Garlic Butter Salmon with Zoodles

Introduction

Garlic Butter Salmon with Zoodles is a fresh and wholesome meal that perfectly balances rich, buttery salmon with light, low-carb zucchini noodles. The garlic butter sauce elevates the natural flavor of the salmon while lightly sautéed zoodles soak up the delicious sauce. This dish is perfect for anyone seeking a low-carb, high-protein, and nutrient-dense meal that’s ready in under 30 minutes.

I love this recipe because it’s both indulgent and healthy. The garlic butter sauce feels luxurious, but pairing it with zoodles keeps it light and fresh. It’s a perfect way to enjoy seafood and vegetables without feeling heavy, and the flavors are bold, aromatic, and satisfying. Every bite is comforting, yet guilt-free.

❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

• Low-Carb & Healthy: Uses zucchini noodles instead of pasta.
• Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Flavor-Packed: Garlic butter enhances the salmon perfectly.
• Family-Friendly: Loved by kids and adults alike.
• Light yet Satisfying: Perfect for a weekday dinner or special meal.

Why It’s a Must-Try

• Combines tender salmon with a rich, garlicky butter sauce.
• Zoodles make it a light, low-carb alternative to pasta.
• Minimal ingredients but maximum flavor.
• Perfect for meal prep or a quick weeknight dinner.
• Elegant enough for entertaining yet simple to make.

Recipe Overview

Category	Details
Course	Main Course / Low-Carb
Cuisine	American / Healthy / Seafood
Servings	4
Prep Time	10 minutes
Cook Time	12–15 minutes
Total Time	22–25 minutes
Calories	~350 per serving

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/4 tsp paprika

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

For the Zoodles:

• 4 medium zucchini, spiralized
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Directions (Quick Version)

1. Season salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook salmon 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic for 1–2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and parsley.
4. Sauté zoodles in olive oil for 2–3 minutes until tender but slightly crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
5. Plate zoodles, top with salmon, and drizzle with garlic butter sauce. Serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1 — Prepare Salmon

• Pat salmon fillets dry and season with salt, pepper, and paprika.
• Preheat a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2 — Cook Salmon

• Add olive oil to the skillet.
• Place salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable) and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and flakes easily.
• Remove salmon from skillet and set aside.

Step 3 — Make Garlic Butter Sauce

• In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
• Add minced garlic and sauté 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
• Stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, red pepper flakes, and parsley.

Step 4 — Cook Zoodles

• Heat olive oil in another skillet or same skillet after removing sauce.
• Add spiralized zucchini and sauté 2–3 minutes until slightly tender but not soggy.
• Season with salt and pepper.

Step 5 — Assemble the Dish

• Place zoodles on plates.
• Top with salmon fillets.
• Drizzle garlic butter sauce over salmon and zoodles.
• Garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges if desired.

How to Serve

• Serve hot for best flavor.
• Pair with a side salad, roasted vegetables, or cauliflower rice.
• Optionally add extra lemon wedges for a bright, fresh flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook zoodles; they should remain slightly crisp.
• Pat salmon dry before cooking to achieve a nice sear.
• Adjust garlic amount based on your preference.
• Use fresh lemon and parsley for vibrant flavor.
• For extra richness, add a splash of cream to the garlic butter sauce.

Variations

Variation	How to Modify
Spicy Garlic Butter Salmon	Add 1/2 tsp cayenne or chili flakes to the sauce.
Creamy Zoodles	Toss zoodles with 2 tbsp cream cheese or heavy cream.
Asian Twist	Add 1 tsp soy sauce and sesame oil to the garlic butter sauce.
Grilled Salmon	Grill salmon instead of pan-searing for smoky flavor.
Vegetable Mix	Add bell peppers, asparagus, or spinach to zoodles.

Freezing & Storage

Method	Duration	Notes
Refrigerator	2 days	Store cooked salmon and zoodles separately; reheat gently.
Freezer	1 month	Freeze salmon fillets before cooking; zoodles freeze poorly, so cook fresh.

Special Equipment Needed

• Skillet or non-stick pan for salmon
• Spiralizer or vegetable peeler for zoodles
• Knife and cutting board
• Tongs or spatula
• Measuring spoons

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, thaw completely in the refrigerator before cooking.

Q2: Can I prepare zoodles ahead of time?
A: It’s best to prepare zoodles fresh to prevent sogginess.

Q3: Can I bake the salmon instead of pan-searing?
A: Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.

Q4: Can I add other vegetables?
A: Yes, sauté bell peppers, spinach, or asparagus with the zoodles.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Salmon with Zoodles is a light, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s perfect for low-carb meals or quick weeknight dinners. With tender salmon, garlicky buttery sauce, and crisp zucchini noodles, it’s satisfying, nutritious, and packed with flavor. Elegant yet simple, this dish is a must-try for anyone who loves seafood and fresh, vibrant meals.