Description

This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is a simple yet flavorful dish that delivers tender, flaky salmon infused with a rich, buttery garlic sauce. The combination of fresh herbs, lemon juice, and garlic enhances the natural flavors of the salmon, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Baking the salmon ensures it stays moist and absorbs all the delicious flavors, resulting in a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your home.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
Salt and black pepper to taste
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon olive oil (optional, for extra moisture)
½ teaspoon paprika (optional, for color and added flavor)
Fresh lemon slices (for garnish)
Extra chopped herbs (parsley and dill) for garnish

Instructions

1. Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:

In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, softened butter, chopped parsley, and chopped dill.
Season with a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.

2. Preheat and Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.

3. Season the Salmon:

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.
Place them on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down.
Sprinkle salt, black pepper, and paprika evenly over the fillets.
Drizzle freshly squeezed lemon juice over each piece.

4. Add the Garlic Butter:

Spread a generous amount of the prepared garlic butter mixture over each fillet.
Optionally, place thin lemon slices on top of the salmon for added flavor.

5. Bake the Salmon:

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
For a slightly crispy top, broil on high for the last 2 minutes.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a minute.
Garnish with extra fresh herbs and serve with a side of roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Cooking time varies based on the thickness of your salmon. A general rule is to bake for 4-6 minutes per half-inch thickness.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Nutrition

Calories: ~320 kcal
Sodium: ~320mg
Fat: ~18g
Saturated Fat: ~6g
Carbohydrates: ~2g
Fiber: ~0.5g
Protein: ~34g
Cholesterol: ~85mg