Herb Butter Salmon with Garlic Mashed Potatoes for Two: A Classic Dinner Under $10
This herb butter salmon with garlic mashed potatoes brings together two comfort food classics into one plate that feels like a proper sit-down dinner. Salmon fillets sear until golden, finishing in a quick garlic herb butter that bastes the fish right in the pan, adding richness and fragrance in the final minutes of cooking. Alongside, creamy garlic mashed potatoes come together with butter, milk, and a hint of garlic, creating the kind of comforting side dish that makes any protein taste like a complete, satisfying meal. Together, the two components create a plate that feels timeless and genuinely special, the kind of dinner you could serve to guests or simply enjoy on a night you want something that feels a little more put-together than usual. The whole dinner comes together in about 35 minutes, most of which is hands-off while the potatoes boil. At just under $10 total for two, this classic pairing proves that comfort food and seafood can both fit into a reasonable grocery budget.
Ingredients
Method
- Place the cubed potatoes in a pot of salted water and bring to a boil.
- Cook for 12 to 15 minutes until fork-tender, then drain.
- Mash the potatoes with 2 tablespoons of butter, milk, 1 clove of minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- While the potatoes cook, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the salmon skin-side up for 3 to 4 minutes until golden.
- Flip the salmon and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until it flakes easily.
- In the last minute, add the remaining butter, garlic, and lemon juice to the skillet, spooning the herb butter over the salmon as it finishes.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley.
- Plate the salmon alongside the garlic mashed potatoes and spoon any extra herb butter over the top.
