Have you ever indulged in a dish that is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare? Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter is just that—a culinary delight that brings together flaky salmon fillets bathed in a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce. The moment you take your first bite, the buttery richness dances on your palate while the fresh herbs and hints of lemon elevate the experience.
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter
- Ingredients for Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter
- How to Make Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter
- Tips and Tricks
- Serving Suggestions
- FAQs
- How do I store leftover Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter?
- Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
- What wine pairs well with Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter?
- Is Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter healthy?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish is perfect for any occasion—from an intimate family dinner to an impressive meal for guests. Imagine serving this alongside a fresh salad or roasted vegetables; it’s bound to impress! With its enticing aroma wafting through your kitchen, anticipation builds as you prepare this delectable meal that promises to satisfy both the eyes and taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter
Quick and Easy Preparation: In just about 30 minutes, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, you can enjoy delicious baked salmon without spending hours in the kitchen.
Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients. This dish provides a wholesome option that tastes great while supporting your health goals.
Versatile Pairing Options: Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter pairs beautifully with various side dishes. Whether you choose rice, quinoa, or steamed veggies, it complements many flavors effortlessly.
Impressive Presentation: With its vibrant colors and appealing aroma, this dish will wow your guests. Serve it at gatherings or special occasions to leave a lasting impression on everyone at the table.
Ingredients for Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh or thawed fillets for best results; look for bright pink color without any browning.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives vibrant flavor; avoid using powdered garlic for this recipe.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for better control over seasoning; it enhances the richness of the dish.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; bottled lemon juice can alter the flavor profile.
- Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley serves as a garnish; it adds freshness and color to your finished dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking while baking your salmon fillets.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or butter. Place your salmon fillets skin-side down in the dish.
Create the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt butter then add minced garlic. Cook until fragrant but not browned—about one minute—and remove from heat.
Add Lemon Juice and Herbs: Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice and chopped parsley into the melted garlic butter mixture. This adds zest and freshness to every bite.
Bake Your Salmon: Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet. Bake in your preheated oven for approximately 12-15 minutes or until cooked through and flaky.
Serve and Enjoy!: Transfer baked salmon to plates. Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the baking dish over top before serving for added flavor!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Check for Freshness: Ensure your salmon has a clean ocean smell—not fishy—when purchasing it. Look for firm texture and vibrant color as indicators of freshness.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your salmon while baking; overcooked fish becomes dry. Aim for an internal temperature of around 145°F (63°C) when done cooking.
Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to customize by adding spices like paprika or dill to enhance flavors based on personal preference.
Store Leftovers Properly: If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven before enjoying again!
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
Steamed Asparagus
The fresh, crisp texture of steamed asparagus complements the rich flavors of salmon perfectly, adding a healthy crunch to your meal.
Quinoa Salad
A light quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a zesty lemon dressing enhances the dish, providing a nutritious and satisfying balance.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes
Creamy garlic mashed potatoes offer a comforting side that pairs beautifully with the savory notes of baked salmon, making every bite delightful.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts
Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts bring a slightly bitter taste that contrasts nicely with the buttery salmon, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.
FAQs
How do I store leftover Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to maintain tenderness.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just ensure it is fully thawed before baking for even cooking and optimal flavor.
What wine pairs well with Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay pairs excellently with baked salmon, enhancing its rich flavors beautifully.
Is Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter healthy?
Absolutely! This dish is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and beneficial nutrients while being low in carbohydrates, making it a healthy choice.
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📖 Recipe Card
Print
Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter is a culinary masterpiece that effortlessly combines the flaky tenderness of salmon with a luxurious garlic butter sauce. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor, making it an ideal choice for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. In just 30 minutes, you can create a meal that boasts fresh herbs and zesty lemon notes, leaving your taste buds dancing in delight. Serve this elegant salmon alongside your favorite sides like steamed asparagus or quinoa salad for a wholesome dining experience that will impress family and friends alike.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and place the salmon fillets skin-side down.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in lemon juice and parsley, then pour the mixture over the salmon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately, drizzling any remaining garlic butter over the fish.
Notes
- For added flavor, consider seasoning the salmon with paprika or dill before baking.
- Pair with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Seafood
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (170g)
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 75mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 39g
- Cholesterol: 112mg
