If you’ve ever wondered how to make restaurant-quality salmon in your own kitchen, the answer may be simpler and more delicious than you think. According to beloved food blog RecipeTinEats, one key ingredient is all it takes to transform your salmon from ordinary to extraordinary.

In a new recipe spotlight, RecipeTinEats reveals a deceptively simple yet luxurious method for cooking salmon that’s bursting with flavour, thanks to a cheffy technique involving continuous basting. "Garlic Butter Salmon might look like a simple recipe, but it’s got clout," the blog declares. And judging by the results, they’re absolutely right. The recipe begins with basic seasoning, just salt and pepper, to let the rich added factor, the garlic butter, shine.

From there, the salmon is placed presentation-side down in a hot pan to sear for 3 minutes until perfectly golden.

After flipping the fish, butter is added, quickly followed by freshly minced garlic.

Then baste the salmon by tilting the pan and spooning the bubbling garlic butter over the fish repeatedly, the flavour infuses deep into every crevice of the salmon.

“Even before the garlic has had a chance to turn golden, start basting,” RecipeTinEats advised.

The garlic gently cooks during the process, reaching golden perfection just as the salmon finishes.

For salmon that’s both juicy and tender, the goal is a medium-rare finish. The sweet spot: an internal temperature of 50°C (122°F), measured in the thickest part of the fillet.

After cooking, the salmon is rested for three minutes to allow the juices to redistribute—then served straight from the pan, drizzled with that luscious garlic butter.

Whether you’re trying to impress guests or just craving a quick, nourishing dinner, Garlic Butter Salmon might just become your new go-to. Elegant enough for entertaining, yet easy enough for a Tuesday night, this is proof that simple really can be sensational.

Recipe:

1. Season salmon with salt and pepper.

2. Sear presentation side for 3 minutes.

3. Flip, cook 1 minute. Add butter, then garlic.

4. Tilt pan and baste with butter for 1½ minutes.

5. Check internal temp: 50°C for medium-rare.

6. Rest 3 minutes. Serve with garlic butter.