This baked garlic butter salmon recipe is a quick and simple dish perfect for weeknight dinners. Featuring fresh salmon fillets coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon, it’s both delicious and healthy.
Using a sheet pan and foil packet method, this recipe ensures the salmon stays moist and flaky while cooking. The combination of garlic, butter, and herbs creates a flavorful seasoning that elevates this seafood dish.
Overview of Baked Garlic Butter Salmon
Baked garlic butter salmon is a delightful dish that combines the rich flavors of garlic and butter with the freshness of salmon. This recipe is not only easy to prepare but also makes for a healthy weeknight dinner option.
The salmon fillets are coated in a luscious garlic butter sauce, enhanced with a hint of lemon juice and a touch of honey. This combination results in a moist and flaky texture that is sure to please any seafood lover.
Using a sheet pan and foil packet method, the salmon cooks evenly, ensuring that each bite is tender and juicy. The addition of fresh parsley and lemon wedges elevates the presentation, making it a perfect meal for family gatherings or casual dinners at home.
Ingredients for a Flavorful Dish
To create this delicious baked salmon, gather the following ingredients: skin-on salmon fillets, unsalted butter, minced garlic, honey, lemon juice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, and olive oil.
The use of fresh herbs like parsley adds a vibrant touch, while the combination of spices enhances the overall flavor profile. The rich sauce, made from melted butter and garlic, coats the salmon perfectly, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can prepare a dish that is both satisfying and nutritious, making it an excellent choice for any meal.
Preparation Steps for Perfect Salmon
Start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for baking the salmon, allowing it to cook thoroughly while retaining its moisture.
Next, prepare a large piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet. This will serve as the cooking vessel for the salmon, trapping steam and ensuring a tender result.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, honey, lemon juice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. This sauce will infuse the salmon with a rich flavor as it bakes.
Cooking Techniques for Moist and Flaky Salmon
Place the salmon fillets on the foil and drizzle them with olive oil before pouring the garlic butter mixture over the top. Make sure each fillet is well coated for maximum flavor.
Seal the foil tightly to create a packet, which will help retain moisture while baking. Place the packet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
If you prefer a crispy top, carefully open the foil packet and switch the oven to broil for an additional 2-3 minutes. This step adds a delightful texture to the dish.
Serving Suggestions for a Beautiful Presentation
Once the salmon is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is juicy and flavorful.
Garnish the salmon with fresh parsley and serve it alongside lemon wedges for an added burst of freshness. The vibrant colors and inviting presentation make this dish a standout at any dinner table.
Pair the baked salmon with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal that is both healthy and satisfying.
Nutritional Benefits of Baked Salmon
This baked garlic butter salmon is not only delicious but also packed with nutritional benefits. Each serving provides a good source of protein, healthy fats, and essential nutrients.
Salmon is known for its omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health. The combination of garlic and lemon juice adds antioxidants, making this dish a wholesome choice for any family meal.
With only 350 calories per serving, this dish fits well into a balanced diet, allowing you to enjoy a rich flavor without compromising on health.
Quick and Flavorful Baked Salmon Recipe
This easy baked salmon recipe features skin-on fillets seasoned with garlic, butter, and lemon juice, then baked to perfection. The dish takes about 25 minutes from start to finish and serves 4 people, making it a perfect choice for family meals.
Ingredients
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Foil: Lay out a large piece of aluminum foil on a baking sheet.
- Mix the Sauce: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, honey, lemon juice, paprika, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
- Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the foil. Drizzle with olive oil and then pour the garlic butter mixture over the fillets, ensuring they are well coated.
- Seal the Foil: Fold the foil over the salmon to create a sealed packet, trapping the steam inside.
- Bake: Place the foil packet in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for Crispiness: For a crispy top, open the foil packet and switch the oven to broil. Broil for an additional 2-3 minutes.
- Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the oven, let it rest for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 350kcal
- Fat: 22g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
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