Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is one of those recipes that immediately brings comfort to the table. This dish combines succulent salmon fillets with a rich garlic butter sauce, transforming a simple dinner into a gourmet experience. The beauty of this recipe lies not just in its exquisite flavors, but also in its quick preparation—ideal for those busy weeknights when you want something healthy and delicious on the table in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Dish
This dish is truly exceptional for a variety of reasons. First and foremost, it’s incredibly quick to prepare, taking just about 15 minutes in the oven. Whether you’re a novice cook or a seasoned home chef, this recipe is foolproof and delivers tender, flaky salmon every time. It’s budget-friendly too, requiring just a handful of affordable ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Plus, garlic butter enhances the natural flavors of the salmon, making it a sure hit with even the pickiest eaters.
“I tried this garlic butter baked salmon on a whim, and it blew my mind! The flavors meld beautifully, and it was a hit with my kids. I’ll definitely be making this again!” – Sarah M.
Preparing Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
You’ll find that making this dish is straightforward. You start by preheating your oven and preparing your ingredients, which set you up for success. Here’s a quick rundown of what to expect: it begins with melting butter and infusing it with minced garlic—there’s nothing better than that aroma filling your kitchen! Then, you’ll prepare the salmon fillets and let the oven do the magic. Just follow the steps, and you’ll have a delightful meal ready in about 15 minutes.
What You’ll Need
To create this mouthwatering dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Vegetables of your choice (like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers)
Feel free to mix and match vegetables to suit your tastes, and you can substitute the salmon with another fish or even a plant-based protein if you prefer!
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and arrange the salmon fillets on it.
- Brush the melted garlic butter mixture over the salmon and season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
- Place lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet.
- Scatter your favorite vegetables around the salmon on the sheet pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve warm.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
When it comes to serving Garlic Butter Baked Salmon, creativity is your best friend! A simple idea is to serve the salmon on a bed of steamed rice or quinoa for a fulfilling meal. Pair it with a fresh green salad for a light touch, or add some crusty bread to scoop up that delicious garlic butter sauce. You can also garnish with extra parsley or lemon wedges to enhance the presentation.
How to Store & Freeze
Leftovers are inevitable with such a delectable dish. To keep your garlic butter salmon fresh, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you’re planning to enjoy it later, you can freeze the cooked salmon for up to three months. Just remember to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before you reheat it gently in the oven or microwave.
Practical Cooking Tips
For those looking to elevate their cooking skills, here are a few helpful tips:
- Ensure your salmon fillets are uniform in thickness for even cooking.
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor—it makes a noticeable difference.
- You can make the garlic butter mixture in advance and refrigerate it for quick access during meal prep.
Creative Twists
Looking to shake things up? Experiment with different herbs such as dill, tarragon, or thyme for a unique twist. You could also add a splash of soy sauce to the garlic butter for an Asian-inspired flair. For a healthier take, replace the butter with olive oil and add a pinch of cayenne for a little kick.
FAQs
How long does it take to prepare Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?
The total time from start to finish is around 20 minutes, including a prep time of about 5 minutes and cooking time of 12-15 minutes.
Can I substitute salmon with another type of fish?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with other firm fish like halibut or trout.
How should I store leftover salmon?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Enjoy your flavorful, buttery, and nutritious meal tonight!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
A quick and gourmet garlic butter baked salmon recipe, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Vegetables of your choice (like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a small saucepan, melt the butter and add the minced garlic. Cook until fragrant.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and arrange the salmon fillets on it.
- Brush the melted garlic butter mixture over the salmon and season with salt, pepper, and chopped parsley.
- Place lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet.
- Scatter your favorite vegetables around the salmon on the sheet pan.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.
- Serve warm.
Notes
Serve on a bed of steamed rice or quinoa, and pair with a fresh salad. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg