Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon has become a staple in our home, and for good reason. It’s one of those recipes that manages to be both incredibly easy and incredibly impressive. Even on the busiest weeknights, I can throw this together with minimal effort, and yet it tastes like something you’d order at a fancy restaurant. The first time I made it, I was honestly surprised by how much flavor could be packed into such a simple dish. The aroma alone, as the garlic butter melts and infuses the salmon, is enough to make your mouth water. And the taste? Flaky, tender salmon with a rich, savory, garlicky buttery sauce that just melts in your mouth. My kids, who can sometimes be picky eaters, devour this without complaint, and my husband always asks for seconds. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser, and I’m excited to share this foolproof recipe with you so you can experience the same deliciousness and ease in your own kitchen.

Ingredients

• Salmon Fillets: (4 fillets, about 6 ounces each) – Choose skin-on or skinless depending on your preference. Skin-on salmon tends to be more forgiving and retains moisture better during baking, while skinless is easier to serve and eat for some. Look for fillets that are bright in color and firm to the touch, indicating freshness.
• Unsalted Butter: (½ cup, 1 stick) – Butter forms the rich base of our sauce. Unsalted is preferred so you can control the saltiness of the dish. It melts beautifully and carries all the flavors, creating a luscious coating for the salmon.
• Garlic: (4-5 cloves, minced) – Fresh garlic is crucial for that pungent, aromatic garlic butter flavor. Mincing it finely ensures it infuses the butter evenly and doesn’t burn during baking. Don’t skimp on the garlic; it’s the star of the sauce!
• Fresh Parsley: (¼ cup, chopped) – Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous counterpoint to the richness of the butter and garlic. It brightens the dish both in flavor and visually, adding a pop of green. Flat-leaf parsley (Italian parsley) is often preferred for its stronger flavor.
• Lemon Juice: (2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed) – Lemon juice provides acidity that cuts through the richness of the butter and enhances the flavor of the salmon. Freshly squeezed is always best for the brightest, most vibrant flavor. It also helps to tenderize the salmon slightly.
• Salt: (½ teaspoon, or to taste) – Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish and is essential for seasoning the salmon and the butter sauce. Start with ½ teaspoon and adjust to your preference.
• Black Pepper: (¼ teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste) – Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle warmth and spice to the dish. It complements the garlic and butter beautifully. Adjust the amount to your liking.
• Optional: Red Pepper Flakes: (¼ teaspoon, or a pinch) – For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the garlic butter sauce. This is entirely optional but adds a nice subtle kick that balances the richness.

Instructions

1. Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking salmon, ensuring it cooks through without drying out too quickly. While the oven is preheating, prepare a baking sheet. You can line it with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Parchment paper is generally preferred as it prevents sticking without reacting with the food, and it’s also more environmentally friendly than foil in some cases. If using foil, lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent the salmon from sticking.
2. Prepare the Salmon Fillets: While the oven is preheating, prepare your salmon fillets. If your salmon has skin on, you can choose to leave it on or remove it. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step because removing excess moisture helps the garlic butter sauce adhere better and allows the salmon to bake rather than steam, resulting in a nicer texture. Check for any pin bones and remove them with fish tweezers or clean pliers if necessary. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, spacing them evenly so they cook uniformly.
3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Now, it’s time to create the star of the show – the garlic butter sauce. In a small, microwave-safe bowl or a small saucepan, melt the butter. If microwaving, do it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until just melted. Be careful not to overheat it. If using a saucepan, melt the butter over low heat on the stovetop. Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the melted butter. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them now as well. Stir the garlic and red pepper flakes (if using) into the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute over low heat (or in the microwave for about 30 seconds). Be careful not to burn the garlic; you want it to become fragrant and slightly softened but not browned. Burnt garlic will taste bitter. Cooking the garlic in the butter releases its aromatic oils and infuses the butter with that wonderful garlic flavor.
4. Season and Flavor the Garlic Butter: Remove the garlic butter mixture from the heat (or microwave). Stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on your preference. The lemon juice should brighten the sauce, and the parsley should add a fresh, herbaceous note. This is your flavor bomb that will transform the salmon.
5. Pour the Garlic Butter Sauce Over the Salmon: Generously spoon the garlic butter sauce evenly over each salmon fillet, ensuring each piece is nicely coated. Don’t be shy with the sauce! The more sauce, the more flavorful and moist your salmon will be. Make sure to distribute the minced garlic and parsley evenly across all the fillets. If you have any leftover sauce in the bowl, drizzle it over the salmon as well.
6. Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet with the sauce-covered salmon in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets and your oven. Start checking for doneness at 12 minutes. Salmon is cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily when gently prodded with a fork. Avoid overbaking, as this will make the salmon dry. The internal temperature of cooked salmon should reach 145°F (63°C). If you have a meat thermometer, you can use it to check the temperature at the thickest part of a fillet.
7. Optional: Broil for Extra Color (Optional): If you want a slightly caramelized top and extra visual appeal, you can broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Turn your oven to broil (high heat) and keep a very close eye on the salmon. Broiling can quickly burn the surface, so watch it carefully. Broil just until the top edges of the salmon and the garlic butter sauce are lightly golden brown and bubbly. This step is optional but adds a nice touch of texture and color.
8. Rest and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked to perfection, remove it from the oven. Let it rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful salmon. Garnish with extra fresh parsley or lemon wedges if desired. Serve immediately while it’s hot and delicious. The garlic butter sauce will be wonderfully fragrant and flavorful, and the salmon will be flaky and moist.

Nutrition Facts

(Per serving, based on 4 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 Salmon Fillet (approx. 6 ounces cooked)
• Calories: Approximately 450-550 calories – Calories can vary depending on the fat content of the salmon and the exact amount of butter used. Salmon is naturally rich in calories due to its healthy fats, and the butter sauce adds to the calorie count, but it’s also a source of flavor and healthy fats.
• Protein: 35-40 grams – Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein, essential for muscle building, repair, and overall bodily functions. Protein also helps you feel full and satisfied after a meal.
• Fat: 30-40 grams – This includes both healthy monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats from the salmon and saturated fat from the butter. Salmon is particularly rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health, brain function, and reducing inflammation.
• Saturated Fat: 15-20 grams – Saturated fat comes primarily from the butter. While saturated fat should be consumed in moderation, it’s also part of a balanced diet. You can reduce saturated fat by using less butter or opting for a lighter butter alternative, but this will affect the flavor and richness of the sauce.
• Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 2-3 grams – Salmon is a powerhouse of Omega-3 fatty acids, specifically EPA and DHA. These essential fats are crucial for heart health, brain health, and reducing inflammation in the body. Regular consumption of Omega-3s is linked to numerous health benefits.

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes. For accurate nutritional information, use a nutrition calculator with specific brands and measurements.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes – This includes gathering your ingredients, mincing the garlic, chopping the parsley, juicing the lemon, and preparing the baking sheet and salmon fillets. The recipe is quick to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight meals.
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes – Baking time will vary slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets and your oven. The total time from start to finish is approximately 22-25 minutes, making it a fast and efficient meal to prepare.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

• Vegetables:
  • Roasted Asparagus: Asparagus roasted with olive oil, salt, and pepper is a classic and healthy side that complements salmon beautifully. The slight bitterness of asparagus balances the richness of the garlic butter.
  • Steamed Broccoli: Simple steamed broccoli or broccoli florets roasted with garlic and lemon provides a healthy dose of greens and a contrasting texture to the flaky salmon.
  • Green Beans: Sautéed or roasted green beans with garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice are another excellent vegetable pairing. You can also blanch and then quickly sauté them for a vibrant green color and crisp-tender texture.
  • Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Crispy roasted Brussels sprouts, perhaps with balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of parmesan cheese, offer a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that works well with salmon.
  • Garlic Roasted Potatoes: For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes with garlic and herbs are a fantastic option. They soak up the garlic butter sauce beautifully if served alongside the salmon.
  • Simple Salad: A fresh, crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon and garlic butter. Consider adding mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a lemon-herb vinaigrette.
• Grains & Starches:
  • Quinoa: Fluffy quinoa is a healthy and protein-rich grain that makes a great base for the salmon. It’s also excellent at soaking up the flavorful garlic butter sauce.
  • Rice: White rice, brown rice, or wild rice are all good choices. Consider serving with lemon rice for an extra citrusy touch that complements the salmon.
  • Couscous: Light and fluffy couscous, perhaps with herbs and lemon zest, is a quick and easy side dish that pairs well with the salmon.
  • Pasta: Linguine or angel hair pasta tossed with a little olive oil, garlic, and parsley can be served alongside the salmon. You can even drizzle some of the leftover garlic butter sauce from the salmon over the pasta.
• Bread:
  • Crusty Bread: Serve with slices of crusty bread or baguette to soak up every last drop of the delicious garlic butter sauce. Sourdough, ciabatta, or a simple French baguette would all be excellent choices.
  • Garlic Bread: For an extra garlicky experience, serve with homemade or store-bought garlic bread.
• Garnishes:
  • Fresh Lemon Wedges: Always serve with lemon wedges for squeezing over the salmon just before eating. The extra burst of fresh lemon juice brightens the flavors and enhances the overall dish.
  • Extra Fresh Parsley: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
  • Chives: Finely chopped chives can also be used as a garnish for a mild oniony flavor.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: If you like a bit of heat, sprinkle a few extra red pepper flakes over the finished dish.

Additional Tips for Perfect Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

1. Choose High-Quality Salmon: The quality of your salmon will significantly impact the final dish. Opt for fresh, wild-caught or sustainably raised salmon if possible. Look for fillets that are vibrant in color, firm to the touch, and have a fresh, clean smell. If using frozen salmon, thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Sheet: Give your salmon fillets space on the baking sheet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of baking, resulting in less crispy edges and uneven cooking. If necessary, use two baking sheets or bake in batches.
3. Adjust Garlic to Your Taste: The recipe calls for 4-5 cloves of garlic, but you can adjust this amount to your preference. If you love garlic, feel free to add more. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, use fewer cloves. You can also experiment with roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellower garlic taste.
4. Customize the Herbs: While parsley is classic, you can experiment with other fresh herbs like dill, chives, thyme, or oregano. A combination of herbs can also be delicious. Consider adding a tablespoon of chopped fresh dill for a different flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with salmon.
5. Add a Splash of White Wine: For an extra layer of flavor in the garlic butter sauce, you can add a tablespoon or two of dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, to the melted butter along with the garlic. The wine will add a subtle acidity and depth of flavor.
6. Marinate for Deeper Flavor (Optional): For even more intense flavor, you can marinate the salmon in the garlic butter sauce for 30 minutes to an hour before baking. This allows the flavors to penetrate the salmon fillets, resulting in a more flavorful and moist final dish.
7. Use a Meat Thermometer for Perfect Doneness: To ensure your salmon is perfectly cooked and not overdone, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of a fillet. Salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
8. Save Leftover Garlic Butter Sauce: Don’t discard any leftover garlic butter sauce on the baking sheet! It’s incredibly flavorful and can be drizzled over your side dishes, such as vegetables, rice, or pasta. You can also use it to flavor other dishes, like scrambled eggs or roasted chicken, the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

1. Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, you can definitely use frozen salmon for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw frozen salmon is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. If you need to thaw it quickly, you can place the sealed frozen salmon in a bowl of cold water for about 30-60 minutes, changing the water every 15-20 minutes. Ensure the salmon is fully thawed and patted dry before proceeding with the recipe.
2. Can I use skinless salmon fillets? Yes, you can use skinless salmon fillets. The recipe works well with both skin-on and skinless salmon. Skin-on salmon tends to be slightly more forgiving during baking and helps retain moisture, but skinless salmon is perfectly fine and some people prefer it for easier eating. If using skin-on salmon, you can choose to eat the skin or remove it after baking.
3. How do I know when the salmon is cooked through? Salmon is cooked through when it turns opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork. The flesh should no longer be translucent or raw-looking. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, which should reach 145°F (63°C). Avoid overbaking salmon, as it can become dry and tough. Start checking for doneness around 12 minutes of baking time and adjust based on the thickness of your fillets.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? While Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is best served fresh and hot, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook, simply prepare the salmon fillets and pour the pre-made sauce over them before baking. Cooking the salmon itself ahead of time is not recommended as it can dry out when reheated.
5. Can I grill the salmon instead of baking? Yes, you can definitely grill garlic butter salmon! Preheat your grill to medium heat. Prepare the garlic butter sauce as directed. Place the salmon fillets (skin-side down if using skin-on) on the grill grates. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the salmon. Grill for about 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily. Grilling will impart a smoky flavor to the salmon, which is a delicious variation.
6. What if I don’t have fresh parsley? If you don’t have fresh parsley, you can use dried parsley as a substitute, but fresh parsley is always preferred for its brighter flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for every tablespoon of fresh parsley called for in the recipe. You can also use other fresh herbs like dill, chives, or a mix of Italian herbs.
7. Can I add other vegetables to bake with the salmon? Yes, you can easily add vegetables to bake alongside the salmon on the same baking sheet. Vegetables that bake well with salmon include asparagus, broccoli florets, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and sliced zucchini. Toss the vegetables with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them around the salmon fillets on the baking sheet before baking. Adjust the baking time slightly if you add a large amount of vegetables, ensuring both the salmon and vegetables are cooked through.
8. How do I store leftover baked salmon? Store leftover baked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, you can gently warm it in the oven at 250°F (120°C) until heated through, or microwave it in short intervals to avoid drying it out. Leftover salmon can also be flaked and used in salads, pasta dishes, or fish cakes.

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