Garlic Butter Salmon
- Tender salmon fillets brushed with a savory garlic butter sauce and baked to perfection.
- This quick yet elegant dish delivers restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
- Ready in under 30 minutes for an impressive weeknight dinner or special occasion.
- Prep Time: 10
- Cook Time: 15
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), preferably skin-on
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
- 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add optional ingredients like lemon zest, Dijon, or honey if using.
- Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each salmon fillet, ensuring complete coverage.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork but still maintains a slightly translucent center.
- Optional: For a golden top, broil for the final 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For best results, bring salmon to room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking.
- The ideal internal temperature for medium-cooked salmon is 125-130°F (52-54°C).
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Reheating tip: Warm gently in a 275°F oven until just heated through to maintain moisture.
- Nutrition facts are estimates and may vary based on ingredients used, portion sizes, and preparation methods.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 307
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 345
- Fat: 22
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 29
- Cholesterol: 94
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