Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe | Easy Dinner
The smell of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs makes my mouth water. My mom used to make baked salmon for our family. It reminds me of home.
Today, I’m sharing my garlic butter baked salmon recipe. It’s delicious and easy to make.
This recipe uses garlic, lemon, and butter for a flavorful salmon. It’s perfect for busy nights. You can have a tasty seafood dish ready in 30 minutes.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Garlic butter baked salmon is a quick and easy dinner option that’s ready in 30 minutes.
- The recipe combines classic flavors like garlic, lemon, and butter for a delicious, flavorful salmon dish.
- Baking the salmon in a foil packet helps keep it moist and tender, with a crispy broiled exterior.
- This recipe is a healthy and satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights.
- Leftover salmon can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days or frozen for longer-term storage.
Why This Garlic Butter Salmon Is A Perfect Weeknight Meal
This garlic butter baked salmon recipe is a quick and tasty option for weeknights. It takes only 20-30 minutes to prepare. It tastes like a restaurant dish, perfect for busy nights or when you want to impress.
This quick dinner solutions recipe is easy to make. It needs just a few ingredients, which you might already have. It’s great for when you’re short on time. Plus, cleaning up is easy because of the foil-lined baking sheets.
Despite its simplicity, this dish is full of flavor and good for you. Salmon is rich in omega-3s, protein, and vitamins. The garlic butter sauce adds a savory touch that makes the dish even better.
“This garlic butter salmon recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. It’s so easy to prepare, yet the results are simply mouthwatering.”
Looking for a quick, healthy dinner for your family or a fancy meal to impress guests? This garlic butter baked salmon is perfect. It’s a great mix of quick dinner solutions and simple salmon preparations. It will quickly become a favorite in your home.
Essential Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe
To make a tasty garlic butter baked salmon, you need a few key ingredients. Start with a 1.5 to 1.75-pound skin-on salmon fillet. For the garlic butter sauce, use unsalted butter, fresh garlic, lemon juice, and honey.
Season the salmon with salt, black pepper, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and paprika. Fresh parsley adds a nice touch at the end.
Fresh vs Frozen Salmon Selection
Fresh salmon is best for flavor and texture. But, frozen salmon works too if thawed right. Thaw it in the fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking.
Butter and Seasoning Components
The garlic butter sauce is creamy and rich. It’s made by melting 6 tablespoons of unsalted butter and mixing it with 4 cloves of minced garlic, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and a drizzle of honey.
For seasoning, mix salt, black pepper, 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1/2 teaspoon of paprika. This adds depth to the flavorful fish recipes.
Optional Flavor Enhancers
For more flavor, add fresh herbs like dill, oregano, or rosemary. A splash of dry white wine or lemon zest can also add brightness and complexity to the garlic butter sauce.
“Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, high-quality protein, and a variety of vitamins and minerals.”
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the perfect baked fish recipes, you’ll need some basic kitchen tools. First, grab a baking sheet or a large oven-safe dish for your salmon fillet. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
You’ll also need a small mixing bowl for the garlic butter sauce. This sauce will baste your salmon. To spread the garlic butter, use a pastry brush or a spoon.
An instant-read thermometer is key to check if your salmon is cooked right. You’ll also need a microwave-safe bowl to melt the butter quickly. A zester or fine grater will help you add fresh lemon zest to the garlic butter.
With these tools, you’re ready to make a delicious baked fish recipes that everyone will enjoy. Paying attention to detail and using the right equipment can make your salmon dish taste like it’s from a restaurant.
Preparing Your Salmon for Baking
Before diving into the tasty flavors of oven-baked salmon, you need to prepare the fish right. If your salmon is frozen, start by thawing it in the fridge overnight. This slow thaw keeps the salmon tender and flaky.
Proper Thawing Methods
To thaw frozen salmon, just put it in the fridge and let it thaw slowly. This method keeps the salmon moist and prevents it from getting dry or rubbery. Don’t thaw it in the microwave or at room temperature, as these can ruin the fish’s quality.
Cleaning and Patting Dry
After thawing, it’s time to get the salmon ready for baking. Rinse the fillets under cold water to remove bones or skin. Then, dry them with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps the garlic butter sauce stick better, making the salmon more flavorful.
By following these steps, your oven-baked salmon will be perfectly ready for a delicious meal.
Creating the Perfect Garlic Butter Sauce
The secret to a delicious garlic butter baked salmon is the garlic butter sauce. This sauce is simple yet irresistible. It perfectly complements the salmon’s natural richness.
To make the garlic butter sauce, start by melting 90g/6 tablespoons of butter in a microwave-safe bowl. After the butter melts, add minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a bit of honey. Mix until all the ingredients are well combined, creating a perfect blend of flavors.
This garlic butter sauce will be used to baste the salmon fillets while they bake. The butter adds a rich, velvety texture. It also helps keep the salmon at the right temperature, ensuring it cooks perfectly.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | 90g/6 tablespoons |
| Garlic, minced | To taste |
| Lemon Juice | To taste |
| Honey | To taste |
By basting the salmon with this delicious garlic butter sauce, you’ll add a mouthwatering mix of flavors to each bite. Get ready to enjoy the ultimate garlic butter salmon experience!
Step-by-Step Baking Instructions
Getting ready to bake a delicious salmon dish is simple. First, heat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, grease a baking sheet or dish to stop the salmon from sticking.
After that, brush the salmon with garlic butter sauce. Make sure it’s evenly coated. Then, sprinkle seasoning mix on top. This will add flavor and make the baked salmon recipe taste better.
Temperature and Timing Guidelines
Put the salmon in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. It should flake easily with a fork. For a crispy top, broil it for 5-10 minutes before it’s done.
Basting Techniques
- Halfway through, brush the salmon with garlic butter sauce. This keeps it moist and flavorful.
- Or, you can skip basting and let it bake without any interruptions.
Testing for Doneness
To check if your baked salmon recipe is done, use a food thermometer. Look for 125°F-130°F for medium, or 145°F for well-done.
By following these steps, you’ll make a tasty, perfectly cooked baked salmon. Your family and friends will love it.
Tips for Achieving Perfectly Flaky Salmon
To get perfectly flaky salmon, avoid overcooking it. Cook the fish until it flakes easily with a fork. It should also be moist and slightly translucent in the center. Let the salmon rest for about 5 minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to spread evenly throughout the fillet.
Another good tip is to use foil to make a “boat” around the salmon while baking. This keeps the fish moist and prevents it from drying out. Simply fold the foil up around the salmon, creating a shallow pan to catch any drippings.
- Cook the salmon until it flakes easily with a fork, but is slightly moist and translucent in the center.
- Allow the salmon to rest for 5 minutes after cooking, letting the juices redistribute.
- Use a sheet of foil to create a “boat” around the salmon during baking, keeping it moist and preventing it from drying out.
By following these simple tips, you can make sure your flaky salmon is perfect every time. It becomes a delightful and salmon cooking tips-worthy dish for your weeknight dinners.
Nutritional Benefits and Values
Salmon is a powerhouse of nutrients, making it a fantastic choice for healthy dinner ideas. This delectable garlic butter baked salmon dish not only tantalizes the taste buds but also provides an abundance of health benefits.
Health Benefits of Salmon
Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health, brain function, and overall well-being. It is also an excellent source of high-quality protein, helping to build and repair muscle tissue. Salmon is packed with important vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B12, vitamin D, selenium, and phosphorus.
Caloric and Macronutrient Breakdown
Per serving (approximately 6 oz), this mouthwatering garlic butter salmon recipe contains around 357 calories, 34g of protein, 22g of fat, and 4g of carbohydrates. It’s a nutritious and well-balanced meal that supports a healthy dinner option.
“Salmon is one of the healthiest protein sources you can include in your diet. It’s packed with essential nutrients and can be a game-changer for your overall health.”
Whether you’re looking to incorporate more healthy dinner ideas into your routine or simply want to enjoy the delicious flavors of garlic butter salmon, this recipe is a fantastic choice. Its exceptional salmon nutrition profile makes it a nutritious and satisfying meal that will leave you feeling nourished and energized.
Best Side Dish Pairings
Choosing the right side dishes can make your salmon dinner perfect. The right sides can bring out the flavors and textures of your salmon. You can pick from many options, from starchy sides to fresh veggies.
White or brown rice is a great choice to serve with your salmon. Roasted veggies like broccoli or asparagus add a nice crunch. For something creamy, try mashed potatoes or a cheesy potato gratin.
A fresh green salad or a cucumber-tomato-avocado salad can add a light touch. Adding a squeeze of lemon or a tangy dressing can also balance the flavors of the salmon.
When picking salmon side dishes, aim to enhance the fish’s natural taste. A little creativity can turn your salmon meal into a restaurant-quality dish at home.
Suggested Salmon Side Dish Ideas:
- Lemon-Dill Roasted Broccoli
- Garlic Parmesan Roasted Potatoes
- Creamy Mashed Cauliflower
- Balsamic Glazed Brussels Sprouts
- Spinach and Feta Stuffed Mushrooms
- Honey Roasted Rainbow Carrots
- Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad
“Pairing the right salmon side dishes can truly make the meal shine. Get creative with flavors and textures to complement the richness of the fish.”
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Properly storing and reheating leftover salmon keeps its taste and texture great. Follow these easy steps to enjoy your leftover salmon storage to the fullest.
Refrigerating Leftover Salmon
To store leftover salmon, put it in an airtight container in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and prevents it from drying out. You can store leftover salmon in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating Leftover Salmon
- Preheat your oven to 275°F.
- Place the leftover salmon in a baking dish and cover loosely with foil.
- Heat the salmon in the preheated oven for about 15 minutes, or until it’s warmed through.
- Avoid microwaving the salmon, as this can dry out the delicate fish.
You can also enjoy cold leftover salmon in salads, sandwiches, or as a snack. The flexibility of leftover salmon storage lets you enjoy it in many ways.
| Storage Method | Shelf Life |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (in an airtight container) | Up to 3 days |
| Freezer (in an airtight container or wrapped tightly) | 2-3 months |
By following these leftover salmon storage and reheating tips, your leftover salmon stays fresh and tasty. This way, you can enjoy it for a long time after the first meal.
Common Cooking Mistakes to Avoid
Preparing salmon cooking can be tricky. There are a few mistakes that home cooks should avoid. These errors can make a big difference in the taste and texture of your salmon.
One big mistake is overcooking the salmon. This makes it dry and tough. It also loses its natural flavors. To avoid this, keep an eye on the cooking time and use a meat thermometer. Make sure it reaches 145°F (63°C) inside.
Another mistake is using excessively high heat. This can burn the butter or fats in your recipe. It changes the taste and looks bad. Cooking at a moderate temperature is better for a nice-looking dish.
Not letting the salmon rest after cooking is another mistake. Letting it rest for a few minutes makes it more tender and flavorful. This step is important.
It’s also important to make sure the seasoning and butter are evenly distributed. If they’re not, some parts of the salmon might taste too salty or buttery. You want it to taste good all over.
When broiling the salmon, watch it closely. This prevents the top from burning. Adjust the oven rack and keep an eye on the time to avoid this mistake.
By avoiding these salmon cooking errors, you can make your salmon dishes much better. They will be more delicious and enjoyable to eat.
Conclusion
This easy salmon recipe is a great choice for dinner any night. It has a delicious garlic butter flavor and is simple to make. It’s perfect for impressing family and guests alike.
The mix of fresh salmon, garlic, and butter makes it taste amazing. It’s also packed with nutrients like omega-3s, protein, and minerals. This makes it a healthy and tasty option for any meal.
This garlic butter baked salmon is loved by many. It’s easy to make and always turns out well. It’s perfect for anyone looking for a healthy and delicious meal.
