Name: Cowboy Butter Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 filets (6 ounces each) salmon, (skin-on, patted dry); ½ teaspoon kosher salt; ½ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; ½ cup cowboy butter, (softened)

If you have tried my cowboy butter and other cowboy butter recipes, you have to try this Cowboy Butter Salmon! It is a flavorful dinner that feels restaurant-worthy, but it is ready in under 20 minutes! Searing salmon in a skillet creates a golden crust, and basting it with rich, garlicky cowboy butter takes it to the next level. It’s an easy recipe that delivers a big flavor with minimal effort. If you love salmon, be sure to check out my Bang Bang Salmon next!

Cowboy Butter Salmon in a skillet on a wooden table from overhead.

What Is Cowboy Butter?

Cowboy Butter is my super popular zesty, garlicky compound butter made with fresh herbs, lemon, Dijon, and a kick of spice. Once you taste it, you will see why I use it in so many recipes, including this salmon recipe!

Ingredients & Substitutions

Salmon: Salmon is a nutritious, heart-healthy fish that’s loaded with benefits. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help reduce inflammation and support healthy blood pressure. Salmon is also a great source of protein, plus essential vitamins and nutrients your body needs. For this recipe, you’ll need 4 salmon filets, about 6 ounces each. Season each filet with salt, pepper, and olive oil.
Cowboy Butter: My cowboy butter is so versatile and adds so much flavor to dishes! So, get a batch (or two) made for all of the cowboy butter recipes, including this one!

Drizzling cowboy butter over cooked salmon.

How to Know When Your Salmon Filets Are Done

Salmon filets are perfectly cooked when they hit 145°F in the thickest part, according to the USDA. If you like yours medium, pull them off the heat at around 130°F. (They will keep cooking a bit as they rest.) No thermometer? No problem! Just check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Just be careful not to overcook it, or it might turn dry. Since cooking times can vary based on how thick your filets are, a thermometer is the easiest way to get it just right every time.

Best Side Dishes To Serve With Cowboy Butter Salmon

If you are looking to round out this meal, I have plenty of options for you! Here are some of the top sides that I would serve with cowboy butter salmon:

Roasted Asparagus
Grilled Corn on the Cob (with extra cowboy butter!)
Creamy Mashed Potatoes or Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes (for a lighter option)
Roasted Potatoes
Copycat Seasoned Rice
Easy Dinner Rolls or Texas Roadhouse Rolls (so good!)

Piece of Cowboy Butter Salmon with a bite removed showing flakey salmon.

How To Store and Reheat Cowboy Butter Salmon

Storing Salmon Filets: Let the cooked salmon filets cool completely. Then, place them in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the filets in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating Salmon Filets: To reheat, microwave in 20-30 second intervals until warmed through, air fry at 350°F for 3-5 minutes, bake in the oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or warm gently in a skillet over low heat with a little cowboy butter to keep them moist.

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Cowboy Butter Salmon

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Make a delicious Cowboy Butter Salmon in under 20 minutes. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal with bold flavors and easy preparation!

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Ingredients

▢ 4 filets (6 ounces each) salmon, skin-on, patted dry
▢ ½ teaspoon kosher salt
▢ ½ teaspoon black pepper
▢ 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
▢ ½ cup cowboy butter, softened

Instructions

Season the salmon filets with salt and pepper on both sides.
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon filets in the skillet, skin-side down if. Cook for 4–5 minutes, or until the salmon releases easily from the pan and develops a golden crust.
Flip the filets and cook for another 2–4 minutes, depending on thickness, until cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 125–130°F for medium, or 135°F for well-done.
During the last minute of cooking, spoon 2–3 tablespoons of cowboy butter over each filet. Let it melt and sizzle into the pan. Use a spoon to baste the salmon with the butter.
Remove from heat and let the salmon rest for 2 minutes.
Serve warm with additional melted cowboy butter spooned over the top, if desired.