Garlic butter makes almost everything better. Salmon just happens to be one of its best partners.
A good Pacific Bay Salmon Steak doesn't need a complicated recipe. Its rich, meaty texture holds up beautifully to pan-searing, while a simple garlic herb butter infused with lemon juice, soy sauce, and a touch of brown sugar creates a glossy sauce you'll want to spoon over every bite. It's the kind of reliable, feel-good dinner that's impressive enough for guests but easy enough for a busy weeknight.
Garlic Herb Butter Salmon Steak
Prep Time: 5 minutes (plus thawing if frozen)
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Total Time: 20–25 minutes
Serves: 1–2
Ingredients
For the Salmon
1 pack (300g) Pacific Bay Salmon Steak
1 tsp canola oil
For the Garlic Herb Butter
1 tbsp unsalted butter
2 cloves minced garlic
1 tbsp calamansi juice or lemon juice
1 tsp soy sauce
1 tsp brown sugar
½ tsp dried parsley
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
Procedure
Prepare the Salmon. If frozen, thaw the salmon overnight in the refrigerator. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels before cooking to help it brown evenly.
Make the Garlic Herb Butter. In a small bowl, combine the butter, garlic, calamansi or lemon juice, premium soy sauce, brown sugar, dried parsley, and black pepper until well mixed.
Pan-Sear the Salmon. Heat the canola oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Place the salmon steak in the pan and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until nicely browned. Flip and cook the second side for another 4 to 5 minutes.
Baste with the Garlic Butter. Reduce the heat to low. Add the prepared garlic herb butter mixture and continuously spoon the melted butter over the salmon for 1 to 2 minutes until glossy, fragrant, and lightly caramelized.
Rest and Serve. Transfer the salmon to a serving plate and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving. Finish with an extra squeeze of calamansi or lemon if desired.
Notes
Why Pacific Bay?
Pacific Bay Salmon Steak has a rich, meaty texture that holds up beautifully to pan-searing, baking, or air frying. Sliced from premium imported salmon and conveniently portioned, it's an easy salmon cut to keep on hand for quick dinners that still feel a little special.
Chef's Tip
Pat the salmon completely dry before cooking and let it sear undisturbed until it naturally releases from the pan. This helps create better browning. Once the garlic butter goes in, lower the heat and baste continuously for 1 to 2 minutes so the sauce coats the salmon without burning the garlic or sugar.
Easy Alternatives
This recipe also works beautifully with Pacific Bay Salmon Fillet, Pacific Bay Salmon Kirimi Cut (Bone In), or Pacific Bay Premium Jumbo Salmon Belly. If using a thinner cut, simply reduce the cooking time so the salmon stays moist and tender.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with steamed rice, mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, sautéed asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or a fresh garden salad. Add extra calamansi or lemon juice just before serving to brighten the rich garlic butter sauce.
One Last Bite
Garlic butter and salmon are one of those combinations that rarely need improving. The salmon brings the richness, the calamansi keeps things bright, and the pan does the rest. It's exactly the kind of recipe worth keeping in your regular dinner rotation.
FAQs
Can I cook the Salmon Steak from frozen?
For the best texture and more even cooking, thaw the salmon overnight in the refrigerator before cooking. Pat it dry thoroughly before it goes into the pan.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
The salmon should be opaque in the center and flake easily with a fork. A food thermometer can also help you cook it to your preferred doneness and applicable food-safety guidance.
Can I bake the Garlic Herb Butter Salmon Steak?
Yes. Preheat the oven to 180°C, place the salmon on a lightly oiled tray, spread the garlic butter mixture over the top, and bake for 15 to 18 minutes depending on thickness.
Can I cook it in an air fryer?
Yes. Preheat the air fryer to 180°C, spread the garlic butter mixture over the thawed salmon, and air fry for 10 to 14 minutes depending on thickness.
Why do I need to pat the salmon dry?
Removing excess surface moisture helps the salmon brown instead of steam in the pan, giving you a better sear and more flavorful crust.
Why add soy sauce to the garlic butter?
A small amount of soy sauce adds savory depth and balances the butter, citrus, and brown sugar without overpowering the salmon.
Can I prepare the garlic herb butter ahead of time?
Yes. Mix the butter, garlic, citrus juice, soy sauce, brown sugar, parsley, and black pepper ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to cook.
What sides go best with Garlic Herb Butter Salmon Steak?
Steamed rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or a crisp salad all pair well with the rich, citrusy butter sauce.
Ready to Make Garlic Herb Butter Salmon Steak?
Turn Pacific Bay Salmon Steak into an easy, satisfying dinner with just a handful of pantry staples. Shop online at PacificBay.com.ph or find Pacific Bay in leading supermarkets nationwide. Real seafood made easy.