Heavenly Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe That Wows Every Time

Whipping up a mouthwatering baked salmon with garlic butter can turn an ordinary dinner into a culinary adventure.

salmon lovers appreciate how quickly this dish comes together with minimal ingredients.

Rich, golden-brown edges hint at the delectable flavors waiting to surprise you.

Melted butter infused with aromatic garlic creates a luxurious coating that perfectly complements the tender fish.

Mediterranean coastal regions inspire this simple yet elegant preparation that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Home cooks appreciate how effortlessly this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results without complicated techniques.

Dive into this delightful meal that promises to impress even the most discerning palates and make your next dinner truly memorable.

FAQs

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Wild-caught salmon like sockeye or king salmon are ideal because they have richer flavor and firmer texture. Fresh salmon fillets are recommended for optimal taste and quality.

• How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and appears opaque in the center. The internal temperature should reach 145°F for safe consumption. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.

• Can I substitute butter with another ingredient?

You can use olive oil or ghee as alternatives. Each will slightly change the flavor profile, but will still provide moisture and richness to the salmon.

Why Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Is So Tasty

• Simplify Seafood Cooking: Transform intimidating fish preparation into a stress-free experience with this foolproof salmon recipe that requires minimal kitchen skills.
• Quick Weeknight Winner: Enjoy a gourmet-style dinner that comes together in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy families seeking delicious and nutritious meals.
• Flavor-Packed Nutrition: Combine heart-healthy salmon with rich garlic butter sauce, creating a mouthwatering dish that delivers incredible taste and essential omega-3 fatty acids.
• Minimal Ingredient Magic: Craft a restaurant-quality meal using just a few pantry staples, making this recipe budget-friendly and accessible for home cooks of all levels.

Ingredients for Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, high-quality salmon that provides the core protein and delicate flavor for this easy baked dish.

• Butter: Adds richness and helps create a smooth, velvety sauce for the salmon.
• Garlic: Provides a warm, aromatic flavor that complements the fish perfectly.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, citrusy notes that cut through the richness of the salmon.

• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavors of the salmon.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a light, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Cook Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank your oven to a toasty 375F (190C) and get ready for some delicious cooking.

Step 2: Create Magical Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat.

Toss in minced garlic and let it dance around until it releases its fragrant aroma, which takes about a minute. Splash in some fresh lemon juice and give it a quick stir.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon

Grab a baking dish and place your salmon fillets skin-side down. Drizzle the heavenly garlic butter sauce generously over each piece of fish.

Sprinkle salt and pepper to add some flavor excitement.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and let the salmon cook for 15-20 minutes.

You’ll know it’s ready when the fish easily flakes apart with a gentle fork touch.

Step 5: Rest and Garnish

Allow the salmon to rest for five minutes, letting all those delicious juices settle.

Before serving, shower the fillets with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness.

Tips for Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter

• Select high-quality, wild-caught salmon with bright color and firm texture for the best flavor and nutritional value.
• Watch salmon closely to prevent overcooking; remove from oven when it's just opaque and easily flakes to maintain moisture and tenderness.
• Experiment with herbs like dill or thyme, or add red pepper flakes for extra kick if you prefer more complex flavor profiles.
• Mince garlic finely and sauté briefly to release aromatic oils without burning, ensuring a smooth, rich butter sauce.
• Refrigerate remaining salmon in an airtight container and consume within 2 days, gently reheating to prevent drying out.

Variations for Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter

• Mediterranean Herb Salmon: Replace garlic butter with olive oil, add dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon: Coat salmon with Cajun seasoning blend instead of salt and pepper, use blackened butter sauce for extra kick.
• Low-Carb Keto Salmon: Keep original recipe, use grass-fed butter, add extra virgin olive oil drizzle, serve with roasted asparagus instead of traditional sides.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute butter with coconut oil, use fresh ginger instead of garlic for similar aromatic complexity.

Best Pairings for Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter

• Select a chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that cuts through the rich buttery salmon with bright, citrusy notes.
• Prepare asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or roasted bell peppers to add earthy textures and balance the fish's delicate flavor.
• Prepare lemon-herb rice pilaf with parsley and dill to echo the dish's fresh, zesty undertones and provide a complementary starch.

Proper Storage for Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it in the coldest part of the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 30-second intervals until warmed through, preventing dryness.
• Warm salmon at 275F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to retain moisture and prevent overcooking, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 145F for food safety.

Baked Salmon With Garlic Butter Recipe

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4.5 from 25 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter delivers Mediterranean coastal elegance straight to dinner tables. Rich butter and fresh garlic elevate this simple yet elegant seafood classic that you’ll savor with pure culinary pleasure.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on)

Main Seasonings:

• 4 tablespoons (60 ml) unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon (15 ml) fresh lemon juice
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

Garnish:

• Fresh parsley (chopped)

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Instructions

1. Heat oven to 375F (190C), preparing a baking dish for salmon fillets.
2. Create a fragrant garlic butter sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat, sautéing minced garlic until aromatic for approximately one minute.
3. Enhance the garlic butter with a splash of fresh lemon juice, stirring to combine.
4. Arrange salmon fillets skin-side down in the baking dish, ensuring even placement.
5. Drizzle the warm garlic butter mixture uniformly across each salmon fillet, coating thoroughly.
6. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over the fillets to season.
7. Slide the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes until salmon becomes tender and easily flakes with a gentle fork press.
8. Remove from oven and allow salmon to rest for five minutes, allowing flavors to settle and juices to redistribute.
9. Garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish before serving.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon with vibrant color and firm texture for the best flavor and moisture.
• Control cooking time precisely to prevent overcooking, which can make salmon dry and tough.
• Choose unsalted butter to manage salt levels and allow more control over seasoning.
• Experiment with herb variations like dill, thyme, or rosemary to customize the garlic butter sauce for different taste preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 370 kcal
• Sugar: 0.2 g
• Sodium: 120 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 1 g
• Fiber: 0.1 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg