Irresistible Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe for Dinner Bliss

The moment you walk into a kitchen infused with the aroma of garlic butter sizzling away, you can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of comfort and anticipation. Now, imagine that scent enveloping a perfectly cooked salmon fillet, its golden crust glistening like it just stepped off a fashion runway. This garlic butter salmon recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience waiting to unfold.

Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this dish promises to dazzle your taste buds and elevate your culinary game. Trust me, once you take that first bite, laughter and compliments will fill the room faster than you can say “pass the garlic butter.”

I remember the first time I made this garlic butter salmon recipe for my best friend’s birthday dinner. She took one bite and declared it “life-changing,” which led to a heated debate about whether food could truly change lives—spoiler alert: we decided it absolutely can.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Salmon Fillets: Look for firm, bright fillets with no fishy odor. Freshness is key to a great flavor.
• Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality butter for the best richness without added salt competing with other flavors.
• Fresh Garlic: Use whole cloves whenever possible; they provide more robust flavor than pre-minced options.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
• Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley adds color and an aromatic finish that complements the salmon beautifully.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the salmon without overpowering them.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Get ready to turn your kitchen into a gourmet paradise! Follow these simple steps to create a garlic butter salmon masterpiece.

Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and develops that beautiful crust.

Prepare Your Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels; this helps achieve that coveted crispy skin. Season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

Sauté Garlic in Butter: In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt unsalted butter until foamy. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 1 minute—being careful not to let it burn.

Add Lemon Juice & Salmon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the skillet right after removing it from heat. Nestle the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down into the garlicky goodness.

Bake in Oven: Transfer your skillet into the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. You know it’s ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork!

Garnish & Serve: Remove from oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over your masterpiece before serving. This not only adds flavor but also makes for an Instagram-worthy presentation!

Now sit back, take a deep breath of that intoxicating aroma wafting through your kitchen, and prepare for some serious culinary applause from family or friends!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by marinating the salmon in garlic butter, then sear it in a hot pan for crispy skin before finishing it in the oven for juicy perfection.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the salmon for trout or add fresh herbs like dill or parsley to elevate the flavor profile of your dish.

Storing & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain moisture and taste.

Cooking this garlic butter salmon recipe always reminds me of family gatherings where everyone would gather around, eagerly anticipating that first bite. The smiles and compliments are truly unforgettable!

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon for this garlic butter salmon recipe?

Yes, but thaw it completely before marinating and cooking to ensure even cooking.

What sides pair well with garlic butter salmon?

Consider serving it with steamed veggies or creamy mashed potatoes for a complete meal.

How do I know when my salmon is cooked?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

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Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

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Experience the rich flavors of garlic butter perfectly infused into succulent salmon fillets. This quick and easy recipe transforms a simple dinner into a gourmet delight in under 30 minutes. Ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining guests, this dish shines with its golden crust, fragrant herbs, and zesty lemon notes. Prepare to impress with every bite!

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 2

Ingredients

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• 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
3. In an oven-safe skillet over medium heat, melt the butter until foamy. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the skillet.
5. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

• Author: DANIEL LAWSON
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
• Calories: 353
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg