Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce represents the perfect marriage of simplicity and elegance. This dish transforms a premium cut of salmon into a restaurant-worthy meal through the magic of perfectly balanced garlic butter sauce. Whether you’re preparing a special dinner or elevating your weeknight menu, this preparation method ensures moist, flaky salmon every time.

What Makes This Baked Salmon Special

The beauty of Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce lies in its ability to enhance the natural richness of salmon without overwhelming it. The garlic butter sauce creates a luxurious coating that seeps into the fish as it bakes, infusing every bite with flavor while keeping the salmon remarkably moist. The result is a dish that feels indulgent yet remains surprisingly healthy.

Selecting the Perfect Salmon

The foundation of this dish begins with choosing the right salmon:

• Look for bright, firm flesh with a fresh ocean smell
• Center-cut portions ensure even cooking
• Wild-caught salmon offers deeper flavor and color
• Skin-on fillets help keep the fish moist during baking
• Each portion should be around 6 ounces for optimal cooking

Keys to Perfect Preparation

Success with this dish depends on several crucial factors:

• Always bring salmon to room temperature before baking
• Pat the fillets completely dry to ensure proper browning
• Season generously with salt and pepper before adding sauce
• Use a preheated oven for consistent cooking
• Let the salmon rest after baking to retain its juices

The Perfect Garlic Butter Sauce

A masterful garlic butter sauce requires:

• High-quality unsalted butter
• Fresh garlic, finely minced
• Fresh herbs (particularly parsley and dill)
• A touch of lemon zest for brightness
• Proper seasoning with salt and pepper

Temperature Guidelines

Achieving the perfect doneness requires attention to temperature:

• Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C)
• Bake for 12-15 minutes for medium
• Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C)
• Factor in carryover cooking during resting period
• Adjust time based on thickness of fillets

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced cooks sometimes encounter these pitfalls:

• Overcooking the salmon until dry
• Using butter that’s too hot, causing it to separate
• Not preheating the oven properly
• Forgetting to season before adding sauce
• Skipping the resting period after baking

Serving Suggestions

This versatile dish pairs beautifully with:

• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• Fluffy rice pilaf or quinoa
• Roasted baby potatoes
• Fresh green salad
• Steamed vegetables

Make-Ahead Tips

While best served fresh, you can prepare components in advance:

• Make garlic butter sauce up to 3 days ahead
• Portion and season salmon up to 24 hours before cooking
• Prep side dishes in advance
• Have garnishes ready to go
• Store leftover salmon for up to 2 days

Baked Salmon Health Benefits

This dish offers numerous nutritional advantages:

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• High-quality protein content
• Essential vitamins and minerals
• Heart-healthy fats from both salmon and olive oil
• Antioxidants from garlic and herbs

Why This Baked Salmon Works

Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce has become a favorite because:

• It’s foolproof when following proper guidelines
• The preparation is surprisingly simple
• It’s impressive enough for special occasions
• The flavors appeal to both seafood lovers and skeptics
• Leftovers remain delicious for next-day meals

Understanding these fundamentals ensures success with this classic dish. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, this preparation method delivers consistently excellent results that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

A quick and easy dish featuring tender, flaky salmon baked to perfection and topped with a rich garlic butter sauce. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4 people

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Baking dish
• Small saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Basting brush (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 4 salmon fillets about 6 ounces each
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley optional, for garnish

Instructions

 

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
• Place the salmon fillets in the baking dish, skin-side down. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets and season with salt and black pepper.
• In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the lemon juice and remove from heat.
• Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets.
• Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
• Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired.

Notes

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce.
Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Keyword Baked Salmon, easy dinner recipe, Garlic Butter, Healthy Salmon Recipe