Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is like a warm hug on a plate, enveloping your senses with its buttery aroma and rich flavors. Picture this: perfectly flaky salmon bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, inviting you to dive in with every forkful. Your tastebuds will dance with joy as the savory notes blend seamlessly, creating a dish that’s not just food but an experience. For more inspiration, check out this savory Moroccan spiced salmon recipe.
This dish has been my secret weapon for impressing guests and indulging myself after a long week. I can still remember the first time I whipped it up for friends; they practically swooned at first bite! Perfect for cozy dinners or festive gatherings, Garlic Butter Baked Salmon promises an unforgettable flavor adventure that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means you’ll have a gourmet meal on the table in under 30 minutes.
- The flavor profile combines buttery richness with zesty garlic, making every bite heavenly.
- Its visual appeal boasts vibrant colors that make it a stunning centerpiece for any dining occasion.
- Versatile enough to pair with various sides, this dish adapts to any meal theme effortlessly.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Salmon Fillets: Look for fresh or frozen fillets with bright pink flesh and minimal white lines, indicating good fat content.
- Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness of the dish while adding rich flavor.
- Fresh Garlic: Opt for firm cloves to bring out the best aromatic qualities; minced garlic works wonders in this recipe.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness that balances the richness of the salmon and butter perfectly.
- Fresh Parsley: This herb not only enhances the taste but also adds a pop of color to your finished dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it warms up, grab a baking dish and lightly spray it with nonstick cooking spray.
Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, melt your unsalted butter in the microwave or on the stove. Stir in minced garlic and freshly squeezed lemon juice until well combined. This garlic butter mixture is going to be your secret weapon!
Step 3: Season Your Salmon
Place your salmon fillets skin-side down in the baking dish. Generously drizzle the garlic butter over each fillet, ensuring they’re well coated. Don’t skimp on this part; more garlic butter equals more happiness!
Step 4: Bake Away
Pop your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The smell wafting through your kitchen will make it feel like a five-star restaurant!
Step 5: Garnish Like a Pro
Once baked, remove your salmon from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over each fillet for that beautiful garnish effect. It’s all about presentation!
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!
Transfer each salmon fillet onto plates and drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the baking dish over them. Pair it with your favorite sides like roasted vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Now you’re ready to indulge in this delectable Garlic Butter Baked Salmon! Enjoy every bite of this buttery delight that’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table.
You Must Know
- Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is a delightful dish that brings together simple ingredients for an explosion of flavor.
- The buttery garlic draping the salmon creates a perfect dinner that feels gourmet without the fuss.
- It’s quick, easy, and utterly delicious!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
The best way to prepare Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is to start by preheating your oven while you whisk together the garlic butter mixture. Once the butter is melted and infused with garlic, pour it over the salmon before baking for perfectly cooked, flavorful fish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize your Garlic Butter Baked Salmon! Swap out fresh herbs for dried ones if you’re in a pinch, or add a sprinkle of lemon zest for a zesty twist. tomato and herb chicken bake You can even experiment with different types of fish or seafood for variety. For more inspiration, check out this garlic shrimp recipe recipe.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place it in the oven at 350°F until warmed through; this preserves moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To make your Garlic Butter Baked Salmon truly standout, always use fresh garlic; it makes all the difference in flavor.
- Ensure your salmon fillet is at room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
- Lastly, baste your salmon halfway through baking to keep it moist and flavorful.
Savoring my first bite of Garlic Butter Baked Salmon during a cozy family dinner still makes me smile. Everyone raved about it, especially my grandmother, who declared it “better than her famous casserole.” What a win!
FAQs :
What ingredients are needed for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?
To prepare Garlic Butter Baked Salmon, you will need fresh salmon fillets, unsalted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh herbs like parsley or dill, salt, and pepper. These simple ingredients blend beautifully to create a flavorful dish. You can also add lemon slices on top for extra zest. Ensure the salmon is of high quality for the best flavor and texture. This combination of ingredients results in a moist and delicious meal that your family will love.
How long should I bake Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?
Bake your Garlic Butter Baked Salmon at 375°F (190°C) for about 15 to 20 minutes. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. As a general rule, cook the fish for about 4 to 6 minutes per half-inch thickness. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures that your dish remains juicy and tender while infusing it with rich garlic butter flavor.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon. Just ensure that you properly thaw it before cooking. Place the frozen fillet in the refrigerator overnight or submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing. Once thawed, pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps achieve a better sear and enhances the flavor of the garlic butter sauce. Cooking from frozen is not recommended as it can lead to uneven cooking.
What side dishes pair well with Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a healthy option. A light salad with fresh greens and a citrus vinaigrette complements the richness of the salmon beautifully. You could also serve it with quinoa or rice to soak up the delicious garlic butter sauce. These sides enhance your meal’s nutrition while providing balance to the flavors.
Conclusion for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon :
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is an easy yet elegant dish that brings together simple ingredients to create unforgettable flavors. The combination of buttery garlic sauce and tender salmon makes it a perfect choice for any meal. Remember to adjust baking times according to fillet thickness and feel free to experiment with sides like roasted vegetables or salads. perfect garlic bread pairing Enjoy creating this delightful recipe that not only satisfies your taste buds but also impresses your guests!
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is a quick yet gourmet dish that elevates any meal. This recipe features flaky salmon fillets enveloped in a rich garlic butter sauce, perfectly balanced with lemon juice and fresh parsley for a burst of flavor. Ideal for busy weeknights or special gatherings, this dish can be prepared in under 30 minutes and is sure to impress your family and friends with its simplicity and deliciousness.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray.
- In a small bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in minced garlic and lemon juice until combined.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the baking dish and drizzle the garlic butter mixture generously over them.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 0.6g
- Sodium: 77mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 112mg
Keywords: For added flavor, consider sprinkling lemon zest over the top before baking. Swap out parsley for dill or chives for a different herb profile. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container for up to three days.
