Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - Zest of 1 lemon - Juice of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste - Thin lemon slices The main ingredients for this recipe are simple yet flavorful. Salmon fillets give a rich taste and healthy fats. Unsalted butter adds creaminess. Fresh garlic gives a nice kick. For flavor enhancers, lemon zest and juice bring a bright, zesty note. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness. Salt and pepper help to balance the flavors. If you want, you can add thin lemon slices as a garnish. They look great and add more lemony flavor. This mix of ingredients makes the dish both tasty and easy to prepare. {{ingredient_image_2}} 1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature helps cook the salmon perfectly. 2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy and keeps the fish from sticking. 1. In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. This takes just a few minutes. 2. Once melted, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté for 1-2 minutes. The garlic should smell good but not brown. 1. Place the 4 salmon fillets on the lined baking sheet, skin side down. This helps them cook evenly. 2. Brush the garlic butter mixture over the salmon. Make sure to cover each fillet well for the best flavor. 3. Bake the salmon in the oven for 12-15 minutes. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork. 4. Remove the salmon from the oven. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for color. 5. Serve right away, adding thin lemon slices for a bright touch. Enjoy your zesty meal! How do you achieve perfect salmon flakiness? To get that perfect flakiness, cook the salmon until it just flakes apart. The best way to check is to use a fork. Insert it gently into the thickest part of the fillet. If it breaks apart easily, it's done. Baking at 400°F helps reach this goal quickly. How do you avoid overcooking? Keep an eye on the time. Salmon typically needs 12-15 minutes in the oven. Every oven is different, so check a minute early. Salmon is best when it's moist and tender. If it looks dry, you may have cooked it too long. What additional herbs and spices can you use? You can add fresh dill or thyme for extra flavor. Both herbs pair well with salmon. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add a nice kick. Feel free to experiment to find your favorite flavor combo. How do you adjust lemon intensity? If you love lemon, add more zest or juice. You can also try using lemon pepper seasoning. For a milder taste, reduce the lemon juice. Always taste your butter mix before using it on the salmon. What are some good plating suggestions? Place the salmon on a white plate for a beautiful contrast. Serve it with steamed veggies like asparagus or broccoli. This adds color and nutrition to your meal. What garnishing ideas can you try? Thin lemon slices look lovely on top of the salmon. Fresh parsley adds a nice green touch. You could also sprinkle some additional herbs around the plate for a pop of color. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Opt for fresh salmon and garlic for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients elevate the dish and make it more vibrant. Perfectly Flaked Salmon: Check for doneness by gently flaking the salmon with a fork. It should separate easily and appear opaque in the center. Customize the Garlic Butter: Feel free to add herbs like dill or thyme to the garlic butter for an extra layer of flavor. Rest Before Serving: Let the salmon sit for a couple of minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier fillet. {{image_4}} You can switch up the fish to match your taste. Here are some ideas: - Using different fish varieties: Try trout or halibut. These fish have a similar texture and absorb flavors well. If you want a leaner option, choose cod or tilapia. - Dairy-free butter options: If you need a dairy-free version, use coconut oil or a plant-based butter. These options still give a rich flavor without the dairy. You can explore new tastes by changing the flavors. Here’s how: - Asian-inspired garlic butter: Add soy sauce and ginger to the butter. This twist gives your salmon a savory Asian flair. You can also add sesame oil for richness. - Mediterranean additions: Mix in some olives or sun-dried tomatoes with the garlic butter. This will give the dish a fresh, bright flavor. Try adding oregano or thyme for an herby boost. You can cook salmon using different methods to change the texture and flavor. Here are two popular ways: - Grilling vs. baking: Grilling gives a smoky flavor and crispy skin. Brush the salmon with garlic butter and grill for about 6-8 minutes per side. Baking is easier and keeps the fish moist. Stick to the oven method if you prefer simple cooking. - Pan-searing instructions: For a crispy outside, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil, then place the salmon skin-side down. Cook for about 5-6 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. This method gives you a nice crust while keeping the inside tender. To store leftovers, place the salmon in an airtight container. Make sure the container is sealed well. This keeps the salmon fresh and flavorful. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. For best taste, eat it sooner rather than later. You can freeze cooked salmon if you want to save it for later. Wrap each salmon fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped fillets in a freezer bag. Label the bag with the date. You can freeze salmon for up to three months. When you are ready to eat, thaw the salmon overnight in the fridge. This helps keep its texture nice. When reheating, avoid drying out the salmon. The best way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 15 minutes. You can also use a microwave, but be careful. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check often to prevent overcooking. Enjoy your lemon garlic butter salmon just like it was fresh! Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). The fish should easily flake with a fork when done. Thicker fillets may take longer, so check them closely. Always aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe eating. This method ensures juicy salmon with a slight crisp on top. Yes, you can use other fish. Good alternatives include trout, sea bass, or cod. These fish have similar textures and flavors. They also pair well with the lemon garlic butter. Just adjust the baking time based on the thickness of the fillets. Make sure to monitor closely to avoid overcooking. Great sides include steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. You might enjoy asparagus, broccoli, or green beans for color and nutrition. For a heartier meal, serve with quinoa or couscous. You can also add garlic bread for a fun twist. Each side enhances the salmon's bright flavors and creates a balanced plate. In this post, you learned how to prepare delicious lemon garlic butter salmon. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking instructions, and helpful tips. You now know how to enhance flavor and present your dish beautifully. Remember, you can swap ingredients for variety or adjust cooking methods to suit your tastes. With proper storage and reheating, your leftovers can remain tasty. Enjoy making this dish and impressing everyone at your table!$

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

A delicious and easy-to-make salmon dish with a flavorful garlic butter sauce and fresh lemon.

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Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (approximately 6 ounces each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 lemon zest
1 lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
as needed thin lemon slices for garnish

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it reaches the right temperature for baking.
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to facilitate easy cleanup and prevent the salmon from sticking.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter until it becomes fully liquid.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, cooking just until the garlic becomes fragrant but is not allowed to brown.
Next, stir in the lemon zest and fresh lemon juice, then season the mixture with a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper. Remove the saucepan from heat.
Arrange the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are positioned skin side down for optimal cooking.
Generously brush each salmon fillet with the aromatic garlic butter mixture, making sure to coat them evenly for maximum flavor.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes apart when tested with a fork.
Once the salmon is cooked to perfection, take it out of the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top to add a delightful burst of color and freshness.
Serve the salmon immediately, garnished with thin lemon slices for a bright and cheerful presentation.

Notes

For an elegant touch, plate the salmon fillets alongside a serving of steamed vegetables and a lemon wedge, enhancing both the visuals and the flavors.

Keyword butter, garlic, lemon, salmon, seafood