Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - Juice of 1 lemon - Zest of 1 lemon - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh dill - Lemon slices for garnish Gathering the right ingredients is key for this recipe. First, I use fresh salmon fillets for the best taste. They should weigh about six ounces each. For the rich flavor, I add unsalted butter. The butter brings a creamy texture and balances the dish. Next, minced garlic adds a punch. I usually use four cloves. The juice and zest of one lemon brighten the dish. They add freshness and a nice tang. Chopped fresh parsley gives a pop of color and flavor. I like to season with salt and pepper to enhance the taste. If you want to go the extra mile, you can use fresh dill. It adds a fragrant touch. Lemon slices are also great for garnish. They make the plate look beautiful and add a zesty aroma. When you have these ingredients ready, you're set for a flavorful meal. Each item plays a role in making the salmon shine. Let’s get cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the salmon evenly. 2. Melting the butter: In a skillet, heat 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Let it melt completely. 3. Sautéing the garlic: Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the melted butter. Cook for 1 minute until it smells great, but don’t let it burn. 1. Seasoning the salmon fillets: Take 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each. Place them skin-side down on a lined baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste. 2. Pouring the garlic butter mixture: Drizzle the garlic butter mix over the salmon. Make sure each fillet gets a good coat. 3. Baking time and checking doneness: Bake the salmon for 15-20 minutes. It should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork. Check it to be sure! To get the perfect flakiness in salmon, you want to cook it just right. The fish should be opaque and easily flake when you poke it with a fork. If you feel resistance, it needs more time. Use a fork gently to check. Overcooking salmon is a common mistake. Salmon cooks fast, so watch it closely. If you bake it for 15-20 minutes, check for doneness at the 15-minute mark. The thicker the fillet, the longer it may need. You can enhance the flavor of garlic butter lemon salmon with herbs and spices. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme add a nice touch. You can also try a sprinkle of paprika for a little kick. Adjusting garlic intensity can make a big difference too. If you love garlic, add an extra clove. If you want a milder taste, use less. The choice is yours! Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Salmon: To ensure your salmon is perfectly cooked, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption. Enhance Flavor with Marinade: For an extra flavor boost, marinate the salmon in the garlic butter and lemon mixture for 30 minutes before baking. Use Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh garlic and parsley for the best flavor. Dried herbs and garlic powder won't provide the same vibrant taste. Serve with Sides: Pair the salmon with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal that complements the rich flavors of the dish. {{image_2}} Want to change up the taste? You can add soy sauce for an Asian twist. This gives the salmon a nice umami flavor. Just mix soy sauce into the garlic butter mix before pouring it on the fish. Another option is to add honey. Honey brings a sweet touch that balances the garlic and lemon. Simply stir in one tablespoon of honey with the lemon juice. It really makes the dish pop! If you want a different fish, try using cod or trout. Both are mild and soak up flavors nicely. Just follow the same cooking steps, adjusting the time as needed. For a vegetarian option, you can use tofu. Firm tofu works best. Press it to remove excess water, then cut it into slices. Coat the tofu with the garlic butter mix and bake. This way, you can enjoy the same great flavors without the fish! After cooking, let the garlic butter lemon salmon cool. Place leftovers in an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to three days. When you're ready to eat, reheat gently. Use the oven or a skillet for best results. Heat until the salmon is warm, about 10 minutes at 350°F. Avoid using the microwave, as it can dry out the fish. To freeze garlic butter lemon salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This keeps the salmon fresh for up to three months. When you're ready to enjoy it, thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, place the sealed bag in cold water for about an hour. Always check that the salmon is fully thawed before cooking it again. You should bake salmon fillets at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes. The exact time depends on the thickness of the fillets. A thicker piece may need more time. Check for doneness by seeing if the salmon flakes easily with a fork. This step ensures you get juicy and tender salmon every time. Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets! Just make sure to thaw them first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water. After thawing, pat the fillets dry before seasoning. This step helps the garlic butter mixture stick better. Cooking time may be similar to fresh salmon, but check for doneness to be sure. Many sides go well with garlic butter lemon salmon. Here are a few tasty options: - Steamed asparagus - Roasted broccoli - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - Rice pilaf These sides add color and flavor to your meal. They also balance the rich taste of the salmon. Feel free to mix and match to find your favorite combinations! To sum up, this post covered how to cook garlic butter lemon salmon. We explored key ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. You learned how to enhance flavors and try new ingredients. With the right techniques, you can create a delicious meal every time. Remember to store leftovers properly and consider variations for exciting new flavors. Happy cooking!$

Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

A delicious and easy salmon recipe with garlic butter and lemon.

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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 ounces each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon Juice of
1 lemon Zest of
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
to taste Salt and pepper
for garnish Lemon slices
optional Fresh dill for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a medium-sized skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, then remove from heat.
Place the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet, skin-side down. Season them with salt and pepper.
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, ensuring each fillet is well-coated.
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Once done, remove from the oven and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for added flavor and color.
Garnish with lemon slices on the side and a sprinkle of fresh dill if desired.

Notes

Be careful not to burn the garlic while sautéing.

Keyword butter, easy recipe, garlic, lemon, salmon