Easter Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Garlic butter baked salmon has become a staple Easter dish in our home, and honestly, it’s requested year-round now! There’s something so effortlessly elegant about flaky, tender salmon infused with rich garlic butter, especially when it’s served alongside vibrant spring vegetables. This recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy holiday gatherings or even a weeknight family meal. The aroma that fills the kitchen as it bakes is absolutely intoxicating, and the taste? Pure perfection. Even my picky eaters devour it, and the compliments are always flowing. If you’re looking for a show-stopping main course that’s both impressive and approachable, look no further. This Easter Garlic Butter Baked Salmon will undoubtedly become a new family favorite for you too!

Ingredients

• Salmon Fillets: 2 pounds, skin on or off, preferably center-cut for even cooking and best quality.
• Unsalted Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened to room temperature for easy mixing and smooth garlic butter.
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced finely to release maximum flavor and ensure even distribution in the butter.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed to add brightness and cut through the richness of the butter.
• Fresh Parsley: 1/4 cup, chopped finely for a fresh, herbaceous note and vibrant color.
• Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons, chopped finely to complement the salmon and add a delicate, slightly tangy flavor.
• Dried Thyme: 1 teaspoon, to provide a subtle earthy and slightly peppery undertone.
• Salt: 1 teaspoon, or to taste, to enhance all the flavors and season the salmon.
• Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon, freshly ground, or to taste, for a touch of spice and depth.
• Lemon Slices: For garnish, thin slices to add visual appeal and a final burst of fresh lemon flavor.

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare Baking Dish: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature ensures the salmon cooks quickly and remains moist while the garlic butter infuses beautifully. While the oven is preheating, prepare your baking dish. Choose a baking dish that’s large enough to comfortably hold the salmon fillets in a single layer without overcrowding. Lightly grease the baking dish with cooking spray or a drizzle of olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking and ensure easy cleanup later.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh dill, dried thyme, salt, and black pepper. The butter should be soft enough to easily incorporate all the ingredients. Use a fork or a rubber spatula to thoroughly mix everything together until you have a smooth and fragrant garlic butter mixture. Taste the butter and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding a pinch more salt or pepper to your preference. The garlic butter is the heart of this recipe, so ensure it’s perfectly seasoned to your liking.
3. Prepare the Salmon Fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because removing excess moisture from the surface of the salmon helps the garlic butter adhere better and promotes better browning during baking. If your salmon fillets have skin on, you can leave it on or remove it depending on your preference. Skin-on salmon tends to be slightly more forgiving during baking and can be easier to handle. If you prefer skinless salmon, ensure you handle the fillets gently as they can be more delicate. Place the prepared salmon fillets in the greased baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.
4. Apply the Garlic Butter: Evenly distribute the prepared garlic butter over the top of each salmon fillet. Use a spoon or your fingers to spread a generous amount of the garlic butter mixture over the surface of each fillet, ensuring that the entire top of each salmon piece is coated. Don’t be shy with the garlic butter; it will melt and infuse the salmon with incredible flavor as it bakes, keeping it moist and succulent. If you have any leftover garlic butter, you can place small dollops around the salmon in the baking dish; this will melt and create a flavorful sauce in the dish.
5. Bake the Salmon: Place the baking dish with the garlic butter-coated salmon in the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Thinner fillets will cook faster than thicker ones. To check for doneness, gently insert a fork into the thickest part of a fillet. If the salmon flakes easily and is opaque throughout, it is cooked. Avoid overbaking the salmon, as this can make it dry. You want the salmon to be moist and tender.
6. Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is baked to perfection, carefully remove the baking dish from the oven. Garnish the baked salmon with fresh lemon slices. Arrange the lemon slices attractively over the salmon fillets to add a final touch of freshness and visual appeal. The lemon slices also offer guests the option to squeeze a little extra lemon juice over their salmon if desired. Let the salmon rest for a minute or two before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in even more tender and flavorful salmon. Serve immediately while it’s hot and the garlic butter is still glistening.

Nutrition Facts

(Per Serving, approximate, based on 4 servings)

• Serving Size: 1 Salmon Fillet (approximately 4 oz cooked salmon)
• Calories: 450 kcal
• Fat: 35g

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (Includes preparing garlic butter and prepping salmon)
• Cook Time: 12-15 minutes (Baking time in the oven)
• Total Time: Approximately 27-30 minutes (From start to finish, ready to serve)
• This recipe is quick and efficient, perfect for a delicious meal even on a busy schedule.

How to Serve Easter Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

This flavorful baked salmon is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, making it perfect for an Easter feast or any special occasion. Here are some delicious serving suggestions:

Classic Sides:

• Roasted Asparagus: Asparagus, roasted until tender-crisp, complements the richness of the salmon and adds a fresh, spring-like element. Drizzle with lemon juice for extra brightness.
• Garlic Parmesan Green Beans: Green beans sautéed or roasted with garlic and Parmesan cheese offer a savory and satisfying side that pairs wonderfully with the garlic butter salmon.
• Creamy Mashed Potatoes: Classic creamy mashed potatoes provide a comforting and satisfying base to soak up the flavorful garlic butter sauce from the salmon.
• Roasted Baby Potatoes: Tender roasted baby potatoes, seasoned with herbs and a touch of olive oil, are a hearty and flavorful side that complements the salmon beautifully.

Fresh and Light Options:

• Spring Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette: A vibrant spring salad made with mixed greens, strawberries, goat cheese, and a light lemon vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon.
• Quinoa Salad with Herbs and Vegetables: A nutritious quinoa salad with fresh herbs, chopped vegetables like cucumber, bell peppers, and tomatoes, and a lemon-herb dressing is a healthy and flavorful option.
• Cucumber and Dill Salad: A simple and refreshing cucumber and dill salad with a light vinegar dressing cuts through the richness of the salmon and adds a cool, crisp element.
• Caprese Salad: The classic Caprese salad with fresh tomatoes, mozzarella, and basil, drizzled with balsamic glaze, offers a light and flavorful Italian-inspired side.

Bread and Grains:

• Crusty Bread: Serve with warm, crusty bread or baguette slices to soak up every last bit of the delicious garlic butter sauce.
• Lemon Herb Rice Pilaf: A light and fluffy rice pilaf infused with lemon zest and fresh herbs like parsley and dill is a flavorful and aromatic accompaniment.
• Orzo Pasta with Pesto: Orzo pasta tossed with pesto and sun-dried tomatoes or roasted vegetables offers a more substantial and flavorful pasta side dish.

Sauces and Garnishes:

• Extra Lemon Wedges: Always provide extra lemon wedges for guests to squeeze fresh lemon juice over their salmon as desired.
• Fresh Herb Sprigs: Garnish the serving platter with fresh herb sprigs like parsley, dill, and thyme for visual appeal and an extra touch of freshness.
• Garlic Aioli: Serve with a side of homemade garlic aioli for dipping or drizzling over the salmon for an extra garlicky kick.
• Tartar Sauce: Classic tartar sauce is a traditional pairing for salmon and provides a creamy and tangy contrast to the garlic butter flavor.

Drinks:

• Crisp White Wine: Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or Chardonnay to complement the richness of the salmon and garlic butter.
• Rosé Wine: A dry rosé wine is also a great choice, especially for a spring or Easter meal.
• Sparkling Water with Lemon: For a non-alcoholic option, serve sparkling water with lemon wedges and fresh herbs like mint or cucumber.
• Iced Tea: Unsweetened iced tea or lemon iced tea is a refreshing and versatile non-alcoholic beverage that pairs well with salmon.

Additional Tips for Perfect Easter Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

1. Use High-Quality Salmon: The quality of your salmon significantly impacts the final dish. Opt for fresh, wild-caught or sustainably farmed salmon if possible. Look for fillets that are vibrant in color, firm to the touch, and have a fresh, clean smell. Center-cut fillets are generally thicker and cook more evenly.
2. Don’t Overcrowd the Baking Dish: Ensure the salmon fillets are arranged in a single layer in the baking dish without overcrowding. Overcrowding can steam the salmon instead of baking it properly, leading to uneven cooking and less crispy edges. If you have a lot of salmon, use two baking dishes.
3. Room Temperature Butter is Key: Make sure your butter is softened to room temperature before making the garlic butter. Soft butter will cream together easily with the garlic and herbs, creating a smooth and homogenous mixture. Cold butter will be difficult to mix and may result in lumps of butter in your garlic butter.
4. Customize Your Herbs: Feel free to adjust the herbs in the garlic butter to your liking. Other great options include fresh chives, oregano, rosemary, or tarragon. You can also use a pre-made Italian herb blend for convenience. Experiment with different combinations to find your favorite flavor profile.
5. Add a Touch of Heat: If you like a little spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture. This will add a subtle warmth that complements the richness of the salmon and garlic. You can also use a dash of hot sauce for a similar effect.
6. Baste for Extra Moisture (Optional): For extra moist salmon, you can baste the fillets with the melted garlic butter in the baking dish once or twice during the baking process. Simply spoon the melted butter from the bottom of the dish over the top of the salmon. This helps to keep the salmon moist and adds even more flavor.
7. Check for Doneness Carefully: Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Avoid overbaking, as this will result in dry and tough salmon. Start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark and adjust the baking time based on the thickness of your fillets. An instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet should read 145°F (63°C) when cooked through.
8. Rest Before Serving: Let the baked salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fish, resulting in more tender and flavorful salmon. Tent loosely with foil while it rests to keep it warm.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Easter Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets, but make sure to thaw them completely before baking. The best way to thaw frozen salmon is to place it in the refrigerator overnight. If you need to thaw it quickly, you can place the sealed frozen salmon in a Ziploc bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30-60 minutes, changing the water every 15-20 minutes. Pat the thawed salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels before proceeding with the recipe.

Q2: Can I make the garlic butter ahead of time?

A: Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic butter up to 2 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Bring the garlic butter to room temperature for about 30 minutes before using, or microwave it in short intervals until softened, so it’s easy to spread over the salmon. Making the garlic butter ahead of time can save you valuable prep time, especially if you’re preparing for a larger Easter gathering.

Q3: What if I don’t have fresh herbs? Can I use dried herbs instead?

A: While fresh herbs provide the best flavor and aroma, you can substitute dried herbs if needed. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley and 1 teaspoon of dried dill in place of the fresh herbs in the recipe. Keep in mind that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so use them sparingly and adjust to taste. Fresh herbs are always recommended when possible for the brightest flavor.

Q4: Can I bake the salmon with vegetables in the same dish?

A: Yes, you can definitely bake vegetables alongside the salmon in the same baking dish. Good options include asparagus, broccoli florets, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Choose vegetables that roast in a similar time frame as the salmon. Toss the vegetables with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them around the salmon fillets in the baking dish. Keep in mind that adding vegetables may slightly increase the baking time.

Q5: How do I store leftover baked salmon?

A: Store leftover baked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Allow the salmon to cool completely before refrigerating it. To reheat, you can gently warm it in the oven at 275°F (135°C) until heated through, or microwave it in short intervals. Be careful not to overheat the salmon, as it can become dry. Leftover salmon is also delicious cold in salads or sandwiches.

Q6: Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?

A: Yes, you can grill the garlic butter salmon instead of baking it. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the salmon fillets on a piece of foil on the grill grates or directly on the grates if you prefer grill marks. Grill for about 8-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The grilling time will depend on the thickness of the fillets and the heat of your grill. Baste the salmon with the garlic butter while grilling for extra flavor and moisture.

Q7: Is this recipe suitable for a large crowd?

A: Yes, this recipe is easily scalable for a large crowd. Simply adjust the ingredient quantities according to the number of servings you need. You may need to use multiple baking dishes or bake the salmon in batches to avoid overcrowding. This Easter Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is an elegant and delicious option for feeding a large group.

Q8: Can I add cheese to this recipe?

A: While this recipe is delicious as is, you can certainly add cheese if you like. Parmesan cheese or shredded mozzarella are good options. Sprinkle a layer of grated Parmesan cheese over the garlic butter-coated salmon before baking for a cheesy crust. Alternatively, add shredded mozzarella during the last few minutes of baking and broil briefly until melted and bubbly. Cheese adds an extra layer of richness and flavor to the dish.

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