Let me introduce you to my favorite Italian-inspired dish - Garlic Butter Baked Salmon. This simple yet delicious meal, perfect for both lunch and dinner, features tender salmon fillets coated in a rich garlic butter sauce. It pairs beautifully with a variety of sides, like rice or asparagus, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
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It's also quick to make! In just under 30 minutes, you can have a delicious, moist salmon on the table, bursting with flavor and just the right amount of crispiness. You're sure to add this dish to your list of seafood favorites.
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Ingredients Overview
For this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe, the ingredients are simple and easy to find in any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salmon Fillets: Kick things off with fresh salmon fillets, the heart of our dish. They provide lots of flavor and nutrients. Choose either skin-on for a little texture or skinless for a softer feel. Look for bright, glossy fillets with a clean, oceanic aroma to ensure the fish is at its peak.
- Garlic Butter Sauce: This key ingredient enhances the salmon by adding a rich, savory taste. It’s simple but makes a big difference.
- Lemon Slices: Add lemon slices to bring a light, citrusy touch to the meal. They help balance the richness of the garlic butter sauce.
- Asparagus: Asparagus is a great side that goes well with salmon, but you can also use other vegetables like potatoes or broccoli if you prefer.
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon at Home?
Let's make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon! Below are step-by-step instructions, photos, and a video to help you easily prepare this quick, delicious meal. We'll make the sauce, assemble the salmon and asparagus, and bake everything to perfection. Ready? Let's start!
Discover More Delicious Salmon Recipes:
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Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Enjoy the flaky, fork-tender goodness of Garlic Butter Baked Salmon, a beloved Italian dish. Made with fresh salmon fillets and a rich garlic butter sauce, this recipe is perfect for seafood lovers. Ideal for either lunch or dinner, it’s ready in under 30 minutes and pairs perfectly with vegetables for a flavorful, complete meal.
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Ingredients
- 3 Salmon Fillets
- ¼ cup Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1 bunch Asparagus
- 3 slice Lemon
Instructions
Making Garlic Butter Sauce
- For added convenience, check out my dedicated post on making Garlic Butter Sauce. This essential sauce is key to bringing out the rich, savory flavors in this delicious salmon dish.
Making Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Start by washing and trimming the asparagus. In a bowl, generously coat the asparagus spears with the delectable garlic butter sauce. Ensure an even distribution, allowing each spear to soak up the flavors. Set the coated asparagus aside on a plate.
- Place the salmon fillets on a foil-lined baking sheet that has been lightly greased with oil. Generously spread the garlic butter sauce over each fillet. Elevate the flavor profile by placing fresh lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets. This step adds a burst of citrusy brightness to complement the rich, buttery taste.
- Place the seasoned asparagus next to the salmon fillets on the baking sheet. This will allow everything to cook evenly and create a flavorful combination in one convenient space.
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place the baking sheet inside and bake the salmon and asparagus for about 10 to 12 minutes. This will make the salmon perfectly cooked, flaky, and infused with tasty garlic butter goodness. The asparagus will remain nice and crunchy.
- When the timer beeps, carefully remove the baking sheet. Check that the salmon is flaky and the asparagus is a vibrant green. Now, they’re all set to be enjoyed and savored.
Serving
- Enjoy this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon as a standalone delight or pair it with your favorite sides for a satisfying meal. For more pairing ideas, check out the serving suggestions section below.
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Recipe Video
Chef's Notes and Tips
Explore my top tips to perfect Garlic Butter Baked Salmon and make it your own:
- Marinating Time: Optionally, letting the salmon marinate in the garlic butter sauce for 15-30 minutes before baking allows the flavors to deeply penetrate the fish, enhancing every bite.
- Baking Temperature: Salmon cooks quickly, which is great for a quick dinner. I usually bake it at 350°F for 10-12 minutes. If you’re in a rush, turning up the heat to 400°F can reduce the cooking time to about 8-10 minutes.
- Broiling: For an extra crispy top, try broiling the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
- Using Foil: Lining your baking tray with foil is a simple trick that catches drips and makes cleanup much easier.
- Checking Doneness: To ensure the salmon is perfectly cooked, gently flake it at its thickest part with a fork. It should flake easily and be moist inside. Remember, overcooking can dry out the fish.
- Safety Tip: Always check that your salmon reaches a safe internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), as recommended by the FDA. Using a food thermometer helps guarantee delicious flavor and safety.
- Low-Sodium Option: If you’re watching your sodium intake, use unsalted butter and season lightly with salt, allowing the herbs and garlic to shine.
- Vegetables: Including your favorite veggies transforms this into a complete, one-pan meal. While I've chosen asparagus, feel free to substitute it with broccoli, potatoes, or other similar vegetables for variety. Adding a mix of vegetables, such as thinly sliced bell peppers or zucchini, can turn this into a colorful, nutritious dish.
- Stovetop Method: Pan-frying the salmon fillets is a great alternative if you prefer a quick sear. Heat a little olive oil in a pan over medium heat, then brush the salmon with garlic butter sauce. Cook the fillets for 3-5 minutes on each side until they’re deliciously seared.
- Grilling: If you prefer a smoky flavor, grilling the salmon is a fantastic option. Brush the fillets with the garlic butter sauce and grill for 4-5 minutes on each side.
Nutrition Info
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 273kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 37g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 78mg | Potassium: 1146mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 1204IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 58mg | Iron: 5mg
Disclaimer
We're not nutrition experts, and the nutritional information provided is an estimate. Please use it as a guide. For precise details, it's best to consult a professional. To learn more, please view our Detailed Disclaimers.
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Craving more? Our collection offers a variety of simple yet delicious recipes for fans of Italian cuisine, from savory salmon fillets with sides to classic pasta recipes. Each recipe is crafted to delight your taste buds and elevate the dining experience for you and your family.
Serving Suggestions
Garlic Butter Salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. Here are some of my top picks to complement its rich and savory flavors:
- Rice and Grains: Opt for herbed rice, brown rice, white rice, farro or quinoa. These light and fluffy bases are perfect partners for the flavorful salmon.
- Roasted Vegetables: Accompany your salmon with a variety of roasted vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, carrots, cherry tomatoes, or Brussels sprouts. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness, providing a delightful contrast.
- Steamed Broccoli: Lightly steamed broccoli offers a crisp, nutritious side that pairs excellently with the rich flavors of this salmon.
- Sautéed Vegetables: Simple sautéed greens such as spinach, asparagus or kale provide a flavorful yet subtle side that complements the salmon without overpowering its taste.
- Potatoes: Pair your garlic butter salmon with potatoes for a satisfying side. Opt for creamy mashed potatoes or simple roasted potatoes. Each style offers a comforting complement.
- Salad Dishes: Add a refreshing touch with a crisp cucumber salad, Greek salad, or tangy coleslaw, each offering a delightful contrast to the rich flavors of the garlic butter salmon.
- Garlic Bread or Baguette: Keep the garlic theme going by pairing the salmon with garlic bread or a crusty baguette, ideal for mopping up the delicious juices.
- Couscous: Serve the salmon with couscous, which is quick to prepare and can be flavored with lemon zest and herbs for an extra burst of flavor.
- Pasta: Toss your favorite pasta with a light olive oil and garlic sauce or a creamy Alfredo to serve alongside the salmon.
- Risotto: A creamy risotto pairs beautifully with the richness of the garlic butter salmon. Opt for a simple vegetable or mushroom risotto for a luxurious and flavorful side.
- Polenta: Creamy or grilled polenta can be a comforting base for the salmon, offering a mild flavor that won't compete with the garlic butter.
Storage Suggestions
I recommend enjoying Garlic Butter Salmon fresh to savor its flaky juiciness. However, if you need to store it, here are some tips to ensure the flavor remains great for a longer time.
- Refrigeration: Keep any leftovers fresh by storing them in the fridge in an airtight container. This way, the salmon will stay delicious for up to 2 days.
- Reheating: To reheat, make sure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This ensures it is thoroughly reheated and safe to consume, eliminating any potential bacteria and preserving its delightful taste.
- Freezing: You can freeze the cooked salmon. Wrap it tightly in foil or plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer-safe bag. It can be stored for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm in a low oven.
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