Garlic Herb Butter Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste - Lemon slices for garnish To make garlic herb butter salmon, you need fresh ingredients. The salmon fillets are the star. Choose fillets that are firm and bright in color. Next, you will need unsalted butter. This butter adds richness and helps the flavors shine. Garlic is a must for this recipe. It gives a bold taste that pairs well with salmon. Fresh herbs bring a lovely touch. Parsley and dill add bright notes. Don't forget the lemon juice. It adds acidity and freshness to the dish. Finally, use salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Lemon slices work great as a garnish. They make the dish look pretty and add extra zing. Gather all these items before cooking. This way, you will have everything ready to go. It makes the cooking process smooth and enjoyable. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). - Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it. Getting your oven ready is key. The right temperature helps the salmon cook evenly. Lining the sheet makes cleanup easy too. - Combine 2 tablespoons of softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, dill, and lemon juice in a small bowl. - Add a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined. This garlic herb butter is the heart of the dish. The garlic gives it a strong flavor. Fresh herbs add a bright taste. Lemon juice brings a lovely zing that pairs well with salmon. - Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. - Season the top of each fillet with salt and pepper. - Spoon the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over each fillet. Make sure to cover them generously. - Dot the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter around the salmon. - Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done. Assembling is quick and simple. Make sure each fillet gets enough herb butter for flavor. The extra butter keeps the salmon moist while baking. After baking, let the salmon rest for a few minutes, then serve with lemon slices for a fresh touch. To make sure your salmon is just right, check for doneness. The fish should flake easily with a fork. If the flesh is bright and the texture is firm, it’s ready. Overcooking can dry it out quickly. Aim for a cooking time of 12-15 minutes at 400°F. If you see white albumin on the surface, it means the fish is cooking too fast. Lower the heat next time. You can switch up the herbs for new tastes. Try using thyme or basil instead of dill or parsley. If you like a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For more zest, mix in some lemon zest or capers. These small changes can make a big difference in flavor. To make a great meal, pair your salmon with tasty sides. Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli complement the dish well. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a nice crunch. Quinoa or rice can also soak up the buttery sauce. These sides balance the rich flavors of the salmon and create a lovely plate. Pro Tips Fresh Herbs Matter: Using fresh herbs instead of dried can significantly enhance the flavor of your garlic herb butter salmon. Check for Doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork; avoid overcooking to keep it moist and tender. Customize Your Flavors: Feel free to experiment with different herbs or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Let It Rest: Allowing the salmon to rest for a few minutes after baking helps redistribute the juices for a juicier result. {{image_2}} You can cook garlic herb butter salmon in different ways. Grilling gives it a smoky flavor. To grill, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the salmon directly on the grill grates. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Make sure to keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Baking is also great and very easy. Just follow the steps in the recipe. It keeps the fish moist and tender. Both methods work well, so pick the one you like. For pan-searing, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a bit of oil, then place the salmon skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. This method gives you a nice crispy skin. You don’t have to stick to salmon. You can use other fish like trout, halibut, or even tilapia. Each type brings its own taste and texture to the dish. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish. If you need a dairy-free option, swap the butter for a plant-based alternative. Look for brands that taste good and melt well. Coconut oil is another choice. It adds a hint of sweetness, but be careful; it can be strong. Don’t be afraid to get creative with herbs and spices. Try using tarragon, chives, or even basil for a fresh twist. Each herb gives a new flavor, making the dish unique. You can also add citrus variations. Try lime or orange juice instead of lemon. This will brighten the dish and add zest. You can even add lemon zest for extra flavor. Experiment and find what you love most! To store leftovers, place the salmon in an airtight container. You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. This keeps the salmon fresh and prevents it from drying out. The shelf life in the fridge is about 2-3 days. Be sure to eat it within this time for the best taste. For freezing salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped fillets in a freezer bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. This helps prevent freezer burn. When you want to reheat frozen salmon, the best method is to thaw it in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, you can also place the sealed bag in cold water for about an hour. To enhance reheated salmon, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This brightens the flavor and adds freshness. You can also melt a little garlic herb butter on top before serving. This adds moisture and richness back to the dish. You can tell when the salmon is done by checking for a few signs: - The salmon should change from a bright pink to a light pink color. - It should flake easily with a fork. - An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) shows it is fully cooked. When you see these signs, your salmon is ready to enjoy! Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Here are the best ways to thaw it: - Place the frozen salmon in the fridge overnight. - If you need it faster, seal the salmon in a plastic bag. Then, put it in cold water for about an hour. Do not use hot water. This can cook the fish unevenly. Many sides pair well with garlic herb butter salmon. Here are some popular choices: - Steamed asparagus or green beans. - A light salad with lemon vinaigrette. - Creamy mashed potatoes or roasted potatoes. - Quinoa or rice to soak up the delicious sauce. These sides will make your meal even more tasty! Yes, garlic herb butter salmon has many nutritional benefits. Here are some key points: - Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. - Garlic boosts your immune system and adds flavor without extra calories. - Fresh herbs like parsley and dill provide vitamins and minerals. - This dish is a great source of protein. Enjoying garlic herb butter salmon is both tasty and healthy! This article covered how to make garlic herb butter salmon, step by step. We talked about ingredients, preparation, cooking tips, and serving ideas. Salmon is tasty and easy to cook, with many variations. You can grill, bake, or even use different fish. Storing leftovers is simple, and reheating brings back flavor. I hope you feel ready to try this meal. Cooking can be fun and rewarding. Enjoy your delicious salmon dish!$

Garlic Herb Butter Salmon

A delicious salmon dish topped with a flavorful garlic herb butter.

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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
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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 or lightly grease it.
In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of softened butter, minced garlic, parsley, dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Season the top of each fillet with salt and pepper.
Spoon the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, making sure to cover them generously.
Dot the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter around the salmon on the baking sheet.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
Once out of the oven, let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh lemon slices and an additional sprinkle of herbs if desired.

Notes

Serve with lemon slices for added flavor.

Keyword butter, garlic, herbs, salmon