Looking for a simple yet flavorful dish that impresses? Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon hits the mark. With just a few fresh ingredients, you can create a delicious meal in no time. I’ll guide you through each step, ensuring you achieve the perfect bake every time. Whether you’re a novice cook or a kitchen pro, this recipe is your ticket to a tasty and healthy dinner. Let’s dive into the details!
Ingredients
Essential Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
To make Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon, you will need the following ingredients:
– 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Zest of 1 medium lemon
– 1 teaspoon dried oregano
– Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
– Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish
– Thin lemon slices, for serving
– Optional: 1 teaspoon paprika for an extra pop of color
Using fresh ingredients is key to this dish. Fresh salmon brings a rich flavor and firm texture. Fresh garlic adds a punch that can’t be beat. Fresh herbs, like parsley, bring color and brightness to the plate.
If you have dietary needs, you can make some easy swaps. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or coconut oil instead of butter. You can also swap salmon for another fish, like trout or tilapia.
This recipe is flexible while maintaining its delicious essence. Check out the Full Recipe for more tips on this amazing dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation Steps
1. Preheat the Oven: First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps cook the salmon evenly.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small pot over low heat, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Let it melt slowly. Next, stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, the zest from 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes. This step fills your kitchen with a lovely aroma.
3. Arrange Salmon Fillets: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 4 salmon fillets skin-side down on the sheet. Pour half of the garlic butter mixture over each fillet. Make sure they are well coated for maximum flavor.
Cooking Instructions
1. Bake the Salmon: Put the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes. It’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork. This shows it is moist and perfectly cooked.
2. Tips for Checking Doneness: To check if the salmon is done, insert a fork in the thickest part of the fish. If it flakes easily, it’s ready to serve.
3. Enhance Flavor During Baking: Halfway through baking, use a spoon to drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the fillets. This boosts flavor and gives a glossy finish.
Enjoy this flavorful dish that is simple to prepare! You can find the full recipe details above.
Tips & Tricks
Cooking Tips for Perfect Salmon
To bake salmon well, avoid common mistakes. First, do not overcook it. Salmon cooks quickly. Check it after 12 minutes. Look for fish that flakes easily with a fork.
Adjust cooking time based on fillet thickness. Thicker pieces need more time. A thinner fillet cooks faster. Aim for about 4-6 minutes per half inch of thickness.
Keep salmon moist and flavorful. Use plenty of garlic butter. Spoon some on top halfway through baking. This adds flavor and keeps it from drying out.
Serving Suggestions
Pair Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with light side dishes. Steamed asparagus or a fresh salad works well. You can also serve it with rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.
For drinks, white wine is a great match. Try a crisp Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer non-alcoholic options, lemon-infused water is refreshing.
Presentation matters too. Serve salmon on a colorful plate. Add a bed of sautéed kale or bright greens. A sprinkle of parsley and a lemon slice on the side brings it all together. This makes your dish look gourmet and inviting. For the full recipe, follow the steps above for a delicious dinner.