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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. 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. 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. 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. 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. {{image_4}} You can make Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon even better. Consider adding fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. These herbs boost flavor and aroma. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper adds heat, if you like spice. Want a twist? Try adding honey to the garlic butter. The sweet touch balances the tart lemon. It creates a glaze that caramelizes beautifully during baking. You’ll love the new depth of flavor. For those on low-carb or keto diets, swap out the butter with ghee. Ghee adds richness without carbs. You can also serve the salmon on a bed of sautéed spinach or zucchini noodles. These choices keep your meal light and healthy. If you want a dairy-free option, use olive oil instead of butter. It still gives great flavor without dairy. Your salmon will taste amazing while fitting your dietary needs. Check out the Full Recipe for more ways to enjoy this dish! To keep your Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon fresh, follow these guidelines: - Refrigerate the salmon within two hours of cooking. - Use airtight containers to avoid moisture loss and odor absorption. - Label the containers with the date for easy tracking. - Store in the fridge for up to three days. If you have more leftovers, freeze them for longer storage: - Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. - Place the wrapped fillets in a freezer-safe bag. - Label with the date before freezing. - Frozen salmon lasts for up to three months. Reheating properly keeps your salmon tasty and moist. Here are my top tips: - Use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 275°F (135°C). - Place the salmon on a baking sheet. Cover lightly with foil. - Heat for about 15 minutes or until warmed through. You can also use the microwave, but be careful: - Place the salmon on a microwave-safe plate. - Cover with a damp paper towel to keep moisture in. - Heat in short intervals, about 30 seconds at a time, until warm. These methods ensure your Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon stays juicy and flavorful. For the full recipe, check out the section above! How long to bake salmon at different temperatures? At 400°F (200°C), salmon takes about 12-15 minutes to bake. For 375°F (190°C), add a few minutes. Always check for flakiness to know it’s done. Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just thaw it first for even cooking. Place it in the fridge overnight or run it under cold water. What is the best way to tell if salmon is cooked through? The best way is to check if it flakes easily with a fork. It should be opaque and not translucent. Salmon is a great source of protein and healthy fats. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help heart health. Garlic adds flavor and can boost your immune system. Together, they make a nutritious meal. Eating salmon regularly can lower your risk of heart disease. It also supports brain health and may improve mood. This dish, with lemon and garlic, not only tastes great but is good for you too. Can I grill Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon? Absolutely! Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Brush the fillets with garlic butter before grilling. Cook on medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side. Tips for pan-searing or stovetop options For pan-searing, use a hot skillet with some oil. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This method gives a nice crust while keeping the fish moist. Always use medium heat to avoid burning. In this post, we explored the art of making Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon. We covered essential ingredients, preparation, cooking steps, and helpful tips to avoid mistakes. I shared ways to enhance flavors and adapt the recipe for different diets. Remember, fresh ingredients boost taste. With the right techniques, you can serve a delicious meal. Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and make it your own! Your cooking journey starts here.

- Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Delight your taste buds with this flavorful and simple Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon recipe! Perfect for any skill level, this dish comes together quickly using fresh ingredients, making dinner a breeze. Follow easy step-by-step instructions to achieve perfectly baked salmon every time. Whether you’re cooking for a family meal or an elegant dinner, this recipe is a must-try. Click through to explore the full recipe and impress everyone at your table!
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Ingredients
  

4 salmon fillets (approximately 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

Instructions
 

Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring it reaches the proper temperature while you prepare the salmon.

    Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, add the unsalted butter. Allow it to melt slowly, then stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, dried oregano, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Continue to cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes fragrant. If you're adding paprika for color, sprinkle it in now and stir well.

      Arrange the Salmon: Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lay the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet. With a spoon, drizzle half of the rich garlic butter mixture over the top of each fillet, ensuring they are generously coated.

        Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes. It is done when the fish flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is perfectly cooked and moist.

          Enhance with Remaining Butter: Around the halfway mark of the cooking time, carefully spoon the remaining garlic butter mixture over the fillets to amplify the flavor and add a glossy finish.

            Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is fully cooked, remove it from the oven. Sprinkle the top with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant touch and serve with thin lemon slices perched alongside for a refreshing contrast.

              Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4

                - Presentation Tips: For a stunning presentation, serve the salmon fillets atop a bed of sautéed kale or steamed asparagus for vibrant color. Finish with an extra drizzle of the garlic butter over the top and a light sprinkling of parsley for a refined look.