Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.

Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, then add minced garlic and cook gently for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.

For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet, pour half of the garlic butter over, and bake for 12-18 minutes until flaky.

For pan-searing, heat an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat, sear salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes, then flip, pour garlic butter over, and cook for another 3-6 minutes or finish in the oven.

For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high heat, place salmon skin-side down on a foil-lined grill or directly on grates, and cook for 4-6 minutes per side, brushing with garlic butter during the last few minutes.

Once cooked, remove the salmon from heat and let it rest for a few minutes. Drizzle with remaining garlic butter and garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.