Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is like a warm hug for your taste buds, with its rich, buttery flavor dancing on the palate. Imagine tender salmon fillets swimming in a luscious garlic butter sauce that fills your kitchen with an aroma so heavenly you’ll instantly forget about that gym membership you promised yourself you’d use.
Jump to:
- Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- FAQs :
- What is Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?
- How long does it take to bake Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?
- Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
- What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?
- Conclusion for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon :
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish isn’t just for fancy dinner parties—it’s perfect for those nights when you want to impress without breaking a sweat. Picture this: You’ve had a long day, and instead of ordering takeout, you whip up this delightful dish in less than 30 minutes. Your friends will think you’re a culinary wizard, and you’ll know the secret is as simple as garlic and butter.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation means anyone can master it in no time!
- The flavor profile combines rich butter and aromatic garlic with fresh salmon for a delectable experience.
- Its vibrant colors make it visually appealing, making dinner feel special.
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with various sides or be served on its own.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Salmon Fillets: Opt for skinless fillets if you prefer a clean bite. Freshness is key; look for bright color and firm texture.
- Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter to get that creamy richness without added saltiness.
- Fresh Garlic: Mince finely to release strong flavors; fresh cloves are always better than pre-minced options.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
- Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle enhances color and freshness; use flat-leaf parsley for the best flavor.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preference.
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
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Baking Dish
Spray a baking dish with nonstick cooking spray or lightly coat it with olive oil. Place your salmon fillets in the dish, skin-side down if applicable.
Step 3: Make That Garlic Butter
In a small saucepan over low heat, melt unsalted butter. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook until fragrant—about one minute. Be careful not to burn it; we want flavor, not bitterness!
Step 4: Add Flavor
Remove the garlic butter from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice along with salt and pepper. Then drizzle this luscious mixture over the salmon fillets generously.
Step 5: Bake It Up
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork—this means it’s cooked through but oh-so-tender!
Step 6: Finish with Freshness
Once baked, remove from the oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top for that pop of color and freshness. Transfer to plates and serve immediately; imagine your guests swooning at first bite!
And there you have it—a quick yet impressive meal that will leave everyone begging for seconds. Serve it alongside some roasted vegetables or fluffy rice to round out your dinner table masterpiece! Enjoy every buttery bite, knowing you’ve created something truly special without breaking too much of a sweat.
You Must Know
- This garlic butter baked salmon is not just a meal; it’s an experience!
- With its rich flavors and tender texture, it’s bound to impress your guests.
- Plus, the ease of preparation makes it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. While that heats up, prepare the garlic butter mixture. Next, season the salmon fillets and place them in a baking dish. Pour the garlic butter over the salmon, then bake until perfectly flaky and tender.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to customize this recipe by adding herbs like dill or parsley for an extra flavor punch. You can also swap out the salmon for another fish or even chicken if you’re feeling adventurous. The world is your oyster—just don’t actually use oysters!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, simply pop it in the microwave for about a minute or warm it up gently in a skillet to keep that buttery goodness intact.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh garlic for maximum flavor; it makes all the difference in this dish.
- Letting the salmon marinate briefly enhances its taste beautifully.
- Lastly, don’t rush the cooking; patience yields perfectly baked salmon every time.
Sometimes, I whip up this garlic butter baked salmon when friends come over. One time, they practically fought over the last bite! It’s always nice to see everyone savoring something you made with love.
FAQs :
What is Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is a delicious dish that combines the rich flavors of salmon with a savory garlic butter sauce. This recipe typically involves marinating salmon fillets in a mixture of melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and herbs before baking them until perfectly cooked. perfect seafood pairing for salmon The result is tender, flaky salmon infused with robust flavors that make it an ideal meal for any occasion.
How long does it take to bake Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?
Baking Garlic Butter Baked Salmon usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. It’s essential to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) for even cooking. hearty pasta option for dinner Check the internal temperature; it should reach 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked. This quick cooking time makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner parties.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon. However, it’s best to thaw the fillets in the refrigerator overnight for optimal results. If you’re in a hurry, you can also thaw them under cold running water for about an hour. Once thawed, proceed with the recipe as usual, ensuring that you check the cooking time since thinner fillets may cook faster than fresh ones. For more inspiration, check out this Garlic Butter Lobster Tail Recipe recipe.
What sides pair well with Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it alongside roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for a healthy option. You could also prepare garlic mashed potatoes or quinoa salad to complement the dish’s flavors. cozy comfort meal alternative accompanying side dish option A light green salad with lemon vinaigrette would add freshness and balance to your meal while enhancing its overall appeal.
Conclusion for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon :
In summary, Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is an easy and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. With its minimal prep time and quick baking process, this recipe allows you to enjoy a gourmet meal without spending hours in the kitchen. By using fresh ingredients and following simple steps, you can create tender salmon infused with savory garlic butter goodness. Whether served with roasted veggies or a fresh salad, this dish will impress your family and friends every time.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is a culinary delight that brings together tender salmon fillets and a rich garlic butter sauce, all brightened with fresh lemon juice. This quick and easy recipe takes just 30 minutes to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special gatherings. Impress your family and friends with this flavorful dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to fluffy rice.
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
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Prepare a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil and arrange the salmon fillets inside.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter then add minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
- Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Drizzle the mixture over the salmon.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 36g
- Saturated Fat: 22g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
