Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

Salmon is a superstar in the world of seafood, offering not only incredible flavor but also numerous health benefits. This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, making it a go-to dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Tender, flaky salmon is bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce and baked to perfection. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this dish delivers maximum flavor every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy schedules.
• Healthy: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins, and minerals.
• Versatile: Pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes.
• Crowd-Pleaser: The rich garlic butter sauce is loved by kids and adults alike.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
• Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

1. Choose Fresh Salmon:
   • Look for bright, firm fillets with no strong fishy odor.
2. Pat Dry:
   • Use paper towels to pat the salmon fillets dry. This step ensures even cooking and a better texture.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

1. Melt Butter:
   • In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter.
2. Mix the Ingredients:
   • Add minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, and olive oil to the melted butter. Stir well to combine.

Step 4: Season the Salmon

1. Season Both Sides:
   • Generously sprinkle salt, pepper, and dried parsley on both sides of the salmon fillets.
2. Brush with Sauce:
   • Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon, ensuring every inch is coated.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon

1. Baking Time:
   • Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
2. Check for Doneness:
   • The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Step 6: Broil for a Crispy Finish

1. Optional Broil:
   • For a golden, caramelized top, broil the salmon for 2-3 minutes after baking. Watch closely to avoid burning.

Step 7: Serve and Garnish

1. Plate the Salmon:
   • Carefully transfer the fillets to serving plates using a spatula.
2. Add Garnishes:
   • Top with fresh parsley, dill, or lemon slices for a burst of freshness.

Serving Suggestions

This garlic butter baked salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes:

• Vegetables: Steamed broccoli, roasted asparagus, or sautéed green beans.
• Grains: Fluffy rice, quinoa, or creamy mashed potatoes.
• Salads: A crisp garden salad with a zesty vinaigrette.

Tips for Perfect Salmon

1. Don’t Overcook

• Overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.

2. Use Fresh Garlic

• Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor compared to pre-minced alternatives.

3. Choose the Right Salmon

• Wild-caught salmon tends to have a richer flavor, while farm-raised salmon is milder and more affordable.

4. Line the Baking Sheet

• Parchment paper makes cleanup easier and prevents sticking.

Variations

1. Honey Garlic Butter Salmon

• Add 2 tablespoons of honey to the garlic butter sauce for a touch of sweetness.

2. Spicy Garlic Butter Salmon

• Stir in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper for a spicy kick.

3. Herb-Crusted Salmon

• Add a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese to the sauce for a crunchy topping.

4. Asian-Inspired Salmon

• Substitute soy sauce for lemon juice and add a drizzle of sesame oil.

FAQS

1. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before cooking for even results.

2. Can I substitute butter with olive oil?
Yes, olive oil is a healthier alternative that still delivers great flavor.

3. What if I don’t have fresh lemon?
You can use bottled lemon juice, though fresh lemon is recommended for the best flavor.

4. Can I use this recipe for other fish?
Absolutely! This method works well with cod, halibut, or trout.

5. Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the salmon in the garlic butter sauce for up to 30 minutes before baking. Avoid longer marination to prevent the lemon from “cooking” the fish.

Yield: 4

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

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Salmon is a superstar in the world of seafood, offering not only incredible flavor but also numerous health benefits. This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe is the perfect blend of simplicity and sophistication, making it a go-to dish for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Tender, flaky salmon is bathed in a rich, garlicky butter sauce and baked to perfection. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, this dish delivers maximum flavor every time.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
   
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
   In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
   
3. Arrange the Salmon:
   Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down.
   
4. Coat the Salmon:
   Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
   
5. Bake:
   Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
   
6. Garnish and Serve:
   Garnish the salmon with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

For Extra Crispy Edges: Broil the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping an eye on it to prevent burning.

Vegetable Pairing: You can add vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes on the baking sheet for a complete meal.