This Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is a treat! Juicy salmon fillets are topped with melting garlic butter and fresh herbs, making dinner feel fancy with little effort.
You can whip this up in no time, and your kitchen will smell heavenly! I love serving it with veggies or rice; it’s always a hit at my table. 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are ideal for this recipe. If salmon isn’t available, try using trout or any other fatty fish like mackerel. These options will still keep the dish tasty and juicy!
Butter: Unsalted butter is preferred for better control over seasoning. If you’re dairy-free, use olive oil or coconut oil as a healthier alternative that will add its own flavor to the dish.
Garlic: Fresh garlic gives the best flavor. However, garlic powder serves as a quick substitute in *half the amount* if you’re in a pinch or don’t have fresh garlic on hand.
Parsley: Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Dried parsley is a suitable alternative; just use about a third of the amount since dried herbs are more concentrated.
Lemon: If you don’t have fresh lemons, you could use lime or even lemon juice from a bottle. Fresh is best, but the juice still provides that nice acidity.
How Do I Bake Salmon Perfectly Every Time?
Baking salmon is easy if you follow a few simple steps. The key is to monitor the cooking time for perfectly flaky salmon.
- Choose your fillets and make sure they are of even thickness for even cooking.
- Preheating the oven to the right temperature ensures for an even cook, aiming for 400°F (200°C).
- Don’t overcook! Salmon typically takes 12-15 minutes in the oven. It’s done once it flakes easily with a fork; it should still look moist inside.
Keep an eye on it to avoid drying out; less cooking is better as it’s easy to pop back in for more time if needed!
Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin on or off as preferred
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
For Serving:
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced (plus extra for serving)
Optional Sides:
- Baby potatoes, halved
- Asparagus spears
How Much Time Will You Need?
This easy recipe takes about 5 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to bake. In just around 20 minutes, you’ll have a delicious and satisfying meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While it heats up, you can get everything else ready. Lightly grease your baking dish with a bit of oil or line it with foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, and chopped parsley. This fragrant mix will give your salmon a delightful flavor!
3. Arrange the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish skin-side down (if you’re using fillets with skin). Sprinkle each one generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper to season.
4. Add the Garlic Butter:
Using a spoon, evenly distribute the garlic butter mixture over each salmon fillet. Make sure they are well-coated for the best taste.
5. Top with Lemon:
Lay thin slices of lemon on top of the salmon fillets and scatter a few around the dish. This adds a lovely touch that brightens the fish.
6. Optional Veggies:
If you’re including the optional sides, arrange the halved baby potatoes and asparagus spears around the salmon in the baking dish. They’ll cook alongside the fish!
7. Bake:
Put the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque. Keep an eye on it for best results!
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take the dish out of the oven. Garnish with extra chopped parsley and lemon slices, if you like. Serve your delicious garlic butter baked salmon immediately with your choice of sides like rice or steamed vegetables.
Enjoy your flavorful and tender garlic butter baked salmon! You’ll love how simple and delicious this dish is!
FAQ for Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure it is fully thawed first. You can thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or quickly in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water. Pat it dry before seasoning.
What Can I Substitute for Butter?
If you’re looking for a healthier or dairy-free option, olive oil or coconut oil can be used instead of butter. Both options will still provide great flavor and moisture to the salmon!
How Can I Tell When the Salmon is Done?
The best way to check if the salmon is done is to insert a fork into the thickest part; it should flake easily. It’s also a good idea to use an instant-read thermometer—aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
While the salmon is best fresh, you can prep the garlic butter mixture, season the salmon, and store it in the fridge for a few hours before baking. Just make sure to bring it to room temperature before cooking for even baking!
