Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

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.

Course Main Course

Cuisine Italian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 15

Total Time 20

Servings servings

Calories 273

Author Sangeetha Vel

Ingredients

3 Salmon Fillets
¼ cup Garlic Butter Sauce
1 bunch Asparagus
3 slice Lemon

US Customary - Metric

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.

Notes

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

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