Buttery, Smoky, Restaurant-Style Perfection 🐟✨
Love the tender, flavorful salmon from Texas Roadhouse? This Texas Roadhouse Salmon copycat recipe brings that bold, smoky, buttery flavor right into your kitchen. Perfectly seasoned and pan-seared (or grilled!) until flaky and juicy, this easy salmon dinner feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s ideal for busy weeknights, date nights at home, or when you’re craving a protein-packed meal that’s both healthy and satisfying. Pair it with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad for a complete, crowd-pleasing dinner!
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
- Total Time: 20–25 minutes
- Servings: 4 servings
📝 Ingredients List
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried parsley
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Lemon wedges, for serving
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Large skillet or grill pan
- Small mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Fish spatula or wide spatula
- Tongs
- Meat thermometer (optional but helpful)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
1️⃣ Prep the Salmon
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Dry fish sears better and develops a golden crust.
2️⃣ Mix the Seasoning
In a small bowl, combine garlic powder, smoked paprika, onion powder, parsley, salt, and pepper.
3️⃣ Season Generously
Brush salmon with olive oil, then coat evenly with seasoning mix. Press gently so spices stick.
4️⃣ Heat the Pan
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. The pan is ready when oil shimmers slightly.
5️⃣ Sear the Salmon
Place salmon flesh-side down first. Cook for 4–5 minutes without moving it. Flip carefully and cook another 3–5 minutes until internal temperature reaches 125–130°F for medium.
6️⃣ Finish with Butter & Lemon
Drizzle melted butter and fresh lemon juice over the salmon during the last minute of cooking. The fish should flake easily with a fork and look moist inside 🍋✨
7️⃣ Rest & Serve
Let salmon rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. Garnish with lemon wedges and extra parsley.
💡 Pro Tips
- Don’t overcook: Salmon continues cooking after removal from heat. Pull it slightly early.
- Grill option: Cook over medium grill heat for 4–5 minutes per side.
- Crispy exterior tip: Avoid flipping too early — let a crust form first.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container up to 3 days.
🌟 Variations
- Blackened Style: Add ½ tsp cayenne and a pinch of brown sugar for deeper flavor.
- Honey Glazed: Brush with 1 tbsp honey during final minute of cooking.
- Garlic Butter Upgrade: Add minced fresh garlic to the melted butter.
- Oven-Baked Option: Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes.
❓ FAQ
Is this exactly like Texas Roadhouse?
It’s a close copycat version inspired by their seasoned grilled salmon.
Should I remove the skin?
You can cook it with skin on for extra flavor and remove it after cooking.
What sides go best?
Mashed potatoes, seasoned rice, steamed broccoli, or a fresh Caesar salad.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning.