Butter Garlic Salmon Recipe

Catch the sizzling aroma of butter melting into garlic as you prepare this delightful Butter Garlic Salmon. The tender fish glistens with flavor, promising a taste experience that dances on your palate. Imagine the rich buttery essence mingling with the subtle kick of garlic and a hint of lemon zest—it’s enough to make anyone weak at the knees.

Now, picture this dish gracing your table during a cozy family dinner or a spontaneous Friday night feast. It brings warmth and comfort, just like those rare family gatherings where laughter fills the air and everyone seems to forget their worries. The anticipation builds as you present this culinary gem, leaving everyone drooling in eager expectation.

I remember the first time I made Butter Garlic Salmon; my friends raved about it for weeks! They couldn’t believe something so delicious could come from my kitchen.

Essential Ingredients

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

• Salmon Fillets: Look for fresh fillets with vibrant color and avoid any that smell too fishy.
• Unsalted Butter: Use high-quality butter for a richer flavor; it makes all the difference in this recipe.
• Fresh Garlic: The fresher, the better! Choose firm cloves for maximum flavor potency.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; bottled versions just won’t cut it.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley not only adds color but also layers of freshness to your final dish.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance all other flavors; don’t skip these!

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

Let’s Make it together

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grab a baking dish and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup later.

Season Your Salmon: Generously season both sides of each salmon fillet with salt and pepper. This enhances their natural flavors beautifully.

Melt That Butter!: In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it’s bubbling slightly—this should take about two minutes.

Add Garlic Goodness: Stir in minced garlic into the melted butter, cooking until fragrant—about 30 seconds should do it! Keep an eye on this step; burnt garlic is less than charming.

Squeeze Some Zest: Remove the pan from heat and mix in freshly squeezed lemon juice. The tangy zest will brighten up your salmon!

Coat The Fillets: Place your seasoned salmon fillets into the baking dish. Drizzle that heavenly garlic-butter mixture evenly over each piece.

Bake To Perfection!: Slide your baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Garnish with chopped parsley right before serving to add color and freshness to your beautiful creation!

Cooking this Butter Garlic Salmon is like painting—each layer adds depth until you achieve a masterpiece on your plate! Enjoy every bite; you’ve earned it!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by heating your pan, melting the butter, and adding minced garlic before searing the salmon skin-side down. This sequence ensures that each ingredient complements the other deliciously.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out garlic for shallots or add lemon zest for a citrusy zing. A sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill can elevate your dish to restaurant levels.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to maintain moisture and flavor.

I remember the first time I made Butter Garlic Salmon; my family devoured it in minutes! Their compliments kept me grinning like a Cheshire cat all night long.

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon instead?

While fresh is best, thawed frozen salmon works too if handled properly.

What side dishes pair well with Butter Garlic Salmon?

Roasted vegetables or rice pilaf complement this dish beautifully.

How do I know when salmon is cooked?

Salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when perfectly cooked.

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Butter Garlic Salmon

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Butter Garlic Salmon is a quick and delectable dish that combines tender salmon with a rich garlic-butter sauce and a hint of lemon, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients

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

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
2. Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
3. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter until bubbling. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant (about 30 seconds).
4. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice.
5. Place salmon in the baking dish and drizzle the garlic-butter mixture over each fillet.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

• For added flavor, consider using shallots instead of garlic or adding lemon zest for extra brightness.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or rice pilaf for a complete meal.

• Author: Sophie
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Seafood

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 210mg
• Fat: 25g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 100mg