Hi, I’m Sam from dishfoody.com, where comforting classics get a fresh twist. Texas Roadhouse Salmon features crispy-skinned fillets pan-seared then basted with garlic lemon butter for restaurant-quality tenderness. Ready in 15 minutes, it serves 4 with flaky perfection and signature steakhouse shine.
Why This Recipe Works
Lemon zest in seasoning cuts richness perfectly. Cast iron provides ideal heat retention. Skin-side sear creates flavor crust. Garlic butter basting infuses every bite. Medium-high heat prevents steaming. Resting redistributes juices beautifully.
Ingredients & Prep
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
Garlic Butter:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Pat salmon dry; season flesh side salt, pepper, garlic powder, lemon zest.
- Heat olive oil cast iron skillet medium-high until shimmering.
- Place salmon skin-side down; cook 3-4 minutes undisturbed until crispy golden.
- Flip carefully; cook 2-3 minutes flesh side.
- Add butter + garlic to pan; spoon over salmon 1 minute fragrant.
- Squeeze lemon juice; remove from heat. Rest 2 minutes.

Flavor Variations
| Variation | Key Add/Swap | Resulting Twist |
|---|---|---|
| Cajun | Cajun seasoning + hot sauce | Blackened spice |
| Honey Soy | Honey + soy + sesame | Asian fusion |
| Herb | Fresh dill + mustard | Gravlax elegance |
| Maple Dijon | Maple syrup + Dijon | Canadian comfort |
Storage Tips
Fridge airtight 3 days; reheat gently 250°F oven.
FAQs
Skin sticks?
Hot dry pan; don’t move early.
Overcooked?
125°F internal medium-rare.
No cast iron?
Non-stick works; lower heat slightly.
Conclusion
Texas Roadhouse Salmon steakhouse-hugs home flaky perfection.
PrintTexas Roadhouse Salmon Recipe
Copycat Texas Roadhouse Salmon features juicy grilled salmon fillets seasoned with lemon zest, garlic powder, and basted in rich garlic butter for authentic steakhouse flavor. Perfect quick weeknight dinner or impressive seafood entree with crispy skin and flaky tender flesh.
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 15 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (4–6 oz each, skin-on)
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Garlic Butter Baste:
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
- 1. Rinse salmon fillets and pat completely dry with paper towels. Mix salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest in small bowl. Rub evenly over flesh side of fillets.
- 2. Heat olive oil in cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down; cook undisturbed 3-4 minutes until skin is crispy golden.
- 3. Flip fillets carefully. Reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic to pan; tilt and spoon garlic butter over salmon continuously 2-3 minutes until opaque and flakes easily (internal 125-130°F medium).
- 4. Remove from pan; squeeze fresh lemon juice over top and garnish with parsley. Rest 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Pat salmon very dry for crispy skin; skin-side down first seals juices.
- Use cast iron for even heat; don’t overcrowd pan.
- Baste constantly with garlic butter for restaurant shine and flavor infusion.
- Oven alternative: Broil skin-side up 6-8 minutes, then flip and baste.
- Pairs perfectly with steak fries, grilled asparagus, or Caesar salad.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 560
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 950mg
- Fat: 42g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 28g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 120mg
Keywords: texas roadhouse salmon copycat, grilled salmon garlic butter, lemon garlic salmon

