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To make Garlic Butter Salmon and Green Beans, you will need the following ingredients: - 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each) - 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped) - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Lemon wedges for serving Each ingredient plays a key role in this dish. The salmon gives a rich flavor, while green beans add a nice crunch. Butter and garlic create a savory sauce, and lemon brings a bright taste. Thyme adds depth, making each bite feel special. Using fresh ingredients enhances the dish's quality. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and dry them with a paper towel. - Season both sides with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. - Trim the ends off the green beans to prepare them for cooking. - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. - Add the green beans and sprinkle with a pinch of salt and pepper. - Sauté the beans for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. - In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. - Add 4 cloves of minced garlic and 1 teaspoon of dried thyme. - Stir for about 30 seconds until the garlic is fragrant but not burnt. - Push the garlic to the side of the skillet and lay the salmon fillets skin-side down. - Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving the salmon to get a crispy skin. - Carefully flip the fillets and add the last 2 tablespoons of butter on top. - As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the salmon with the melted garlic butter. - Cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. - Add the cooked green beans back into the skillet with the salmon. - Pour fresh lemon juice over everything and toss gently to combine. - Arrange the salmon and green beans on a large platter for serving. - Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top for extra flavor. - Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh thyme sprigs for a beautiful touch. To ensure salmon cooks just right, check for doneness by looking at the color. The flesh should turn from bright pink to a lighter shade. It should flake easily with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature is 145°F. Avoid overcooking salmon; it can turn dry and tough. Cook it just until it flakes. A little pink in the middle is fine. Using fresh herbs can greatly boost flavor in your dish. Fresh thyme adds a bright taste. Dried thyme works too, but fresh herbs give more depth. You can also swap out seasonings. Try dill for a different twist. Lemon zest brightens the dish. For a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Pair your garlic butter salmon with side dishes like rice or mashed potatoes. They soak up the garlic butter well. I also love serving it with roasted vegetables. A salad adds freshness and crunch. For wine, a crisp white like Sauvignon Blanc works great. It matches the salmon and enhances the lemon flavor. Enjoy your meal with these perfect pairings! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh salmon and green beans for the best flavor and texture. Fresh ingredients make a noticeable difference in the final dish. Perfectly Cooked Salmon: To ensure your salmon is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for optimal doneness. Customize the Garlic Butter: Feel free to add herbs like dill or parsley to the garlic butter for a unique flavor twist that complements the salmon beautifully. Don't Overcrowd the Pan: When cooking the salmon, make sure not to overcrowd the skillet. This allows for even cooking and helps achieve a crispy skin. {{image_2}} You can switch up the green beans if you like. For a fresh twist, try asparagus. It cooks well and adds a nice crunch. Use the same cooking method. Just trim and sauté them for about 4-5 minutes. Another option is to add cherry tomatoes. They bring a sweet flavor. You can toss them in the skillet with the green beans. Cook until they soften, about 2-3 minutes. Want to change the taste? Use different citrus like lime or orange. These fruits add a bright zing to the dish. Just replace lemon juice with lime juice or add orange zest. The flavor difference is delightful. Add a spicy kick with red pepper flakes. Sprinkle a pinch into the garlic butter. This will bring warmth to the salmon. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference. If you need gluten-free options, this recipe is already safe. Just check your butter and olive oil labels for any hidden gluten. For dairy-free or plant-based options, swap out butter for vegan butter. It works the same way in the recipe. You can also use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter taste. This keeps the dish flavorful while meeting dietary needs. To store your garlic butter salmon and green beans, follow these tips: - Place leftovers in an airtight container. - Refrigerate within two hours of cooking. - Use within 2-3 days for best taste. Keeping the dish sealed helps prevent odors from other foods. When reheating, you have a couple of great methods: - Oven: Preheat to 350°F. Place salmon and green beans on a baking sheet. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. - Microwave: Use a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check and stir in between. To keep the flavor, add a little butter or a splash of lemon juice before reheating. This helps maintain the dish's tasty, fresh flavor and texture. To check if salmon is done, look for a few signs. - The color should change from deep pink to a lighter pink. - The flesh should flake easily with a fork. - The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). If you see these signs, your salmon is ready to eat. Yes, you can prep some parts ahead of time. - Season the salmon and store it in the fridge for a few hours. - Trim and wash the green beans a day before. - You can also make the garlic butter and refrigerate it. Just remember to warm the butter before using it to cook. This dish pairs well with several sides. - A light salad with mixed greens works great. - Try serving over rice or quinoa for extra carbs. - Roasted potatoes can add a nice crunch. Don’t forget a glass of white wine for a fancy touch! You can use frozen options, but there are tips. - If using frozen salmon, thaw it overnight in the fridge. - For green beans, you can cook them straight from frozen. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, you still get that fresh taste! This recipe for garlic butter salmon and green beans is simple and tasty. You learned about key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips to ensure perfect results. Remember, seasoning and cooking times matter. Experiment with options like fresh herbs or different veggies. Store leftovers well to keep the flavor. Enjoy this healthy meal that impresses! With practice, you'll nail this dish and wow your friends. Start cooking and have fun in your kitchen!

Garlic Butter Salmon & Green Beans

A delicious and easy recipe for salmon fillets cooked in garlic butter, served with fresh green beans.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • for serving lemon wedges

Instructions
 

  • Prep the Ingredients: Rinse the salmon fillets and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. Trim the ends of the green beans if not done yet.
  • Cook the Green Beans: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the green beans and season them with a pinch of salt and pepper. Sauté for about 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
  • Make the Garlic Butter: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and thyme, stirring for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  • Cook the Salmon: Push the garlic to the side of the skillet and lay the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving them, allowing the skin to get crispy. Carefully flip the fillets and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter on top.
  • Baste and Finish Cooking: As the butter melts, use a spoon to baste the salmon with the melted garlic butter. Cook for another 4-5 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  • Combine the Vegetables: Add the cooked green beans back to the skillet, pouring the lemon juice over everything. Toss gently to combine and coat with the garlic butter.
  • Serve: Remove from heat and serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for extra zest.

Notes

Arrange the salmon and green beans on a large platter. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter over the top and garnish with lemon wedges and fresh thyme sprigs for an elegant touch.
Keyword easy recipe, garlic butter, green beans, salmon