Upgrade your weeknight dinners with this easy garlic butter salmon!
Perfectly baked, flaky salmon fillets are drenched in a luscious garlic butter sauce. The moment I took my first bite, I knew I had stumbled upon a culinary masterpiece.
Finally, there’s a super simple, no-fuss way to cook salmon. Trust me, with this method, you’ll nail it every time.
There’s just a few minutes of prep, and the oven does the rest!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Salmon
Quick & Easy: In 30 minutes or less, you can turn simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. It’s the ideal weeknight dinner!
Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with a wide range of sides. From simple salads to roasted potatoes, the meal combinations are endless.
Bright, Rich Flavor: The butter, garlic, and lemon juice infuse the salmon with a rich, citrusy gourmet flavor.
Leftover Potential: Leftover salmon can be easily repurposed into delicious salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, and more!
Ingredients
- Salmon Filets: Fresh or frozen works. Just be sure to fully thaw frozen salmon first.
- Butter: Because everything is better with butter! It infuses the salmon with a rich, luxurious flavor.
- Garlic: It adds a robust, aromatic flavor that complements the salmon and elevates the overall taste.
- Lemon Juice: The acidity cuts through all the richness, enhancing the flavor of the salmon.
- Salt and Pepper: No seafood dish would be complete without them! They’re essential for proper seasoning, bringing out the best in each ingredient.
- Fresh Parsley: It adds a fresh, herbaceous note to complement all that rich goodness.
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon
I always thought cooking salmon properly was hard. Then I tried this garlic butter salmon recipe, and WOW, it’s so easy.
1. Prep. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Stir. Stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Place & spoon. Place the salmon filets on a baking sheet. Spoon the garlic butter marinade over each filet.
4. Bake. Bake the salmon filets for about 20 minutes.
5. Garnish. Sprinkle fresh parsley over the salmon filets.
6. Serve. Serve and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Salmon
Follow these tips to ensure your salmon turns out perfect.
- Get it nice and dry. Before marinating the salmon, pat the filets dry with paper towels. Removing extra moisture helps the marinade adhere and the fish to cook properly.
- Maximize the marinating. For maximum flavor, let the salmon marinate for 15 to 30 minutes before baking.
- Don’t overcook! Salmon can easily become dry and tough if overcooked. Check for doneness after 15 minutes of baking. Once the fish flakes easily with a fork, it’s ready.
- Make it nice and crispy. For a crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Aim for similar sizes. Depending on the thickness, each filet may need more or less time. So choose similar-sized filets to avoid over or under cooking.
- Spice it up. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.
- Switch to the stovetop. You can cook this dish entirely on the stove. Simply sear the salmon in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes per side. Then, reduce the heat and add the marinade until cooked through.
- Flavor it up. Try using different herbs and spices in the marinade. Dill, rosemary, or paprika are some ideas. You can also garnish with cilantro instead of parsley.
How to Store
I’m a BIG salmon lover. So I often make extra garlic butter salmon to reuse later.
From rice bowls to wraps, there are so many delightful ways to enjoy it. The key is keeping it fresh and reheating before eating.
To Store: Place leftovers in an air-tight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. For best quality, consume within 1-2 days.
To Freeze: Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap. Place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
To Reheat: Gently warm the salmon in a preheated 275°F oven for about 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave on 50% power in 30-second intervals until warmed to your liking.
Garlic Butter Salmon
4
servings5
minutes20
minutes410
This one-pan baked garlic butter salmon is simple, quick, and delicious. It’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
4 salmon filets
1/2 cup butter, melted
4-5 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 lemon, juiced
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
- Arrange the salmon filets in a single layer on a baking pan or dish. Spoon the garlic butter marinade over the salmon filets, making sure each filet is evenly coated.
- Place the pan with the marinated salmon in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and easily flakes with a fork.
- Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven. Let the filets rest for 3 to 5 minutes. Transfer to serving plates and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve and enjoy!
Notes
- Let the salmon rest. After removing the salmon filets from the oven, let them rest for 3-5 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful fish.
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