Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

Introduction

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. The combination of melted butter, fresh garlic, and lemon juice brings out the rich taste of the salmon. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you’ll have a delicious meal ready in 30 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 (6 oz) skinless salmon fillets
• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Step 2: Prepare a baking dish by spraying it with nonstick spray or brushing with olive oil. Arrange the salmon fillets inside the dish.
3. Step 3: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn it.
4. Step 4: Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
5. Step 5: Bake the salmon for 15 to 20 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.
6. Step 6: Garnish the baked salmon with chopped fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, sprinkle a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper over the salmon before baking.
• Use fresh herbs like dill or thyme instead of parsley for a different herbal note.
• Try adding a slice of lemon on top of each fillet before baking to enhance the citrus aroma.
• If you prefer crispy skin, leave the skin on and sear the salmon briefly before baking.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10-15 minutes or until heated through, to maintain moisture and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the salmon before baking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.

What can I serve with garlic butter baked salmon?

This salmon pairs nicely with steamed vegetables, rice, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 107 reviews

• Author: anna
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to enjoy tender, flaky salmon fillets infused with a rich garlic butter sauce, fresh lemon juice, and parsley. Perfect for a healthy dinner that takes just 30 minutes from start to finish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 4 (6 oz) skinless salmon fillets

Garlic Butter Sauce

• 1/2 cup unsalted butter
• 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

Garnish

• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the salmon evenly.
2. Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil to prevent sticking, then arrange the salmon fillets evenly inside the dish.
3. Make Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook gently until fragrant, about 1 minute, ensuring it does not brown to keep the flavor delicate.
4. Add Lemon and Seasoning: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the fresh lemon juice along with salt and pepper to taste, creating a bright, flavorful butter sauce.
5. Coat Salmon: Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the arranged salmon fillets, making sure each piece is well coated with the sauce.
6. Bake Salmon: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked and tender.
7. Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for a fresh, herbal finish, and serve immediately for best taste.

Notes

• Use fresh garlic for the best flavor rather than pre-minced or powdered garlic.
• Check salmon doneness by gently flaking with a fork; it should separate easily and be opaque.
• Salmon can be baked with the skin on if preferred, but adjust cooking time as needed.
• For a lighter option, use olive oil instead of butter, although the flavor will differ.
• This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, baked salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon dinner, lemon garlic fish