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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- Serving Size: one normal portion
- Calories: 450
- Fat: 35g