Oh, salmon! There’s just something so wonderfully satisfying about a perfectly cooked piece of salmon, isn’t there? It feels fancy, but it’s honestly one of the easiest things to whip up on a busy weeknight. And when you slather it in garlic butter? *Chef’s kiss!* I stumbled upon what I now lovingly call the Best Recipe Garlic Butter Salmon Irresistibly Delicious by pure accident, trying to use up some ingredients I had kicking around. Now, it’s my absolute go-to. It’s ridiculously simple, bursts with amazing flavor, and you’ll be amazed at how quickly it comes together. Seriously, your taste buds will thank you!
Why This Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe is a Must-Try
Honestly, this salmon recipe is a lifesaver! It’s got so many good things going for it, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with anything else:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking dinner on the table in about 20 minutes total. Perfect for those crazy evenings!
- Effortlessly Delicious: That garlic butter sauce? Pure magic. It elevates simple salmon to something truly special.
- Minimal Fuss: Seriously, just a few ingredients and one pan. Less cleanup is always a win in my book!
- Healthy-ish Win: Salmon is packed with good stuff, and this recipe keeps it light and flavorful without being heavy.
- So Versatile: It pairs with *everything*. Roasted veggies, rice, a simple salad – you name it, it works!
- Impressive Results: It tastes like you spent ages making it, but you didn’t! Great for guests or just treating yourself.
Gather Your Ingredients for the Best Recipe Garlic Butter Salmon
Alright, let’s get our flavor arsenal ready! For this ridiculously good garlic butter salmon, you don’t need a ton of fancy stuff. Grab these few pantry heroes:
- 1 pound salmon fillet: Look for a nice, thick piece if you can! Fresh is best, but good quality frozen that’s been thawed works too.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Real butter, please! It makes a world of difference. Unsalted is great so you can control the saltiness.
- 2 cloves garlic: Freshly minced is key here. Don’t even think about the pre-minced stuff in a jar, trust me!
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: A little squeeze of fresh lemon brightens everything up.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley: Finely chopped for that pop of green and fresh flavor.
- Salt and pepper: To taste, of course!
See? Nothing complicated. Gather these, and you’re halfway to salmon heaven. For more simple flavor ideas, check out these garlic brown sugar chicken or honey garlic chicken recipes!
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Irresistibly Delicious Garlic Butter Salmon
Alright, let’s get this amazing salmon into your oven! It’s called the Best Recipe Garlic Butter Salmon for a reason, and it all starts with these simple steps. Don’t rush it, but don’t overcomplicate it either – the magic is really in its simplicity. This whole process is so fast, you might even have time to whip up some easy cheesy garlic chicken wraps while you wait!
Preheating and Preparing the Salmon
First things first, get that oven preheating to 400°F (200°C). While it’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This is my secret weapon for easy cleanup! Then, just place your salmon fillet right onto the prepared sheet. Easy peasy!
Crafting the Flavorful Garlic Butter Sauce
Now for the part that makes it all irresistible! In a small bowl, melt your butter. I like to pop mine in the microwave for about 30 seconds. Once it’s melty, stir in that gorgeous minced garlic, the squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and your chopped parsley. Season it well with salt and pepper. Give it all a good mix until it’s beautifully combined. This little sauce is pure gold!
Baking Your Best Recipe Garlic Butter Salmon to Perfection
Once your oven is hot and your sauce is ready, it’s time to bring it all together. Pour that delicious garlic butter mixture all over the salmon. Make sure it gets into all the nooks and crannies! Then, pop that baking sheet into the oven. Bake it for about 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon is cooked through and flakes apart easily with a fork. It should look moist and luscious, never dry. It’s almost as quick as our 12-minute sheet pan shrimp bake!
Tips for the Ultimate Garlic Butter Salmon Experience
Okay, so this recipe is already pretty darn amazing, but sometimes you just want to take things up a notch, right? Here are a few little secrets from my kitchen to yours to make this garlic butter salmon truly unforgettable. Don’t be afraid to play around! If you love garlic magic as much as I do, you’ll have to check out my magic garlic mayonnaise too. And for a super quick side, try my homemade garlic herb butter – yum!
First off, if you’re feeling a little adventurous, a tiny pinch of red pepper flakes stirred into that garlic butter sauce adds a subtle warmth that’s *divine*. It doesn’t make it spicy, just gives it a little extra zing! Also, don’t be shy with the lemon juice; that bright acidity cuts through the richness of the salmon and butter beautifully. And you can totally swap the parsley for chives or even some fresh dill if that’s what you have on hand. The most important thing is to use fresh garlic and real butter – they’re the backbone of this flavor bomb!
Serving Suggestions for Your Garlic Butter Salmon
Now that you’ve got this amazing garlic butter salmon ready to go, what should you serve it with? I’ve found it’s pretty darn happy with just about anything, but here are a few favorites that really make the meal sing. For a veggie-packed side, my garlic mushrooms and cauliflower are a fantastic match. Or, if you want something fresh and light, a simple colorful green salad is always a winner. Honestly, even just some fluffy rice or roasted potatoes would be perfect!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftovers? Lucky you! Let your delicious garlic butter salmon cool down completely, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, a gentle approach is best. Pop it back in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. You don’t want to overcook that lovely fish!
Frequently Asked Questions about Garlic Butter Salmon
Got questions about this easy garlic butter salmon? I’ve got answers! Here are some things people often ask, to help make your cooking experience even smoother.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Absolutely! If you’re using frozen salmon, just make sure to thaw it completely before you start. The best way is to put it in the fridge overnight. If you need to thaw it in a hurry, you can place the sealed package in a bowl of cold water for about 30 minutes. Just make sure it’s fully thawed before you pat it dry and get it ready for that delicious garlic butter!
What if I don’t have fresh parsley? Can I use dried?
No worries if fresh parsley isn’t in your fridge! You can definitely use dried parsley. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for every tablespoon of fresh. Just stir it into the garlic butter mixture and let it sit for a couple of minutes to rehydrate a bit before pouring it over the salmon.
Can I make this garlic butter salmon on the stovetop instead of baking?
You sure can! For stovetop cooking, you’ll want to use salmon fillets that are about 1-inch thick. Melt the butter and garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Sear the salmon for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until it’s cooked through and flakes easily. Pouring that garlic butter sauce over the top while it’s searing makes it extra yummy!
Is there anything I can add to the garlic butter for extra flavor?
Oh, definitely! My favorite little trick is adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture. It gives it just a tiny bit of warmth without making it spicy. You could also add a dash of paprika for color, or even a little bit of grated Parmesan cheese into the sauce right before you pour it over the salmon. Delicious!
Nutritional Information (Estimated)
Here’s a general idea of what you’re getting in each serving of this delicious garlic butter salmon. Remember, these are estimates and can vary slightly based on your specific ingredients!
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: ~350
- Fat: ~20g
- Saturated Fat: ~5g
- Protein: ~30g
- Carbohydrates: ~2g
- Sugar: ~1g
- Sodium: ~150mg
Garlic Butter Salmon
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and delicious recipe for garlic butter salmon.
Ingredients
- 1 lb salmon fillet
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the salmon fillet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture over the salmon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture.
- Serve with your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or rice.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: garlic butter salmon, baked salmon, easy salmon recipe, quick dinner, healthy salmon