Garlic Butter Herb Salmon

$For this dish, you need 4 salmon fillets. Each fillet weighs about 6 ounces. Choose fresh salmon for the best flavor. The skin should be shiny and firm. This will help keep the salmon moist while cooking. You need 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. This adds richness to the dish. Use 4 cloves of garlic, finely minced. Garlic brings a strong, savory taste. When sautéed in butter, it creates a wonderful aroma. Gather 1 tablespoon each of fresh parsley, dill, and thyme. Chop these finely. Fresh herbs add brightness and depth. They elevate the dish from simple to gourmet. You can mix and match herbs based on your taste. Use salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. These bring out the flavors in the salmon. For serving, have lemon wedges ready. The juice adds a zesty finish to the dish. You can also garnish with extra chopped herbs for a fresh look. {{ingredient_image_2}} First, set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures even cooking. While the oven heats, line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This step makes cleanup easy and helps prevent sticking. Next, grab a small saucepan. Melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once melted, add 4 finely minced garlic cloves. Sauté for about 1 minute. You want the garlic to smell great but not brown. If it browns, it can taste bitter. Afterward, take the pan off the heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon each of chopped parsley, dill, and thyme. Add juice from 1 lemon and season with salt and pepper. This mixture is your garlic herb butter. Now, take your salmon fillets. You should have 4 fillets, each about 6 oz. Place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Use a brush or spoon to coat each fillet with the garlic herb butter. Make sure to save some butter for later. Put the salmon in your preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. For a nice golden top, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. Watch it closely to avoid burning. Once done, drizzle any remaining garlic herb butter over the salmon. Garnish with more chopped herbs for freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an added zing. If you want to impress, place each fillet on a bed of sautéed spinach or steamed asparagus. Drizzle leftover garlic butter on top for a glossy finish. Add lemon wedges and sprinkle more fresh herbs around the plate for color. Enjoy your meal! To bake salmon perfectly, always check the thickness. A fillet should take 12 to 15 minutes at 375°F. Use a fork to see if it flakes easily. If it does, the fish is ready. If not, bake for a few more minutes. Keep an eye on it. You want tender, moist salmon, not dry fish. To get that golden top, switch to broil for the last 2-3 minutes. This step makes the top crispy and adds flavor. Watch it closely during this time. It can burn fast. If you notice it browning too quickly, lower the oven rack or turn off the broil. When sautéing side dishes, heat your pan before adding oil. Use medium heat for vegetables like spinach or asparagus. Add a pinch of salt to enhance their flavor. Stir them often for even cooking. Finish with a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright taste. Pair these with your garlic butter herb salmon for a complete meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs enhance the flavor of the garlic butter significantly. Make sure to use freshly chopped parsley, dill, and thyme for the best taste. Check Doneness Carefully: Salmon can go from perfectly cooked to dry quickly, so check for flakiness at the 12-minute mark to ensure optimal texture. Broil for a Crisp Finish: Broiling the salmon for the last few minutes helps achieve a deliciously crispy top. Just be sure to watch it closely to prevent burning. Experiment with Flavors: Feel free to experiment by adding other spices or citrus zest to the garlic herb butter to create your own unique flavor profile. {{image_4}} You can change the taste of garlic butter herb salmon by using different herbs. For a fresh twist, try basil or oregano. These herbs bring a unique flavor that pairs well with the richness of salmon. Cilantro adds a bright and zesty note, perfect for a summer dish. You can also mix herbs for a more complex taste. This way, you make each meal exciting and new. If you want a different texture, try grilling or pan-searing your salmon. Grilling gives the fish a smoky flavor and nice grill marks. It cooks quickly and keeps the salmon moist. To grill, preheat your grill and oil the grates. Cook for about 5-6 minutes on each side. Pan-searing is another great method. It creates a crispy skin while keeping the inside tender. Heat a pan with a bit of oil, then cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Both methods let the garlic butter flavor shine through. Serving garlic butter herb salmon with different sides can elevate your meal. You can pair it with grains like quinoa or rice. These add a nutty flavor and a nice texture. For a lighter option, serve it with steamed or roasted veggies. Asparagus, broccoli, or green beans complement the fish beautifully. You can also make a salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette. This adds freshness and crunch. Each side enhances the dish and makes it more satisfying, allowing you to enjoy a balanced meal. To keep your garlic butter herb salmon fresh, let it cool first. Place the leftover salmon in an airtight container. This helps prevent odors from mixing. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. When you reheat the salmon, do it gently. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 minutes, or until warm. This method keeps the salmon from drying out. You can also reheat it in the microwave. Use a low setting and heat in short bursts. To freeze salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped fillets in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as you can to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze salmon for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This way, it stays safe and tasty. You should bake salmon at 375°F for about 12 to 15 minutes. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillet. A good rule is to check for doneness at the 12-minute mark. If it flakes easily with a fork, it is done. Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. However, thaw them first for best results. Thawing allows for even cooking. You can thaw salmon overnight in the fridge. If you're short on time, you can also use a quick method. Place the fillets in a sealed bag and run under cold water for about 30 minutes. If you don't have parsley, dill, or thyme, try these options: - Basil for parsley - Oregano for dill - Rosemary for thyme Each herb brings its own flavor, so choose what you enjoy. Garlic butter herb salmon is quite healthy. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for your heart. The garlic and herbs add flavor without extra calories. Using unsalted butter keeps the dish flavorful but lighter. To check if salmon is cooked, look for the color change. It should turn from translucent to a pinkish hue. Use a fork to see if it flakes easily. If it does, it is ready. You can also use a food thermometer; the internal temperature should be 145°F. This guide covers everything about baking salmon. You learned about key ingredients like salmon, garlic, butter, and fresh herbs. I walked you through easy steps to prepare and bake your dish perfectly. You now have tips for golden tops and ideal side dishes. Exploring variations and storage tips gives you options for every meal. With these insights, you can enjoy delicious salmon anytime. Trust in your skills and have fun cooking!$

A delicious and easy salmon recipe with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs.

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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 oz each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
1 tablespoon fresh thyme, finely chopped
2 tablespoons juice of lemon
to taste salt
to taste freshly ground black pepper
as needed lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
In a small saucepan set over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter gently. When the butter is melted and bubbling slightly, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for approximately 1 minute, or until it becomes aromatic, taking care not to let it brown.
Once fragrant, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the chopped parsley, dill, and thyme, followed by the freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
Now, place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Using a brush or a spoon, generously coat each fillet with the garlic herb butter mixture. Be sure to reserve a portion for later.
Bake the salmon in your preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. For a beautifully golden top, switch your oven to broil during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking, keeping a vigilant eye to avoid burning.
After removing the salmon from the oven, drizzle any remaining garlic herb butter over the fillets for an extra burst of flavor.
To serve, garnish your salmon with additional chopped herbs for a touch of freshness and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

For an elegant presentation, serve each salmon fillet on a bed of vibrant sautéed spinach or lightly steamed asparagus.

Keyword butter, garlic, herbs, salmon, seafood