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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the salmon evenly.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Coat Salmon: Drizzle the garlic butter mixture evenly over the arranged salmon fillets, making sure each piece is well coated with the sauce.
- 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.
- 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
