Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe – Easy, Flavorful & Tender with Simple Ingredients
There’s something special about sitting down to a home-cooked meal. The smell of food cooking fills the kitchen, making everyone feel welcome. A perfectly baked salmon can turn a simple dinner into a moment of togetherness.
This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe is easy to make and full of flavor. It’s perfect for any occasion, bringing joy to your family’s table.
Imagine the soft salmon, garlic, and butter coming together in a delicious dish. With just garlic, butter, and lemon, you can make a tasty seafood dinner. It’s great for both new and experienced cooks, making you feel proud of your meal.
Many families have enjoyed this flavorful baked salmon. It’s a great way to share a special meal with your loved ones.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
The garlic butter salmon recipe is a favorite for many. It’s loved by both beginners and experienced cooks. It’s easy to make and ready in about 30 minutes.
This dish is simple but packed with flavor. It uses garlic butter, fresh herbs, and salmon. The garlic butter adds a delicious aroma that pairs well with the salmon.
This recipe is also good for you. It’s full of protein and omega-3s, which are great for your heart. It’s perfect for any meal, whether it’s a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Why Choose Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is an easy salmon recipe that’s both convenient and tasty. It’s quick to make and full of flavors that make your meal better. The mix of butter and garlic with the salmon’s flaky texture makes for a satisfying dish with little effort.
This recipe is great for those looking for a healthy seafood option. Salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart and health. Adding garlic, which is also healthy, makes the dish both tasty and nutritious. It’s a great choice for a quick weeknight dinner.
Cooking time is 12 to 16 minutes, depending on the salmon’s thickness. The ideal internal temperature is 145ºF for perfectly cooked salmon. The whole process, including prep, takes about 35 minutes. Each serving of 1/4 pound has about 250 calories, making it a healthy choice for your diet.
This dish is also versatile. Garlic Butter Baked Salmon goes well with many sides and can be made in different ways. It’s perfect with crusty bread, baby potatoes, or a fresh salad. It will impress everyone at your table.
If you want more ideas, check out these easy recipes. They use simple ingredients to make delicious, healthy meals.
Simple Ingredients for Flavorful Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Making a tasty garlic butter baked salmon is all about using quality ingredients. The right items make the flavors pop and make cooking easy. You’ll need fresh salmon fillets, unsalted butter, minced garlic, and a bit of lemon juice. These ingredients mix to create a dish that tastes great and is good for you.
It’s important to know the difference between wild-caught and farmed salmon. This can change how the salmon tastes and its quality.
Essential Ingredients You Will Need
- Salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, typically 4 fillets totaling around 24 ounces)
- 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter or olive oil
- 3 cloves of minced garlic
- Juice from one lemon
These ingredients form a tasty base for your dish. Cooking at 425°F for 12-20 minutes makes the salmon tender.
Optional Ingredients for Customization
To make your dish even better, try adding optional ingredients. Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or thyme add a nice touch. Spices like paprika or Italian seasoning can add a special aroma. You can also roast vegetables like asparagus and fingerling potatoes with the salmon. This makes the dish look great and adds more nutrients.
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Salmon Fillets | 4 fillets (24 ounces total) | Choose fresh or frozen |
| Unsalted Butter | 3 tablespoons | For a rich flavor |
| Garlic | 3 cloves | Mince for maximum flavor |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon | Freshly squeezed preferred |
| Fresh Herbs | To taste | Customize to your liking |
| Optional Veggies | As desired | Asparagus or fingerling potatoes recommended |
With these essential and optional ingredients, you can create a delicious garlic butter baked salmon. It shows how fun and flexible cooking at home can be.
Preparation Steps for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Getting your salmon ready for baking is key to great flavor and cooking. Knowing how to prepare salmon makes it tender and tasty. Here are some tips to help you prep the salmon and make a tasty garlic butter sauce.
Prepping the Salmon
Start by thawing frozen salmon fillets in warm water for 30 minutes if they’re frozen. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better.
Season your fillets with salt and pepper to taste. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon for a bright flavor. You can also layer lemon slices on top for extra flavor.
Making the Homemade Garlic Butter Sauce
Making garlic butter sauce is easy. Mix ⅓ cup of unsalted butter with 5 cloves of minced garlic in a bowl. Microwave it for 30 seconds until the butter melts. Then, stir in ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice for a zesty touch.
Adding a teaspoon of honey can give it a sweet hint. This sauce makes your salmon taste richer and more aromatic. Drizzle it over the salmon before baking to infuse the flavors.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Unsalted Butter | ⅓ cup (about 5.3 tablespoons) |
| Garlic Cloves | 5 large cloves, minced |
| Fresh Lemon Juice | ¼ cup |
| Honey (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
Cooking Techniques for Perfectly Baked Salmon
Learning the right cooking techniques can make a big difference in your salmon dish. It can improve both the taste and texture. We’ll look at two methods to help you bake salmon perfectly. These methods focus on keeping the salmon moist and getting that crispy finish.
Using Aluminum Foil for Moisture
Baking salmon in foil is a great way to keep salmon moist and add flavor. The foil traps steam, keeping the fish tender and juicy. It prevents dryness.
To use foil well, wrap it tightly around the salmon. Make sure there are no gaps for the butter sauce to escape. This makes for a delicious meal with easy cleanup.
Broiling for Crispy Edges
After baking, use your oven’s broiler for a few minutes to get crispy oven-baked salmon. Broiling gives the salmon a caramelized surface. This boosts its flavor and keeps the inside tender.
Watch closely during broiling to avoid overcooking. Aim for 1-3 minutes after baking. This adds a nice crunch to the outside while keeping the inside moist.
| Cooking Method | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Baking in Foil |
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| Broiling |
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Using these techniques together can make a fantastic salmon dish. For more ideas on cooking chicken, check out this link.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
When you serve garlic butter salmon, you want to make the meal even better. Choose delicious side dishes and the perfect wine pairings. The right dishes can make your meal special and match the salmon’s flavors.
Delicious Side Dishes
Side dishes for salmon can really make your meal better. Here are some tasty options:
- Roasted Asparagus: Drizzled with olive oil and sprinkled with salt.
- Green Beans: Sautéed with garlic for added flavor.
- Flavored Rice: A bed of lemon or herb-infused rice.
- Mashed Potatoes: Creamy, buttery mashed potatoes take the dish to a new level.
These sides make your plate balanced and enhance your garlic butter salmon experience.
Pairs Well with Wine
The right wine can change your dining experience. For garlic butter baked salmon, try these wine pairings:
- Pinot Gris: Its crispness complements the richness of the salmon.
- Moscato: A sweet option that contrasts beautifully with the savory flavors.
Chilled wine refreshes your palate and makes the meal memorable. Enjoy the best wine for garlic butter salmon with your favorite sides for a great dining experience.
Variations of the Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe
Trying different versions of the garlic butter baked salmon recipe can make your meals more exciting. You can add various vegetables and create sweet and savory salmon dishes. These changes bring new flavors and boost the dish’s nutritional value.
Incorporating Vegetables
Adding vegetables to your garlic butter salmon makes it tastier and healthier. Try using a mix of:
- Broccoli florets
- Bell peppers
- Zucchini
- Cauliflower florets
These vegetable variations not only make your dish look good but also add fiber and vitamins. Just toss your chosen veggies in the garlic butter sauce with the salmon for a tasty one-pan meal.
Sweet and Savory Twists
To make sweet savory salmon variations, add honey or maple syrup to your garlic butter sauce. This adds a sweet touch that contrasts well with the savory garlic. A honey garlic salmon recipe is easy to make and will wow everyone. The honey’s sweetness pairs well with the salmon’s richness, appealing to all ages.
Health Benefits of Salmon and Garlic
Adding salmon and garlic to your meals boosts your health. These ingredients add flavor and increase the nutritional value of your food. They also bring many health benefits.
Nutritional Value of Salmon
Salmon is full of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamins. These omega-3s reduce inflammation and lower blood pressure. They also lower disease risks.
A 3-ounce cooked salmon has about 22 grams of protein. This is great for muscle repair and growth. Salmon also has potassium and selenium for bone and thyroid health.
The FDA says to cook fish like salmon to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. Eating salmon 2-3 times a week is good for your health. Learn more about salmon’s health benefits.
Healthy Properties of Garlic
Garlic is full of health benefits. It has anti-inflammatory properties that help the heart and immune system. Allicin in garlic lowers blood pressure and cholesterol.
Salmon and garlic together improve heart health and nutrient absorption. Garlic is key in a healthy diet, making meals tasty and beneficial.
Making Garlic Butter Roasted Salmon with Potatoes and Asparagus
Making a tasty meal is easy with garlic butter roasted salmon, potatoes, and asparagus on one sheet pan. This method simplifies cooking and boosts flavors by roasting everything together.
First, heat your oven to 425 degrees F. Then, get the following ingredients ready:
- 1 pound of asparagus, ends trimmed
- 2 pounds of baby red or gold potatoes, quartered
- 3 tablespoons of olive oil
- 2 tablespoons of melted butter
- 2 tablespoons of honey
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 pounds of salmon filets
- 2 tablespoons of minced garlic
- 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of dried parsley
The prep time is about 15 minutes, and cooking takes around 25 minutes. Start by tossing potatoes in 2 tablespoons of olive oil and seasoning with salt and pepper. Place them on half of a parchment-lined baking sheet. Roast the potatoes for 10 minutes before adding the asparagus and salmon.
To make the garlic butter mix, combine melted butter, garlic, honey, mustard, and lemon juice in a bowl. Drizzle it over the salmon, then season with parsley. Place the salmon and asparagus on the baking sheet after the potatoes have roasted for 10 minutes.
Put the sheet pan back in the oven and roast for another 15 minutes. Make sure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F. This way, you get a complete meal of garlic butter roasted salmon with potatoes and asparagus, all ready at once.
This dish feeds 4 people and takes about 50 minutes to prepare and cook. Each serving has about 571 calories and is packed with nutrients. If you want a simple yet flavorful meal, try this garlic butter roasted salmon with potatoes and asparagus. For more details on making the perfect salmon dish, check out this resource.
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 571 |
| Protein | 41 g |
| Carbohydrates | 54 g |
| Total Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 94 mg |
| Sodium | 114 mg |
| Potassium | 2043 mg |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugars | 13 g |
| Vitamin A | 943 IU |
| Vitamin C | 51 mg |
| Calcium | 86 mg |
| Iron | 6 mg |
Tips for Storing Leftover Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Storing leftover garlic butter baked salmon right keeps it tasty and fresh. You can enjoy it soon or save it for later. Just follow some key steps to keep it great.
Refrigeration Tips
Use airtight containers to store leftover salmon in the fridge. This keeps air out and prevents spoilage. Try to eat it within 3 to 4 days for the best flavor and texture. Here are some fridge tips:
- Let the salmon cool down before putting it in a sealed container.
- Put it in the coldest part of the fridge.
- Write the date on the container so you can track it.
Freezing for Future Meals
Freezing is a great way to keep salmon for longer. It keeps the salmon’s taste and texture good for meal prep. Here’s how to freeze it right:
- Wrap each piece in plastic wrap to prevent freezer burn.
- Put the wrapped salmon in a freezer-safe container or bag.
- Mark the container with the date for up to 2 months of freshness.
To thaw frozen salmon, put it in the fridge overnight. Or thaw it quickly in cold water. Your leftovers will taste as fresh as when you first made them!
| Storage Method | Time Frame |
|---|---|
| Refrigerator (airtight container) | 3-4 days |
| Freezer (wrapped & airtight) | Up to 2 months |
Cooking Time and Temperature for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
The perfect salmon cooking temperature is 400°F. You’ll need to watch the baking time for salmon, which is 12 to 16 minutes. This time changes based on the salmon’s thickness. Aim for a 1-inch thickness for the best results.
To make sure your salmon is safe and cooked right, check its internal temperature. It should be 145°F. This makes the fish flaky and ready to eat. Thicker fillets take longer, while thinner ones cook faster.
Remember, use a half sheet pan lined with parchment paper for easy clean-up. Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to keep it moist. If you like garlic butter baked salmon, try sides like butter rice or roasted veggie and quinoa salad. For more tasty recipes, check out cooking with ground chicken here.
Conclusion
Summing up, the garlic butter salmon recipe is easy, tasty, and good for you. It combines fresh salmon with a yummy garlic butter sauce. This makes a great meal at home.
It only takes 15-20 minutes to prepare and cooks best at 400 degrees Fahrenheit. You’ll get salmon that’s moist and flaky, perfect for impressing others.
Salmon is also great for your health, packed with omega-3s and B vitamins. Many people love this recipe, as shown in 110 comments with tips and variations.
You can also add your own twist with different sides and seasonings. For example, you can add red pepper flakes for extra heat. So, why not try making garlic butter salmon? It’s a fun way to improve your cooking and enjoy a tasty meal.
If you’re looking for another tasty dish, check out this guide for an amazing chicken recipe!
