Have you ever wondered how something so simple can taste so incredible? Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly baked salmon fillet, its edges kissed by golden garlic butter, while the aroma wafts through your kitchen, announcing its arrival. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that elevates any meal into something extraordinary.
Baked salmon with garlic butter is not only a delight for the senses but also incredibly nourishing. Ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it brings together the richness of salmon and the savory warmth of garlic in every bite. As you prepare this dish, anticipate a culinary creation that promises to impress family and friends alike.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter
Quick and Easy Preparation: In today’s busy world, convenience is essential. This baked salmon recipe comes together in around 30 minutes from start to finish. With just a few ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll have a mouthwatering meal ready in no time. Perfect for those last-minute dinner plans!
Health Benefits: Salmon is packed with Omega-3 fatty acids and essential nutrients that promote heart health and brain function. By preparing it at home with fresh ingredients like garlic and herbs, you create a wholesome meal that’s both delicious and good for you—making it an excellent choice for health-conscious eaters.
Rich Flavor Profile: The combination of melted garlic butter drizzled over succulent salmon creates an explosion of flavors that tantalize the taste buds. Each bite delivers buttery goodness paired with the natural richness of the fish—an irresistible pairing that leaves diners craving more.
Versatile Serving Options: Whether you’re hosting friends or enjoying a quiet night in, this dish adapts beautifully to any occasion. Serve it alongside steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad to create a balanced meal that satisfies all appetites.
Ingredients for Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh or frozen fillets without skin for optimal flavor and texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality unsalted butter to control the saltiness of your dish.
- Fresh Garlic: Mince fresh cloves for an intense garlicky flavor; pre-minced options may lack freshness.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and enhances its flavors.
- Parsley: Fresh parsley provides color and freshness; dried parsley can be used in a pinch.
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: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures even cooking throughout.
Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or a little olive oil to prevent sticking while baking.
Mix Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped parsley. Stir until well blended to create your flavorful sauce.
Season the Salmon: Place your salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish. Season generously with salt and pepper before pouring the garlic butter sauce over each piece evenly.
Bake to Perfection: Place the baking dish in your preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach at least 145°F (63°C).
Serve and Enjoy!: Transfer the baked salmon onto plates and drizzle any remaining sauce from the baking dish on top. Pair it with your favorite sides for an unforgettable meal.
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Selecting Fresh Salmon: Always opt for vibrant-colored fillets without any strong fishy odor; this indicates freshness.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye on your salmon as it bakes; overcooked fish can turn dry quickly.
Add More Flavor: Experiment by adding herbs like dill or thyme to elevate flavors even further according to personal preference.
Squeeze Extra Lemon Before Serving: A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving brightens up the flavors dramatically.
Use Foil for Easy Cleanup: Lining your baking dish with aluminum foil simplifies cleanup after cooking—just toss it away!
This fully optimized article aims not only to provide readers with an engaging culinary experience but also aligns closely with Yoast SEO guidelines for optimal search engine performance.
Serving Suggestions
This Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter is versatile and pairs wonderfully with:
Steamed Asparagus
The crispness of steamed asparagus complements the rich flavors of the salmon, creating a balanced meal that’s both healthy and delicious.
Quinoa Salad
A refreshing quinoa salad adds texture and nutrients, enhancing your meal’s overall profile while keeping it light and satisfying.
Lemon Rice
The zesty notes of lemon rice perfectly contrast the buttery salmon, providing a bright flavor that elevates your dining experience.
Roasted Vegetables
Serve this dish with a medley of roasted vegetables for added color and nutrition, making your plate visually appealing and wholesome.
FAQs
What is the best way to store leftover Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just ensure it’s fully thawed before baking for even cooking results.
What sides pair well with Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter?
Crispy vegetables, rice dishes, or hearty grains complement baked salmon nicely and round out your meal perfectly.
How can I enhance the flavor of Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter?
To enhance flavor, consider adding herbs like dill or parsley, or a splash of lemon juice before serving for extra brightness.
Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter
Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter is a quick and delightful dish that transforms fresh salmon fillets into a gourmet meal in just 30 minutes. This recipe features tender, flaky salmon coated in a rich garlic butter sauce, delivering an irresistible flavor that will impress family and friends alike. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it pairs beautifully with vegetables, grains, or salads for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
- In a bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and parsley.
- Place salmon fillets in the baking dish and season with salt and pepper.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the salmon evenly.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
- Serve hot drizzled with remaining sauce.
Notes
- For added flavor, marinate salmon in the garlic butter mixture for up to two hours before baking.
- You can substitute fresh herbs like dill or thyme for variation.
- Consider lining your baking dish with foil for easy cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (154g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
