Garlic Herb Butter Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 5 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped - 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - Salt and pepper, to taste - Lemon wedges, for serving For this garlic herb butter salmon, you need fresh and simple ingredients. Salmon fillets are the star. They should be fresh for the best taste. Use unsalted butter for a rich flavor. Garlic adds a nice punch that pairs well with the fish. Fresh herbs, like parsley and dill, bring brightness. A splash of lemon juice balances the dish. Don't forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, lemon wedges give a fresh squeeze at the end. Enjoy your cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheating the oven Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for even cooking. 2. Melting the butter and sautéing garlic In a small saucepan, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 5 minced garlic cloves. Sauté them for 1-2 minutes until they smell great but do not turn brown. 3. Mixing in herbs and lemon juice Remove the pan from heat. Stir in 2 tablespoons of finely chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons of finely chopped dill, and 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice. Set this mix aside. 1. Placing salmon in the baking dish Pat 4 salmon fillets with a paper towel to remove moisture. Place them in a baking dish lined with parchment paper. 2. Seasoning the fillets Sprinkle salt and pepper on both sides of each salmon fillet. This adds flavor to the fish. 3. Pouring herb butter mixture over salmon Take the garlic herb butter mixture and pour it evenly over the seasoned salmon. Make sure to cover each piece well. 4. Baking time and doneness tips Bake the salmon in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. 1. Resting the salmon Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep the fish moist. 2. Accompaniments and garnishing tips Serve the salmon with lemon wedges on the side. You can also add a bed of sautéed spinach or roasted veggies for a colorful plate. Garnish with extra fresh herbs for a nice touch. - Ensuring perfect doneness: Cook salmon until it flakes easily with a fork. This usually takes 12-15 minutes at 400°F. Always check it a bit early to avoid overcooking. - Flavor enhancements: Add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter for depth. You can also try different herbs like thyme or basil for a twist. - Plating ideas: Serve salmon on a bed of sautéed spinach or beside colorful roasted veggies. This makes a beautiful plate that pleases the eye. - Garnishing with herbs: Scatter fresh herbs like parsley or dill over the fish before serving. This adds color and freshness to your dish. - Overcooking salmon: Keep a close eye on the time. Overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough. Trust your fork to check for flakiness. - Skipping seasoning: Don’t skip the salt and pepper. They help enhance the natural flavor of the salmon. A little seasoning goes a long way in making the dish pop. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh herbs and high-quality salmon for the best flavor. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on the salmon while it bakes; it should be just cooked through and flake easily. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to mix and match herbs based on your preference; tarragon or chives work beautifully too. Serve Immediately: For the best taste and texture, serve the salmon right after it comes out of the oven. {{image_2}} You can change the flavor of your garlic herb butter salmon by using different fresh herbs. Try basil, thyme, or cilantro for a fresh twist. Each herb adds a unique taste. You can also mix herbs for more complex flavors. For example, combine parsley and thyme. This adds depth and freshness that makes the dish even better. Another option is to use spice blends. Adding a pinch of smoked paprika or Italian seasoning can elevate your salmon. These blends give a nice kick and can change the whole flavor profile. Just remember to balance the herbs with the spices to keep the flavor bright and fresh. You can cook salmon in several ways: grilling, baking, or pan-searing. Grilling gives a smoky flavor and crispy edges. Just be sure to oil the grill grates to prevent sticking. Baking is easy and hands-off. It keeps the salmon moist and tender. The oven cooks it evenly, making it simple to get perfect doneness. Pan-searing is another great option. It gives a nice crust on the outside, while keeping the inside juicy. Start on the stovetop and finish in the oven for the best of both worlds. This method can make your garlic herb butter salmon feel gourmet with just a little extra effort. Adding vegetables can make your dish more colorful and healthy. Try asparagus, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes. These veggies roast well and add flavor. You can place them around the salmon in the baking dish. They soak up the garlic herb butter and create a great side. For more protein options, consider using chicken or shrimp. Both can work well with the garlic herb butter. Chicken needs a bit longer to cook, so adjust your time. Shrimp cooks quickly, so add it near the end to prevent overcooking. This way, you can enjoy different proteins while keeping the same tasty garlic herb butter flavor. After you enjoy your garlic herb butter salmon, store leftovers right away. Place them in an airtight container. This keeps the salmon fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing it. If you want to save it longer, freezing is an option. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap. Then place it in a freezer bag or container. It can last up to three months in the freezer. Label the bag with the date. To reheat salmon, avoid the microwave if possible. It can dry out the fish. Instead, use the oven for the best results. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warm. You can also use a skillet. Heat it over medium heat and add a bit of butter. Once the butter melts, add the salmon. Cook for a few minutes on each side. This method helps keep the flavor and texture. Enjoy your salmon just as tasty as when it was fresh! How do I know when salmon is cooked? You can tell salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should change from a bright pink to a more opaque color. A good tip is to check the thickest part of the fillet. If it is opaque and separates easily, your salmon is ready! Using an instant-read thermometer, you can also check for a temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe eating. Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this overnight in the fridge or quickly in cold water. If you bake it from frozen, add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. This way, it will cook evenly without drying out. What to serve with garlic herb butter salmon? Garlic herb butter salmon pairs well with many sides. I recommend serving it with sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables. You can also add a fresh salad or some fluffy rice. Lemon wedges on the side add a nice touch. They give a burst of flavor when squeezed over the top. How to adjust the recipe for different servings? To adjust the recipe, simply change the number of salmon fillets. For example, if you need to serve six, use six fillets and increase the butter and herbs in the same ratio. If you want to serve two, just halve the ingredients. This makes it easy to scale depending on your needs. Baking salmon with garlic and herbs is simple and tasty. I shared key ingredients, steps, and tips to make this dish shine. Remember to check doneness and avoid overcooking. Feel free to experiment with different herbs and cooking methods for variety. Proper storage will keep your leftovers fresh. Enjoy your cooking journey and relish each bite of your flavorful salmon.$

A delicious salmon fillet recipe infused with garlic and fresh herbs, baked to perfection.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (6 ounces each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
to taste salt and pepper
as needed lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment paper.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1-2 minutes, until fragrant but not browned.
Remove the saucepan from the heat, and stir in the chopped parsley, dill, and lemon juice. Set aside.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place them in the prepared baking dish.
Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
Pour the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Serve the salmon with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top.

Notes

Serve the salmon fillets on a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside roasted vegetables for a colorful plate. Garnish with additional fresh herbs for a pop of color.

Keyword baked fish, garlic, herb butter, salmon