Tired of bland salmon recipes that lack personality? This anchovy salmon with chive butter is here to change your dinner game. By combining the bold, umami flavors of anchovies with the rich, buttery goodness of chives, this dish transforms salmon into a restaurant-quality meal you can enjoy at home.
Perfect for weeknights or special occasions, it’s a recipe designed to impress with minimal effort.
Why This Dinner Recipe Stands Out
Salmon often finds itself at the dinner table, but not every recipe manages to elevate its natural flavors. That’s where this dish shines.
The anchovy butter not only enhances the fish but creates a savory sauce that’s luxurious and full of depth. It’s a quick, 25-minute dinner option that feels fancy yet remains budget-friendly.
The addition of garlic, fresh chives, and a pop of citrus from the lemon balances the richness of the salmon. These Mediterranean-inspired ingredients come together to highlight the wholesome, heart-healthy appeal of this recipe.
Whether you’re hosting guests or planning a family dinner, this dish is guaranteed to leave everyone satisfied.
Tips for Perfecting This Recipe
- Use High-Quality Salmon: Wild salmon works best for this recipe as it has a deeper flavor compared to farmed varieties. However, fresh or frozen skin-on fillets will work just fine.
- Don’t Overlook the Butter: The butter is the star of this recipe, so take your time mixing it with the anchovies, garlic, and chives. This step ensures the flavors meld beautifully.
- Master the Sear: Cooking the salmon skin-side down first helps achieve a crispy texture that contrasts perfectly with the soft flesh and creamy sauce.
Modifications for Special Diets
This dinner recipe can easily be adapted for various dietary preferences:
- Low-Carb: Stick to the original recipe for a naturally low-carb meal.
- Dairy-Free: Swap the butter for a plant-based alternative to accommodate lactose intolerance or vegan preferences.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is inherently gluten-free, making it a great option for those avoiding wheat-based ingredients.
Pairing Ideas for a Complete Meal
While this anchovy salmon is a showstopper on its own, pairing it with complementary sides can round out your dinner:
- A fresh Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, olives, and feta.
- Roasted asparagus or Brussels sprouts for added greens.
- Quinoa or wild rice to soak up the flavorful butter sauce.
For an elevated dinner experience, serve this recipe alongside a glass of dry white wine or sparkling water with lemon.
Why You’ll Love This Dinner Recipe
With its rich, buttery flavors and quick preparation, this anchovy salmon with chive butter ticks all the boxes. It’s an easy recipe that doesn’t skimp on taste or elegance.
By using just a handful of simple ingredients, it delivers a bold flavor profile that feels anything but ordinary.
Whether you’re new to cooking or a seasoned chef, this recipe is approachable, versatile, and endlessly satisfying. Add it to your weekly dinner rotation, and watch it become a household favorite.
Anchovy Salmon with Chive Butter Dinner Recipe
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet
- Microplane or fine grater
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter at room temperature
- 4 oil-packed anchovy fillets minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh chives plus more for garnish
- 1 fat garlic clove or 2 small ones, grated or minced
- Pinch of fine sea salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets preferably center-cut (6–8 ounces each)
- 2 tablespoons drained capers patted dry
- ½ lemon
Instructions
- Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Mix the Chive Butter: Combine the butter, minced anchovies, chives, garlic, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Mix until smooth and evenly blended.
- Cook the Salmon on the Stovetop: Heat half of the prepared butter mixture in a large oven-safe skillet over high heat. Once melted, place the salmon fillets in the skillet with the skin side facing down. Allow the salmon to cook for about 3 minutes, letting the skin crisp up and occasionally spooning the pan drippings over the fish to enhance flavor.
- Add the Capers and Transfer to the Oven: Sprinkle the capers around the skillet (not directly on the salmon) and transfer the entire skillet to the preheated oven. Roast the salmon for about 5 to 8 minutes, or until the fish is just cooked through. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets—thinner cuts will take less time.
- Finish the Dish with Butter Sauce: Remove the skillet from the oven. Add the remaining chive butter to the pan, letting it melt into the warm juices. Spoon the buttery mixture over the salmon to coat it thoroughly.
- Garnish and Serve: Squeeze the juice from the lemon half over the fish, then garnish with additional minced chives. Plate the salmon individually and serve with the sauce spooned generously over each portion.
Notes
- This recipe can be adapted to other full-flavored fish like swordfish, trout, tuna, or striped bass. It even works well with boneless chicken!
- For best results, use high-quality, wild-caught salmon for deeper flavor and a firmer texture.
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Davin is a jack-of-all-trades but has professional training and experience in various home and garden subjects. He leans on other experts when needed and edits and fact-checks all articles.