I’d had one of those days. Work ran late, the kids were cranky, and I had exactly 45 minutes to pull together something that didn’t involve takeout or cereal.

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I peeked into the fridge—half a salmon fillet, some shrimp I defrosted and forgot about, and a lemon rolling around in the crisper. Not much, but enough. I reached for the garlic, a block of butter, and a bit of broth I had left from soup night, and just like that—dinner started to take shape.

This garlic butter salmon and shrimp combo has since become a go-to for weeknights when I need fast, fuss-free flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a treat but doesn’t take much to put together. My husband always says it tastes like something off a restaurant menu, and my teens? They devour it without question—which in my book is a gold star. It’s rich, comforting, and just the right amount of fancy for an average Tuesday.

What I love most is how flexible it is. You can pair it with rice, toss it over salad, or serve it with crusty bread to soak up every drop of that buttery, garlicky sauce. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, healthy, and easy to double for guests or meal prep.

Short Description

A fast, flavorful dish featuring golden-seared salmon and shrimp bathed in zesty garlic butter sauce—perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.

Key Ingredients

1 salmon fillet (6–8 oz)
8–10 large shrimp, peeled and 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 (adjust to taste)
Juice of 1 lemon
1/4 cup chicken or seafood broth
Zest of 1/2 lemon (optional, for extra zing)

Tools Needed

Large nonstick or stainless steel skillet
Tongs
Mixing spoon or silicone spatula
Citrus juicer or reamer
Microplane (for zesting)
Paper towels

Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Seafood
Pat the salmon and shrimp dry with paper towels to help them sear properly and not steam. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Sear the Salmon
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down (or presentation side down) and press gently with a spatula for an even sear.

Cook for 4–5 minutes without moving it. Flip and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes until golden and cooked through. Set aside.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil if needed.
Add shrimp and sauté 1–2 minutes per side until pink and lightly charred. Remove and set aside with the salmon.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Melt butter in the skillet and stir in minced garlic and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add lemon juice, broth, and lemon zest (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the sauce reduce and thicken slightly.

Step 5: Finish & Serve
Return the salmon and shrimp to the pan. Spoon the sauce over the seafood and tilt the pan to baste generously. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot, with extra lemon slices on the side.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

– Quick and easy—ready in under 30 minutes

– Perfect for busy weeknights

– High in protein and packed with omega-3s

– Versatile for different serving styles or side dishes

– Feels fancy, but uses pantry basics

Mistakes to Avoid & Solutions

1. Overcooking the shrimp
Shrimp cook quickly—too long and they’ll get rubbery. Watch for opaque pink color and remove them immediately.

2. Soggy salmon skin
If you don’t pat it dry first, you’ll end up steaming the salmon. Always blot with paper towels before seasoning.

3. Burning the garlic
Garlic burns fast—add it only after lowering the heat. Stir constantly for just about a minute.

4. Skipping the resting time
Even a short rest helps the salmon hold onto moisture. Let it sit while you make the sauce.

5. Too much lemon
Balance is key. If your lemon is extra juicy or tart, taste the sauce before adding zest or more juice.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve with:

Steamed jasmine rice

Mashed potatoes

Sautéed green beans or asparagus

Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices

Pair with:

Light white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc

Sparkling water with lemon

A crisp garden salad with vinaigrette

Serving Style:

Family-style with a skillet on the table

Individual plated portions for an elegant touch

Over a bed of greens for a light, low-carb option

Storage and Reheating Tips

Storage:

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Keep the sauce separate if possible to avoid soggy seafood.

Reheating:

Gently reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of broth or water.

Microwave on medium in short 30-second bursts, covered, to avoid overcooking.

Avoid high heat or long reheating times to preserve texture.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen shrimp or salmon?
Yes—just thaw completely and pat dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

2. What if I don’t have broth?
Use water with a pinch of salt or a splash of white wine for depth.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely. Swap butter with a good-quality vegan butter or olive oil. It will change the richness slightly but still taste delicious.

4. Is this recipe spicy?
Only mildly. The red pepper flakes add a subtle kick, but you can reduce or omit them based on your preference.

5. How do I know when salmon is done?
Look for opaque flesh that flakes easily with a fork. A meat thermometer should read 125°F in the thickest part.

Tips & Tricks

– Zest the lemon before juicing—it’s much easier!

– Use peeled, tail-on shrimp for better presentation and easier eating.

– Add a splash of cream to the sauce for extra richness.

– Don’t overcrowd the skillet—cook in batches if needed for a proper sear.

– Garnish with a few capers or chopped chives for a fancy finish.

Recipe Variations

1. Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon & Shrimp

Add 1/4 cup heavy cream after the garlic and simmer for 2 more minutes.

Finish with grated Parmesan for extra richness.

2. Cajun-Style

Season seafood with Cajun seasoning instead of just salt and pepper.

Add diced bell peppers and onions to the pan before the sauce.

3. Mediterranean Twist

Add halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and chopped spinach into the sauce.

Swap lemon for red wine vinegar.

4. Honey Garlic Version

Reduce butter to 2 tbsp and add 1 tbsp honey with the garlic.

Omit red pepper flakes and use a splash of soy sauce instead of broth.

5. Citrus-Herb Infused

Use orange juice instead of lemon and add fresh thyme or dill to the sauce.

Garnish with orange zest for a sweet, zippy finish.

Final Thoughts

This garlic butter salmon and shrimp recipe is one of those happy kitchen wins that came out of necessity but became a family favorite. It’s satisfying without being heavy, elegant but easy, and hits the spot after a long day. I love how it comes together with just a few pantry staples, and yet always feels like a treat at the table.

The buttery sauce clings perfectly to the flaky salmon and plump shrimp, and that hit of lemon wakes everything up. Even better, cleanup is minimal—which matters a lot when it’s already 8 p.m. and everyone’s asking what’s for dessert.

Every time I make this dish, I think about how food doesn’t have to be complicated to be good. It just needs heart, balance, and a little garlic. If you’re looking for a dinner that checks all the boxes, this one might just be your new weeknight hero.

Garlic Butter Salmon And Shrimp