The aroma of garlic butter salmon wafts through the air, enticing your senses with its rich, savory scent. Imagine the tender, flaky fish glistening with a golden coat of garlic-infused butter, ready to be devoured.
This dish is perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests with minimal effort. The flavor explosion will leave everyone asking for seconds, and maybe even thirds.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This garlic butter salmon is incredibly easy to prepare, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The combination of garlic and butter creates a rich flavor profile that’s simply irresistible
- Visually stunning and garnished with fresh herbs, it’s a showstopper on any plate
- Versatile enough for both casual meals and special occasions, this dish fits every dining scenario perfectly
Seeing my family’s eyes light up as they take their first bite of garlic butter salmon is a memory I cherish deeply.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Salmon Fillets: Fresh or frozen work well; choose skin-on fillets for added flavor and moisture.
Unsalted Butter: Using unsalted allows you to control the saltiness in this rich dish.
Garlic: Fresh cloves are best; they offer a more potent flavor than pre-minced options.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the richness of the butter and salmon.
Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to balance the dish.
Salt & Pepper: A pinch of each enhances all the ingredients’ natural flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Prepare yourself for an adventure in your kitchen that will culminate in a mouthwatering meal!
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures an even cooking temperature throughout your salmon.
Prep the Salmon Fillets: Place your salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Pat them dry with paper towels; this helps achieve that coveted crispy exterior.
Create the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned—about 1-2 minutes will do the trick.
Add Lemon Juice and Seasonings: Stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice along with salt and pepper to taste. The mixture should smell divine at this point—like heaven on earth!
Baste the Salmon Fillets: Pour half of the garlic butter mixture over the fillets using a brush for an even coat. Reserve some for drizzling later; trust me, you’ll want it!
Bake to Perfection: Slide your baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Your kitchen will smell heavenly!
Enjoy this culinary experience as you bring friends and family together around your table! Each bite will be filled with buttery goodness paired perfectly with zesty lemon notes. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or weekend gathering, garlic butter salmon is bound to become a household favorite.
You Must Know
- Garlic butter salmon is not just tasty; it’s also super easy to make
- The rich aroma of garlic mingling with buttery goodness makes your kitchen feel like a five-star restaurant
- Enjoy this dish with fresh veggies or over a bed of fluffy rice for a complete meal
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by searing the salmon skin-side down for crispiness, then baste with garlic butter while cooking. This ensures even cooking and maximizes flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the garlic for shallots or add lemon zest for a bright twist. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the dish beautifully.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover garlic butter salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in a skillet to maintain moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Always use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure proper searing
- Don’t skip the basting step; it truly enhances the dish’s richness
Cooking garlic butter salmon reminds me of that time I made it for my parents’ anniversary. They raved about it all night, and I felt like a culinary superstar.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon for garlic butter salmon?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even cooking.
What side dishes pair well with garlic butter salmon?
Steamed asparagus, quinoa salad, or roasted potatoes complement this dish perfectly.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
Salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an internal temperature of 145°F.
Garlic Butter Salmon
Garlic butter salmon is a delectable dish that captures the essence of culinary simplicity and flavor. This recipe combines tender salmon fillets with a rich garlic-infused butter, creating a savory experience that will impress family and guests alike. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a stunning presentation. With fresh herbs and zesty lemon juice, every bite is a delightful explosion of flavors.
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant (1-2 minutes).
- Stir in the lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Baste half of the garlic butter mixture over the salmon fillets and reserve the rest.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Drizzle with remaining garlic butter and sprinkle with chopped parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
- Calories: 367
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 90mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 97mg
