If you’re craving restaurant-style flavor right at home, you’ll fall in love with this Texas Roadhouse Salmon! It’s everything you love about a classic American steakhouse — juicy, flaky salmon fillets, that golden, lemon-pepper crust, and a garlicky butter sauce that takes every bite completely over the top. Whether you’re making a weeknight dinner extra special or hosting friends for the weekend, this salmon recipe is sure to become the star of your kitchen. Get ready for a dish that’s quick, crowd-pleasing, and absolutely bursting with fresh flavor.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Texas Roadhouse Salmon keeps things refreshingly simple, letting every ingredient shine and play its part. Each item is easy to find, and together they create layers of taste and texture, from crisp-edged salmon to that citrusy butter finish. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salmon fillets (4, 4 oz each): Fresh or previously frozen salmon fillets are the heart of this dish — look for ones with skin-on for extra crispy results.
- Salt (1/2 tsp): Essential to draw out flavors and season the fish all the way through.
- Black pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds that familiar spicy bite to accentuate the salmon’s richness.
- Garlic powder (1/2 tsp): For a gentle, savory backbone that pairs perfectly with the fresh garlic in the sauce.
- Lemon (1): Zest for the crust, juice for finishing — this brings a pop of color and bright, fresh flavor.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps develop that gorgeous golden crust in the skillet.
- Fresh garlic (3 cloves, minced): Sautéed with butter, this builds a layered aromatic base for the sauce.
- Butter (4 tbsp): The secret to that luscious, restaurant-worthy finish — don’t skimp!
How to Make Texas Roadhouse Salmon
Step 1: Prep the Salmon Fillets
Start by rinsing your salmon fillets under cold water and patting them dry thoroughly with paper towels. Dry salmon is key to a perfectly crisp crust because moisture can cause steaming instead of sizzling. Set the fillets aside on a plate while you prep the seasoning.
Step 2: Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and the zest from your lemon. Zesting the lemon infuses the seasoning with bright citrus oils, making the flavor pop once your salmon hits the skillet.
Step 3: Season the Salmon
Rub the seasoning mixture generously onto the flesh side of each salmon filet, pressing gently so it adheres. Don’t skimp — you want each bite to have that punchy lemon-pepper flavor that makes this recipe reminiscent of the classic Texas Roadhouse Salmon you know and love.
Step 4: Sear the Salmon
Heat your cast iron skillet over medium-high until it’s good and hot. Add olive oil and tilt the pan to coat the surface. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin side down, and cook for 3–4 minutes. Let them be — this undisturbed sear gives you that irresistibly crispy skin!
Step 5: Flip and Butter-Baste
Carefully flip the fillets with a fish spatula and cook the other side for 2–3 minutes. Now comes the fun: add butter and minced garlic directly to the pan. As the butter melts, spoon the garlicky sauce over the top of each fillet and squeeze in the juice from half your lemon. This basting method locks in juiciness with vibrant flavor, just like the best Texas Roadhouse Salmon.
Step 6: Check for Doneness
To avoid overcooking, use your instant-read meat thermometer — your trusty ally for perfect fish! You’re aiming for 125ºF for medium rare, but you can cook a little longer if you prefer. Watch for the sides of the salmon to turn opaque and flake easily with a fork; this is your sign that you’ve nailed it.
Step 7: Plate and Garnish
Remove the salmon to a serving platter and give each fillet a final flourish of butter from the pan. Garnish with a wedge or thin slice of lemon, and get ready to turn dinner into something truly special!
How to Serve Texas Roadhouse Salmon
Garnishes
A classic garnish of lemon wedges instantly perks up your Texas Roadhouse Salmon, but you can also add freshly chopped parsley or dill for a flash of green and added freshness. A sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a dash more lemon zest can make the flavors even brighter, inviting everyone to dig in before you even set down the plates.
Side Dishes
For that true steakhouse experience, pair your salmon with buttery mashed potatoes, a crisp side salad, or seasoned green beans. Texas Roadhouse Salmon is also wonderful alongside wild rice pilaf, oven-roasted asparagus, or simple garlic bread for mopping up extra sauce. With sides like these, you’ll have a balanced and memorable meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress? Serve your Texas Roadhouse Salmon family-style, nestled on a platter of roasted veggies and herbed potatoes. For a lighter take, flake the salmon and tuck it into warm tortillas with crisp slaw for delicious fish tacos. You can even slice it atop a bed of Caesar salad for a meal that feels fancy with minimal effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Texas Roadhouse Salmon leftover (lucky you!), let it cool to room temperature and then store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days, making tomorrow’s lunch something to really look forward to.
Freezing
To freeze, wrap individual salmon fillets tightly in plastic wrap, then place them in a zip-top freezer bag. Label and freeze for up to 2 months. The flavor of Texas Roadhouse Salmon holds up very well, especially if you reheat it gently later on.
Reheating
To reheat, place the salmon in a baking dish, cover with foil, and warm in a 275ºF oven for about 10–15 minutes, or until heated through. This low-and-slow method helps maintain that tender, flaky texture you loved in the first place. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the fish.
FAQs
What kind of salmon is best for Texas Roadhouse Salmon?
Fresh, center-cut fillets with the skin on are perfect for Texas Roadhouse Salmon thanks to their consistent thickness and ability to crisp up beautifully in the skillet. If wild-caught salmon is available, it will bring even more flavor, but any good-quality salmon fillet works well.
Can I make Texas Roadhouse Salmon without a cast iron skillet?
Absolutely! While a cast iron skillet delivers unbeatable sear, you can use any heavy-bottomed nonstick or stainless steel pan. Just be sure your pan is hot before the salmon goes in, so you still get that nicely golden crust.
How do I keep my salmon from sticking to the pan?
Preheating your skillet and making sure the salmon skin is completely dry are key. Add a tablespoon of oil and place the fish skin-side down. Resist the urge to move it early on — once it forms a crust, it will naturally release from the pan.
Can I double the recipe for a crowd?
Yes! To make a bigger batch of Texas Roadhouse Salmon, use a larger skillet or cook in batches. Keep cooked fillets warm in a low oven while finishing the rest. The sauce can easily be increased as needed.
Is Texas Roadhouse Salmon spicy?
Not at all. The flavors are bright, buttery, and savory, with black pepper adding just a hint of gentle heat. If you like things spicy, you could add a pinch of cayenne to the seasoning for a little kick.
Final Thoughts
Bringing the magic of a steakhouse meal into your own kitchen couldn’t be easier or more rewarding. If you’ve never tried making Texas Roadhouse Salmon at home, give it a whirl — it just might become your new go-to for a quick, impressive dinner that satisfies every time!
Print
Texas Roadhouse Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Recreate the ultimate Texas Roadhouse salmon at home! This juicy salmon dish is cooked to perfection in a cast iron skillet, seasoned with lemon pepper, and topped with a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 4 oz salmon fillets
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 4 tbsp butter
Instructions
- Rinse salmon and pat dry with paper towels: Prepare the salmon fillets.
- Mix spices: Combine salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon zest.
- Season salmon: Rub salmon fillets with the spice mixture.
- Cook salmon: Sear the salmon in a hot cast iron skillet with olive oil.
- Add garlic butter: Cook salmon with butter, garlic, and lemon juice.
- Check doneness: Verify salmon temperature with a meat thermometer.
- Serve: Garnish salmon with lemon wedge.
Notes
- We recommend consulting a nutritionist for precise nutritional information.
- Nutrition values are approximate and may vary.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sauté, Pan-Fry
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 146 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 382mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0.5g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 31mg
