Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon Quick and Tasty Recipe

Want a meal that’s quick, tasty, and good for you? Look no further than Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon! This easy recipe combines tender salmon with zesty lemon and rich garlic butter, creating a dish that’s perfect for busy nights. You’ll love how simple it is to prepare, yet it feels gourmet. Let’s dive into the ingredients and steps to get you cooking this delicious salmon in no time!

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces each)

– 4 tablespoons unsalted butter

– 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced

– Juice of 1 medium lemon

– Zest of 1 lemon

Seasoning and Garnish

– 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

– Salt and black pepper, to taste

– Optional: Fresh dill sprigs, for garnish

– Lemon slices, for garnish

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon. The salmon fillets should be fresh and firm, which gives the best texture. Unsalted butter adds richness, and fresh garlic provides a strong flavor. The lemon juice and zest brighten the dish and balance the butter.

For seasoning, fresh parsley adds color and freshness. Salt and black pepper enhance the salmon’s natural taste. If you like, you can also use fresh dill and lemon slices for garnish. These will make your dish look beautiful and add more flavor. Enjoy preparing this simple yet tasty meal!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Oven and Skillet

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking the salmon evenly.

2. In a medium skillet, add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Set it over medium heat.

3. Let the butter melt slowly. This creates a rich base for the garlic.

4. Once the butter is melted, add 4 cloves of finely minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute.

5. Stir the garlic constantly to keep it from browning. You want it fragrant, not burnt.

Combining Ingredients

1. Now, add the juice of 1 medium lemon and the zest to the garlic butter. This brightens the flavor.

2. Stir well to combine everything. Then, take the skillet off the heat. We don’t want to cook the sauce further.

3. Next, take a lined baking sheet and arrange 4 salmon fillets on it. Place the skin side down.

4. Season each fillet with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This step is important for flavor.

Baking the Salmon

1. Use a spoon or brush to drizzle the garlic butter mixture over the salmon fillets. Make sure each one is well coated.

2. Place the baking sheet in the oven. Bake the salmon for 15-20 minutes.

3. Keep an eye on it. The salmon is done when it becomes opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

4. Cooking time may change based on the thickness of your fillets. Adjust as needed.

5. Once baked, take the salmon out and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for color.

6. Finally, garnish with lemon slices and fresh dill sprigs if you like. This adds beauty and flavor to your dish.

Tips & Tricks

Perfecting Flavor

To make your Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon shine, you must avoid browning the garlic. When garlic turns brown, it loses its sweet and delicate taste. Sauté it gently in butter for just about one minute. You want it fragrant, not brown.

For seasoning, use a good amount of salt and freshly cracked black pepper on the salmon. This will enhance the fish’s natural flavor. You can also add the lemon zest for a fresh pop. It brightens the entire dish.

Baking Tips

Baking time can change based on how thick your fillets are. For thin fillets, 15 minutes might be enough. Thicker pieces may take up to 20 minutes. Keep an eye on them!

To check for doneness, look for the fish to become opaque. It should flake easily when you poke it with a fork. If it’s still shiny or raw, give it a few more minutes in the oven. This way, you’ll serve perfect salmon every time.

Variations

Flavor Enhancements

To make garlic butter lemon salmon even better, try adding herbs or spices. Fresh herbs like thyme, basil, or dill add fresh tastes. If you want heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes will spice things up.

You can also switch the acid. Instead of lemon, use lime or orange. Lime gives a bright kick, while orange adds sweetness. Each option brings a unique flavor twist to the dish.

Cooking Methods

You can grill or bake the salmon. Grilling gives a smoky taste and crispy skin. Just preheat your grill and cook the fillets for about 6-8 minutes per side. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.

Baking is easy and keeps the fish moist. At 400°F (200°C), bake the salmon for 15-20 minutes. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork.

You can also pan-sear the salmon. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add oil and place the fillets skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. This method gives a nice crust and keeps the inside tender.

Storage Info

Refrigeration

To store your leftover garlic butter lemon salmon, place it in an airtight container. This keeps the fish fresh and prevents it from drying out. When stored correctly, salmon lasts in the fridge for 3 to 4 days. Make sure the fridge is set below 40°F (4°C) for best results.

Freezing

To freeze salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped fillets in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. Properly frozen salmon can last up to 3 months.

When it’s time to cook, thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight. This keeps the texture nice. For quicker thawing, place the sealed salmon in cold water for about an hour. Avoid using hot water, as it can cook the fish unevenly.

FAQs

What to serve with Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon?

I love pairing Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon with simple sides. Here are some great options:

– Steamed asparagus: Its bright flavor goes well with the salmon.

– Roasted potatoes: They add a nice crunch and are filling.

– Rice: A scoop of fluffy rice soaks up the garlic butter sauce.

– Green salad: Fresh greens with a light vinaigrette add a nice contrast.

– Quinoa: This healthy grain is a great base for the salmon.

These sides enhance the meal and make it more colorful.

How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?

You can tell salmon is done when it looks opaque. Here are some tips:

– Check for flakiness: Use a fork to gently press the fish. If it flakes easily, it’s ready.

– Color change: The salmon should shift from translucent to a more pinkish hue.

– Internal temperature: Aim for 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the fillet.

These cues help ensure you cook the salmon just right.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Here’s how:

– Thawing: Place the salmon in the fridge overnight or use a cold water bath for quicker thawing.

– Cooking time: Frozen fillets may need a few minutes more in the oven. Check for doneness carefully.

– Seasoning: Make sure to pat the thawed salmon dry before seasoning. This helps the flavors stick better.

Using frozen salmon is a great way to enjoy this dish anytime!

This blog post covered how to make delicious garlic butter lemon salmon. We discussed the key ingredients, from fresh salmon to butter, and how to prepare them. You learned step-by-step instructions for cooking and tips to enhance flavor. We also explored variations and proper storage methods for leftovers.

With these helpful tips, you can enjoy a tasty meal tonight. Cooking salmon can be simple and fun. Now, you’re ready to impress yourself or others with this flavorful dish. Enjo