Savory Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe For Dinner Tonight

Seafood enthusiasts adore this delectable garlic butter baked salmon recipe that delivers restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen.

Rich, creamy butter mingles with fresh garlic to create an irresistible coating for succulent salmon fillets.

The magic happens when tender fish meets aromatic seasonings, promising a meal that’s both elegant and effortless.

Each bite promises a burst of savory goodness that will leave you craving more.

Perfectly cooked salmon emerges from the oven with a golden, slightly crisp exterior and a melt-in-your-mouth interior.

You’ll appreciate how simple ingredients combine to create something truly extraordinary.

Prepare to impress your dinner companions with this foolproof culinary masterpiece.

What Makes Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Irresistible

• This recipe delivers restaurant-quality salmon with minimal kitchen skills required, making it perfect for home cooks of all experience levels.
• Packed with protein-rich salmon and nutrient-dense broccoli, this one-pan meal provides a balanced and wholesome dinner without complex preparation.
• Transform an ordinary meal into a gourmet experience with simple ingredients and a mouthwatering garlic butter sauce that adds incredible depth of flavor.
• Using a single sheet pan eliminates multiple dirty dishes, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without dreading the post-cooking mess.

Must-Have Ingredients for Garlic Butter Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: A succulent fish that serves as the star of this delicious baked dish.

• Broccoli Florets: Fresh green vegetables that provide a nutritious and colorful accompaniment to the salmon.

• Unsalted Butter: A rich ingredient that creates a flavorful base for the sauce.
• Brown Sugar: Adds a subtle sweetness to balance the savory elements.
• Oregano, Thyme, Rosemary: Aromatic herbs that infuse the dish with depth and complexity.

• Garlic: Adds a robust and pungent flavor to the salmon fillets.
• Lemon: Provides a bright, citrusy zest that complements the fish.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Fresh Parsley: A vibrant herb that adds color and a fresh finish to the baked salmon.

How to Bake Garlic Butter Salmon

Step 1: Fire Up the Oven and Prep the Baking Surface

Crank your oven to a toasty 400F (200C).

Grab a baking sheet and generously coat it with cooking spray to ensure nothing sticks.

This quick move saves you from scrubbing later!

Step 2: Position the Star Ingredients

Spread out your salmon fillets and broccoli florets across the baking sheet.

Make sure they have breathing room for even cooking.

Massage minced garlic over each salmon fillet, letting those aromatic flavors mingle.

Step 3: Create the Flavor-Packed Butter Blend

In a mixing bowl, transform butter into a liquid gold.

• Brown sugar
• Oregano
• Thyme
• Rosemary

Blend until the mixture becomes a harmonious sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Step 4: Dress the Dish with Liquid Goodness

Lavishly drizzle the butter mixture over salmon and broccoli.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice across the pan, catching any wayward seeds.

Sprinkle salt and black pepper to elevate the flavors.

Step 5: Bake to Delicious Perfection

Slide the pan into the hot oven.

Bake for 15 minutes or until salmon easily flakes and reaches 145F (63C).

The fish should look beautifully golden and tender.

Step 6: Add Final Flourishes and Serve

Remove the pan from the oven.

Shower the dish with freshly chopped parsley.

Plate immediately with extra lemon slices for a bright, zesty touch.

Get ready to devour this culinary masterpiece!

Best Tips for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

• Use parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easier cleanup and guaranteed non-stick surface.
• Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels before seasoning to help achieve a perfect golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
• Adjust herb quantities based on personal preference, starting with less and adding more gradually to avoid overpowering the delicate salmon flavor.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to ensure salmon reaches exactly 145F without overcooking, guaranteeing tender and juicy results.
• Chop broccoli into uniform sizes to ensure even cooking and consider spreading them slightly apart on the pan for optimal roasting and caramelization.

Storing Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Correctly

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Place in the coldest part of the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best quality and safety.
• Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid refreezing thawed fish to maintain texture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on 50% power for 30-second intervals, checking temperature to prevent overcooking. Stop when internal temperature reaches 165F.
• Preheat oven to 275F. Place salmon in a baking dish, add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Cover with foil and warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Check internal temperature reaches 165F before serving.

Sides That Work with Garlic Butter Salmon

• Savor Seafood Wine Pairing: Crisp Chardonnay perfectly complements the rich garlic butter salmon, balancing its buttery texture with bright, clean acidity that cuts through the fish's richness.
• Create Herb-Inspired Side Match: Rosemary roasted potatoes echo the herbal notes in the butter mixture, providing a complementary earthy flavor that enhances the salmon's delicate profile.
• Boost Citrus Refreshment: Sparkling lemon-infused water or a light citrus mocktail mirrors the lemon squeeze in the recipe, cleansing the palate between bites and highlighting the dish's bright, zesty undertones.
• Elevate Protein Companion: Quinoa salad with fresh herbs offers a light, nutritious side that won't overpower the salmon's delicate garlic butter flavor, adding a subtle nutty contrast to the meal.

Salmon Flavor Twists to Try

• Low-Sodium Salmon: Replace butter with olive oil, use fresh herbs instead of salt, and swap brown sugar for a sugar-free alternative like stevia to create a heart-healthy version.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Substitute brown sugar with a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol, use grass-fed butter, and add extra herbs to enhance flavor without increasing carbohydrates.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Swap butter with coconut oil or avocado oil, use dairy-free margarine, and maintain the herb blend for a rich, flavorful experience that accommodates lactose-intolerant individuals.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Variation: Add chopped kalamata olives, sprinkle feta cheese crumbles, and incorporate fresh dill and oregano to transform the recipe with Mediterranean flavors while keeping the core cooking method.

FAQs

• What makes the garlic butter mixture special?

The mixture combines melted butter with brown sugar, oregano, thyme, and rosemary, creating a sweet and herbal flavor profile that perfectly complements the salmon’s natural taste.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones?

Yes, you can substitute dried herbs for fresh ones. Use about 1/3 the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh, as dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor.

• How do I know if the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145F (63C). The flesh should look opaque and easily separate when tested with a fork.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

While best served immediately, you can prepare the salmon and broccoli ahead of time and store in the refrigerator before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time if baking from a cold state.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

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4.8 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent garlic butter baked salmon delivers restaurant-quality elegance with minimal kitchen effort. Delicate fish meets rich, herbed butter in a simple yet sophisticated Mediterranean-inspired dish you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• 4 to 6 cups broccoli florets
• 1 lemon

Seasoning Ingredients:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon dried rosemary
• Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Sauce and Garnish Ingredients:

• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• Chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400F (200C). Prepare a sheet pan with cooking spray to prevent sticking and ensure easy cleanup.
2. Distribute salmon fillets and broccoli florets across the sheet pan, allowing space between each piece for even cooking. Massage minced garlic onto the surface of each salmon fillet to enhance flavor penetration.
3. Create the butter mixture by melting unsalted butter and whisking in brown sugar, oregano, thyme, and rosemary until thoroughly combined. The blend will provide a rich, aromatic coating for the dish.
4. Generously drizzle the herbed butter mixture over salmon and broccoli. Squeeze fresh lemon juice across the pan, catching any seeds. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to season the entire preparation.
5. Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 15 minutes, monitoring until salmon becomes flaky and reaches an internal temperature of 145F (63C). The fish should easily separate with a fork when fully cooked.
6. Remove pan from oven. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a vibrant finish. Plate immediately, accompanied by additional lemon slices for those preferring extra citrus zest.

Notes

• Maximize flavor by letting salmon sit with garlic rub for 10-15 minutes before baking to enhance herb infusion.
• Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon for best texture and richness, preferring center-cut fillets with even thickness.
• Adjust cooking time for thinner or thicker salmon pieces, checking internal temperature to prevent overcooking and maintain moisture.
• Create dairy-free version by substituting butter with olive oil or plant-based butter alternatives for lactose-intolerant or vegan preferences.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 18g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 90mg