Keto Salmon

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5 from 95 votes
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This keto salmon recipe is a foolproof, one-pan dinner that takes less than 10 minutes to make! Perfectly seared at the bottom and flaky on top, you’ll never cook salmon any other way again! 

keto salmon

Out of all my easy keto dinner recipes, my favorite has to be salmon.

Cooking salmon can often be the downfall of many. Even cooking it for a few extra minutes can turn tender salmon into something that resembles a rubber duck. As someone who adores salmon, I’ve perfected the cooking process to ensure this never happens. From pan seared salmon to sweet chili salmon, it all follows the same process. My favorite way, though, is this keto salmon.

Why this keto salmon recipe will be a weeknight staple-

  • 10 minute dinner. Seriously, this is one of the easiest dinners you could ever make, as it comes together in just ten minutes. 
  • Minimal ingredients. Salmon, spices, and some butter…and you are done! 
  • Healthy and delicious. Salmon is a heart healthy protein and with some simple seasonings, it’s so delicious. 

What I love about this dish is just how perfectly it cooks every time and how foolproof it is. The texture of the salmon is crisp on the outside, yet soft and flaky throughout. It’s full of buttery garlic flavor, with a hint of lemon throughout. 

We try to eat fatty fish like salmon at least once a week and it’s a family favorite meal. As most of us follow a low carb diet, we simply pair it with some keto biscuits (to mop up those delicious pan juices) and a simple coleslaw and Voila- an easy yet impressive dinner. 

How do you make keto salmon?

The Ingredients.

  • Salmon– Try to choose boneless and skinless fillets.
  • Salt and pepper– To taste. 
  • Lemon juice– Freshly squeezed lemon juice is preferred, but the bottled stuff will work in a pinch. 
  • Olive oil– To pan-fry the salmon fillets. 
  • Butter– Unsalted and room temperature. 
  • Garlic– Freshly minced. 
  • Parsley– To garnish and add a subtle flavor. 

The Instructions. 

Start by patting dry the salmon with a paper towel before sprinkling with salt and pepper. Rub lemon juice over each fillet. Next, add the olive oil to a non-stick pan and place it over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for 3-4 minutes, before flipping and cooking for a further two minutes.

Finally, add the butter, minced garlic, and parsley and simmer for two minutes, before removing from the heat. Dish out the salmon onto plates and drizzle with pan juices. 

how to make keto salmon

Tips to make the best recipe

  • Choose salmon fillets that are a similar size and weight, so they all cook evenly. 
  • You must pat dry the salmon before seasoning with salt and pepper. This will ensure the flat side of the fish sears perfectly. 
  • Use a large skillet or non-stick pan to cook the salmon, to prevent overcrowding and uneven cooking. 

Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions

  • To store: Leftover salmon can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days. 
  • To freeze: Place the cooked and cooled salmon in an airtight container and pour the pan juices around the sides. Store it in the freezer for up to two months.
  • Reheating: Either microwave the salmon with some pan juices for 30-40 seconds or reheat in a non-stick skillet until it sizzles. 

What to serve with salmon

low carb salmon

Frequently Asked Questions

Is salmon ok on keto?

Salmon is a fantastic food to eat on a keto diet. It’s got no carbs, and full of protein and heart healthy fats. Per 4 ounce serving, there are 200 calories, 20 grams of protein, and 13 grams of fat.

Does salmon break ketosis?

Salmon, when cooked correctly, does not break ketosis. However, if you use sauces thickened with flour or carbs or serve the salmon with non-keto friendly foods, it can kick you out of ketosis.

What kind of salmon is keto?

All cuts of salmon are keto friendly, including fillets, canned salmon, and smoked salmon.

keto salmon recipe

Keto Salmon Recipe

5 from 95 votes
This keto salmon recipe is a foolproof, one-pan dinner that takes less than 10 minutes to make! Perfectly seared at the bottom and flaky on top, you'll never cook salmon any other way again! 
Servings: 4 servings
Prep: 1 minute
Cook: 8 minutes
Total: 9 minutes

Ingredients  

  • 4 4 oz salmon fillets skinless and boneless
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons butter
  • 5 cloves garlic minced
  • 1/4 cup parsley loosely packed

Instructions 

  • Pat dry the salmon before seasoning it with the salt and pepper. Rub the lemon juice all over each fillet.
  • Add the oil to a non-stick pan over medium heat. Place the salmon fillets flesh side down onto the pan, pressing lightly so that it sears. Sear for 3-4 minutes, until crispy and golden. Flip and cook for a further two minutes. Add the butter, garlic, and a pinch of fresh parsley, and stir around each fillet. 
  • Remove the pan from the heat and place each salmon fillet on a plate. Drizzle with the pan juices and sprinkle with more parsley.

Notes

TO STORE: Leftover salmon can be stored in the refrigerator, covered, for up to three days. 
TO FREEZE: Place the cooked and cooled salmon in an airtight container and pour the pan juices around the sides. Store it in the freezer for up to two months.
TO REHEAT: Either microwave the salmon with some pan juices for 30-40 seconds or reheat in a non-stick skillet until it sizzles. 

Nutrition

Serving: 1salmon filletCalories: 275kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 21gFat: 20gSodium: 369mgPotassium: 54mgFiber: 1gVitamin A: 581IUVitamin C: 9mgCalcium: 16mgIron: 1mgNET CARBS: 1g
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Author: Arman Liew
Tried this recipe?Give us a shout at @thebigmansworld or tag #thebigmansworld!

Arman Liew

I’m a two time cookbook author, photographer, and writer, and passionate about creating easy and healthier recipes. I believe you don’t need to be experienced in the kitchen to make good food using simple ingredients that most importantly, taste delicious.

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  1. This recipe is a winner! I substituted ghee for butter because that’s what I had on hand. Followed other directions to a T and it was the yummiest, flakiest , and-as the recipe says- best salmon ever! Thank you!