Perfectly seared salmon cubes coated in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce—this keto and low-carb dish is bursting with flavor and quick enough for a weeknight dinner. Serve over cauliflower rice or greens for a delicious, protein-packed meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Bites are a perfect combination of savory, buttery goodness and tender, flaky salmon. The salmon is seared to golden perfection, then coated in a rich, creamy garlic butter sauce that adds a depth of flavor in every bite. With a quick cooking time and a creamy, satisfying sauce, this dish makes for a perfect weeknight meal that’s both keto and low-carb. Serve it over cauliflower rice or greens for a healthy and well-rounded meal that’s as delicious as it is nutritious.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Salmon Bites:

1 lb salmon fillet, skin removed and cut into bite-sized cubes
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

2 tbsp butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/3 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free)
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped parsley

Optional for Serving:

Steamed cauliflower rice or regular rice
Extra parsley, for garnish

Directions

In a bowl, toss the salmon cubes with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned salmon cubes and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Add the heavy cream and lemon juice to the pan. Simmer for 2–3 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
Return the salmon to the pan and toss gently to coat in the creamy garlic butter sauce.
Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve over cauliflower rice or greens.

Servings and timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 20 minutes
Calories: 370 kcal per serving

Variations

Dairy-free: Use coconut cream and vegan butter for a dairy-free version of this dish.
Extra veggies: Add steamed broccoli, spinach, or zucchini alongside the salmon for added nutrients.
Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or chopped jalapeños to the garlic butter sauce for a spicy twist.
Herbaceous: Use fresh dill or thyme in the sauce for a different flavor profile.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat until the salmon is heated through. You can also microwave the salmon with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely before cutting it into cubes and cooking it.

Can I make the sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Reheat it in a pan before adding the salmon.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily when tested with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I use another type of fish instead of salmon?

Yes, you can use other types of fish like cod, tilapia, or trout, but adjust the cooking time as needed depending on the thickness of the fillet.

Can I serve this dish with a side other than cauliflower rice?

Yes, you can serve the salmon bites with steamed rice, quinoa, or even a fresh salad for a lighter option.

Can I freeze the leftovers?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked salmon and sauce in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Conclusion

These Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Bites are the perfect combination of rich, savory flavors and tender fish, making them an easy, delicious dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or a healthy meal prep. The creamy garlic butter sauce adds indulgent flavor without being too heavy, and the dish is versatile enough to pair with a variety of sides. Whether you’re enjoying it over cauliflower rice or greens, this recipe is sure to become a favorite!

Creamy Garlic Butter Salmon Bites

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Author: Mari
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Pan-searing
Cuisine: Pescatarian, Keto

Instructions

In a bowl, toss the salmon bites with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon bites and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, melt the butter and sauté the garlic for 30 seconds.
Add the cream and lemon juice. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce slightly thickens.
Return the salmon to the pan and coat in the creamy garlic butter sauce.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve over cauliflower rice or greens.

Notes

If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for an extra kick.
This recipe can be made dairy-free by using coconut cream and vegan butter.
For an extra creamy texture, add more cream to the sauce as desired.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 370 kcal
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 480mg
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 90mg