite.
Salmon with Butter Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 large salmon fillets skin on
- salt
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil for frying
Instructions
- Lightly sprinkle both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.2 large salmon fillets, salt, freshly ground black pepper
- Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.1 tbsp olive oil
- Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the pan. Cook for about 5–6 minutes until the skin is crispy and the fish is mostly cooked through. Flip the salmon over carefully and cook the other side for another 2–3 minutes until just done. Remove the salmon from the pan and keep warm.
- In the same pan, reduce the heat to low and add the butter. Once the butter begins to melt, add the rosemary sprigs. Stir gently and let the rosemary infuse the butter for about 1–2 minutes.2 tbsp butter, 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- Add a squeeze of lemon juice and a few grinds of black pepper to the butter. Stir well.1 tsp lemon juice
- Place the salmon fillets on plates and spoon the butter and rosemary sauce generously over the top.
Notes
Mashed potatoes for a comforting side.
Steamed green beans or broccoli to add freshness and colour to the plate.
A simple green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette for something crisp and refreshing.
15 comments
Quick, simple, and tasted like it took a lot more effort than it did.
It looked impressive and tasted amazing. I just had to follow the steps and it all came together.
As someone who knows good salmon, I can say this dish lets the fish shine. Nothing overpowers it, and that rosemary butter is just the right touch.
The crispy skin, paired with the velvety butter sauce, makes it feel like something you’d get in a fancy bistro. Super easy, too.
I loved how indulgent this felt without being heavy.
I’m new to cooking fish at home and was a bit nervous, but this was foolproof. The skin got perfectly crispy, and the sauce was divine. I’ll be making this again for sure.
Absolutley loved how simple this dish was yet how tasty it was.
The butter and rosemary sauce was so rich and fragrant, and even my kids ate every bite — which is saying something.
I don’t cook much, but I tried this for a date night and it was a hit.
Another recipe saved to my book. Nice.
Butter and rosemary bring out the best in salmon. I added a touch more lemon to suit my taste, and it worked beautifully.
I used a little less butter and added steamed broccoli on the side. Clean, simple, and satisfying.
The lemon really brightens the whole dish. I served it with green beans and it was perfect.
Lovely with some crusty bread.
I’ve tried loads of salmon recipes, but this one is a standout.