This Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp recipe is a delicious one-pan meal packed with tender salmon, juicy shrimp, fresh garlic, butter, and lemon. The seafood is seasoned with simple spices and cooked until perfectly golden, then coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. It’s an easy restaurant-style dinner that is perfect for busy weeknights, date nights, or special family meals.
Why This Recipe Works
- Quick and easy: Ready in about 25 minutes with simple ingredients.
- Rich garlic butter flavor: Butter, garlic, and lemon create a delicious sauce.
- One-pan cooking: Everything comes together in a single skillet.
- Perfectly tender seafood: Salmon and shrimp make a satisfying protein-packed combination.
- Versatile: Serve with rice, pasta, potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices, for serving
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp
Step 1: Prepare the Seafood
Pat the salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seafood brown properly. Season both with paprika, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets in the pan and cook for approximately 4–5 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Cook until golden and nearly done. Remove the salmon and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
Add 1 tablespoon of butter to the same skillet. Add the shrimp in a single layer and cook for about 1–2 minutes per side, until opaque and cooked through. Remove and set aside with the salmon.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Reduce the heat to medium-low. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook for about 30–60 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in the lemon juice.
Step 5: Combine Everything
Return the salmon and shrimp to the skillet. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the seafood and let everything warm together for 1–2 minutes. Check that the thickest part of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle fresh parsley over the salmon and shrimp. Add lemon slices and serve immediately with the remaining garlic butter sauce.
Tips for the Best Salmon and Shrimp
- Use fresh or properly thawed seafood: Pat it dry before seasoning for better browning.
- Don’t overcook the shrimp: Remove them as soon as they turn opaque and firm.
- Choose salmon fillets of similar thickness: This helps them cook evenly.
- Avoid burning the garlic: Add it after reducing the heat so it becomes fragrant without turning bitter.
- Adjust the seasoning: Add chili flakes for heat or extra lemon juice for a brighter flavor.
- Use a large skillet: Give the seafood enough room to brown instead of steam.
Variations to Try
Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp
Add 1/2 cup heavy cream and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan to the garlic butter sauce. Simmer gently until creamy before returning the seafood to the pan.
Cajun Salmon and Shrimp
Replace the Italian seasoning with Cajun seasoning and add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a smoky, spicy seafood dinner.
Honey Garlic Salmon and Shrimp
Add 1 tablespoon of honey and 1 tablespoon of soy sauce to the garlic butter sauce for a sweet and savory glaze.
Parmesan Garlic Salmon and Shrimp
Sprinkle grated Parmesan over the seafood just before serving for an extra savory finish.
What to Serve with Salmon and Shrimp
This garlic butter seafood dinner pairs perfectly with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Lemon butter rice
- Creamy Alfredo pasta
- Roasted asparagus
- Steamed broccoli
- Fresh garden salad
- Garlic bread
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover salmon and shrimp in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
To reheat, warm gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a small amount of butter or water until heated through. Avoid overheating because both salmon and shrimp can become dry and tough. Discard seafood left at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp recipe is an easy way to enjoy a flavorful seafood dinner without spending hours in the kitchen. Tender salmon, juicy shrimp, and a rich garlic lemon butter sauce make every bite delicious.
Serve it with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal your family will love!
