FISH AND SEAFOOD RECIPES

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

🌿 Overview

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is one of those timeless dishes that feels both comforting and luxurious. The recipe brings together the richness of salmon with the warmth of butter, the sharpness of garlic, and the brightness of lemon — creating a meal that’s balanced, healthy, and elegant enough for any occasion. It’s easy to make yet tastes like something from a fine restaurant.

This dish celebrates the natural flavor of the salmon itself, enhanced — not overpowered — by the sauce. The result: tender, flaky fish that melts in your mouth, with just the right hint of citrus and herbs.

🧂 Ingredients (Serves 2–3)

2 fresh salmon fillets (about 180–200 g each), skin on
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
3 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
Optional: a few thin slices of lemon for garnish

🔪 Preparation

Preheat the oven to 190°C (375°F). Line a baking tray with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Prepare the salmon: Pat the fillets dry with paper towels — this helps the butter sauce cling and ensures crisp edges. Place them skin-side down on the tray.
Make the garlic butter mixture: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir until the garlic is evenly distributed and the butter has a silky consistency.
Season and coat: Drizzle olive oil lightly over the salmon, then pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over each fillet. Use a spoon or brush to spread it around the top and sides. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to taste.
Bake the salmon: Transfer to the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. You’ll know it’s done when the fish flakes easily with a fork and turns a pale pink inside.
Garnish: Once baked, spoon some of the melted butter and juices from the tray back over the salmon. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and lay lemon slices on top for a vibrant finish.

🍽️ Serving Suggestions

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon pairs beautifully with both simple and fancy sides:

For a light meal: serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables.
For comfort food: pair with creamy mashed potatoes or buttered rice.
For elegance: try with roasted asparagus and a chilled glass of white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay).

You can also flake leftover salmon into salads, sandwiches, or pasta for an easy next-day meal — it tastes just as delicious cold.

💡 Tips & Variations

Honey Garlic Twist: Add a teaspoon of honey to the butter sauce for a gentle sweetness that caramelizes slightly as it bakes.
Herb Upgrade: Mix in dill, thyme, or chives with the parsley for deeper aroma.
Foil Packet Option: For cleaner presentation, wrap each fillet in its own foil parcel to trap steam — resulting in extra tender salmon.
Grill Alternative: The same garlic butter mix works perfectly for grilled salmon; just brush it on while cooking over medium heat.

❤️ Why It Works

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. The butter keeps the salmon moist, the garlic adds depth, and the lemon balances the richness. Every element complements the fish rather than hiding it. It’s an ideal first recipe for home cooks new to seafood — fast, forgiving, and always impressive.

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