Garlic Butter Herb Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper, to taste The main ingredients in this recipe create a flavor that shines. Salmon is the star. It offers a rich taste and a good source of healthy fats. The unsalted butter adds creaminess. Garlic gives a bold and warm touch. Fresh parsley and dill bring brightness and freshness to the dish. Lemon juice and zest add a nice tang. They balance the richness of the butter and salmon well. Salt and pepper help bring out all these flavors. - Lemon slices - Fresh herb sprigs Using garnishes makes the dish look great and adds flavor. Lemon slices add a zesty touch. Fresh herb sprigs enhance the dish's fresh look. These simple additions create a beautiful plate that is perfect for any meal. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. - Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. - Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper. - In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. - Once melted, add 5 minced garlic cloves. - Sauté for 1-2 minutes until the garlic smells good. Do not let it burn. - Stir in 2 tablespoons of chopped parsley and dill. - Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice and the zest of 1 lemon. Mix well. - Place the seasoned salmon on the baking sheet. - Spoon the garlic herb butter over each fillet. Make sure they are well-coated. - Bake for 12-15 minutes. Check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork. - Once cooked, remove from the oven. Let it sit for a minute. - Transfer the salmon to a plate and drizzle with any leftover butter. - Garnish with lemon slices and fresh herbs. How do you tell when salmon is cooked? Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. You can also check the color. Cooked salmon turns from bright pink to a lighter color. The center should still be slightly moist but no longer raw. Use a meat thermometer for precision. The ideal internal temperature is 145°F (63°C). What are the best methods for seasoning salmon? Start with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavor. You can add garlic for depth and fresh herbs for brightness. Mix herbs like parsley and dill into melted butter. This adds a rich taste. You can also use lemon juice to brighten the dish. Always season both sides of the fillet. What are suggestions for additional herbs and spices? You can try basil, thyme, or tarragon for different flavors. Adding a pinch of paprika gives a nice kick. For a spicy touch, consider red pepper flakes. Fresh herbs work best, but dried herbs can work too. Just use less, as they are more concentrated. What are pairing ideas with side dishes? Garlic butter herb salmon pairs well with many sides. Try roasted vegetables, like asparagus or broccoli. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the dish nicely. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Mashed potatoes add creaminess and comfort. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Salmon: Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture. Look for vibrant color and firm texture when selecting your fish. Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it while baking. Remove it from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork to prevent dryness. Customize Herbs: Feel free to experiment with your favorite herbs. Thyme, basil, or even tarragon can add unique flavors to the garlic butter sauce. Serve with Sides: Pair the salmon with a light salad, steamed vegetables, or a grain like quinoa or rice for a complete meal that balances flavors and textures. {{image_2}} You can cook Garlic Butter Herb Salmon in different ways for new flavors. Grilling adds a smoky taste. Just preheat the grill and cook the salmon for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Brush the garlic butter mixture on the salmon before grilling for extra flavor. The fish will have nice grill marks and a crispy texture. Pan-searing is another great option. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add butter. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes. Then flip it over and cook for another 3-4 minutes. This method gives you a crispy skin and a soft inside. Both methods are quick and keep the salmon juicy. If you want to switch things up, try different types of fish. Trout, tilapia, or even swordfish work well. Each fish has a unique taste but pairs nicely with garlic and herbs. For a dairy-free version, swap the butter for olive oil or vegan butter. The garlic and herbs will still shine through, giving you a tasty dish. You won’t miss the dairy, and it will still be rich and flavorful. After you enjoy your garlic butter herb salmon, store the leftovers properly. First, let the salmon cool to room temperature. This helps prevent condensation. Then, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. You can also place them in an airtight container. This keeps the salmon fresh and tasty. I recommend using a glass or BPA-free plastic container. Both options keep the flavor intact. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat salmon, avoid drying it out. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep moisture. Cover it with foil to trap steam. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warm. You can also use a microwave. Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warmed through. Leftover salmon is versatile. Use it in salads or pasta dishes. Flake it into scrambled eggs for breakfast. You can also mix it into a creamy dip for a snack. The options are endless! How long does it take to bake salmon at 400°F? It takes about 12-15 minutes to bake salmon at 400°F. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done. I recommend checking around the 12-minute mark for perfect doneness. Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just make sure to thaw them first. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This will help the garlic butter mix well. What are the health benefits of eating salmon? Salmon is very healthy. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. Salmon also provides a lot of protein, vitamins, and minerals. Eating salmon can help improve brain function and lower inflammation. What’s the best type of salmon for baking? The best types of salmon for baking are Atlantic and King salmon. They are fatty and stay moist while cooking. You can also use Sockeye for a richer flavor. All types are tasty with garlic butter. How do I adjust cooking times for thicker fillets? For thicker fillets, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. A good rule is to bake for about 4-5 minutes per half-inch of thickness. Always check for doneness by testing if the fish flakes easily. This blog post guides you through making delicious garlic butter herb salmon. We covered key ingredients, from fresh salmon fillets to buttery garlic. I shared simple steps to prep, bake, and store your dish. Plus, I included tips for seasoning and alternative cooking methods. In conclusion, baking salmon is easy and rewarding. With the right ingredients and techniques, you can enjoy a tasty meal. Don't be afraid to try different flavors or cooking methods to make it your own. Enjoy your cooking journey!$

Garlic Butter Herb Salmon

A delicious salmon dish coated in garlic herb butter, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 zest lemon
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish lemon slices

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season them with salt and pepper on both sides.
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn.
Stir in the chopped parsley, dill, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing well to combine.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and spoon the garlic herb butter over each fillet, ensuring they're well-coated.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
Once done, remove from the oven and let it sit for a minute before transferring the salmon to a serving plate.
Drizzle any remaining garlic butter from the baking sheet over the salmon and garnish with lemon slices and fresh herb sprigs.

Notes

Serve with lemon slices for added flavor.

Keyword butter, garlic, herbs, quick meal, salmon