If you’re craving a dish that’s both incredibly flavorful and surprisingly easy to make, this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. With tender, flaky salmon enveloped in rich garlic butter, bright notes of lemon, and a touch of honey to balance it all out, this recipe transforms a simple fillet into a succulent masterpiece. Whether you’re whipping it up for a weeknight dinner or impressing dinner guests, this recipe hits all the right notes for a meal you’ll want to make again and again.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential to creating that perfect harmony of flavors in the Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe. Each one plays a role in building layers of taste, texture, and brightness that make this dish stand out.
- Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, 6-ounce fillets with skin on for moisture and easy baking.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavor of the salmon.
- Unsalted butter, melted: The star of the sauce, giving richness and a luscious mouthfeel.
- Garlic, minced: Adds a robust and aromatic depth that pairs beautifully with butter.
- Fresh lemon juice: Bright acidity to cut through the richness and lift the entire dish.
- Lemon zest: Concentrated lemon flavor, offering a fragrant citrus burst.
- Honey: A touch of sweetness that balances garlic’s pungency and lemon’s tartness.
- Fresh parsley, chopped: Fresh herbaceous notes and a pop of vibrant green color.
- Lemon slices: Elegant garnish and another layer of citrus flavor.
- Dried thyme (optional): Adds an earthy, herbal nuance if you want a little extra complexity.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet
Start by warming your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lining the baking sheet with foil or parchment paper will not only make cleanup easier but also help the salmon cook evenly without sticking. This little step saves time and keeps everything neat.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Place each salmon fillet skin-side down on the baking sheet. Season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. The seasoning is simple but crucial—it enhances the natural flavors and creates a perfect base for the garlic butter sauce.
Step 3: Mix the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter with minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and chopped parsley. Stir thoroughly to meld these ingredients into a rich, aromatic sauce that will soak into the salmon as it bakes.
Step 4: Coat the Salmon
Pour the luscious garlic butter mixture evenly over every fillet, making sure each piece gets a generous coating. This step is key to infusing the salmon with all those wonderful flavors and keeping it moist during baking.
Step 5: Add Lemon Slices
Arrange thin lemon slices both on top of and around the salmon fillets. These slices release light citrus oils as they cook, keeping the dish fresh and adding an inviting visual touch.
Step 6: Sprinkle Thyme (Optional)
If you love a hint of earthy herb flavor, sprinkle a teaspoon of dried thyme over the fillets. It’s not essential, but it adds a subtle depth that complements the garlic and lemon beautifully.
Step 7: Bake!
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The exact time depends on the fillet thickness, so keep an eye on it—the salmon should be tender and juicy, not dry.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the salmon rest for a few minutes. This step allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite delectably moist and flavorful.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh parsley sprinkled on top adds a burst of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish that balances the buttery sauce. A few extra lemon wedges served on the side let everyone personalize their citrus kick.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp mixed greens salad. These sides keep the meal balanced and allow the salmon to truly shine.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving the salmon on a bed of fluffy quinoa or wild rice to soak up the garlic butter sauce. For a festive look, place lemon slices strategically around the plate and garnish with extra fresh herbs to impress guests without much effort.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping it chilled promptly ensures freshness and flavor retention.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer-safe container or bag. It should stay good for up to 2 months, but freezing is best for preserving texture rather than flavor here.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a low oven (around 275°F or 135°C) until just heated through. Avoid microwaving if possible to prevent drying out; slow reheating preserves that moist, flaky texture you love.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before baking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
Is it necessary to leave the skin on the salmon?
Keeping the skin on helps protect the fillet during baking and adds extra moisture, but if you prefer skinless, the recipe will still work beautifully.
Can I substitute honey with another sweetener?
Yes, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar as alternatives to honey. They’ll provide a similar sweetness and help balance the acidity.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The best indicator is when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the flesh looks opaque, not translucent. Overcooking can dry it out, so keep a close watch toward the end of baking.
Can I double this recipe for a larger crowd?
Definitely! Just make sure your baking sheet has enough space for the fillets to cook evenly and adjust baking time slightly if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe is the kind of dish that feels like a treat every time you make it—rich, flavorful, and effortlessly elegant. It’s an ideal recipe to keep handy for both casual family dinners and special occasions. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll fall in love with how easy it is to create something so delicious and satisfying.
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 10m
- Cook Time: 0h 20m
- Total Time: 0h 30m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and simple Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe that combines tender salmon fillets with a flavorful garlic butter sauce, fresh lemon, and herbs. Perfect for a quick, healthy dinner that’s both elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (optional)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Garnish
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup after baking.
- Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Season the fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance their natural flavor.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, honey, and chopped parsley. Stir thoroughly until the mixture is well blended and aromatic.
- Apply the Sauce: Evenly pour the garlic butter mixture over each salmon fillet, ensuring every piece is thoroughly coated with the flavorful sauce.
- Add Lemon Slices: Arrange the thin lemon slices on top of and around the salmon fillets to infuse the dish with citrus aroma and visual appeal.
- Optional Herb Addition: If desired, sprinkle dried thyme over the salmon for an additional layer of herbal flavor.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. Bake until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork; cooking time may vary depending on fillet thickness.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow flavors to settle before serving. This resting step enhances the juiciness and texture of the fish.
Notes
- Salmon cooking time may vary based on thickness; adjust accordingly to avoid overcooking.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the amount of minced garlic.
- If you prefer a sweeter glaze, add a little more honey to the garlic butter mixture.
- To make cleanup easier, use parchment paper instead of foil as it prevents sticking.
- The optional dried thyme adds an herbal note but can be omitted if preferred.
