Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

If you’re looking for a quick and delightful dish that will impress your family or guests, this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe is just what you need! This recipe is one of my absolute favorites because it combines the rich flavors of garlic and buttery goodness with tender, flaky salmon. Plus, it’s baked on a sheet pan with vibrant broccoli, making cleanup a breeze. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a special family gathering, this meal is sure to bring smiles around the table.

What makes this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon so special is how effortlessly it comes together. It’s perfect for when you want something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The delicious combination of flavors and the aroma that fills your home while it bakes is simply irresistible!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can have dinner ready in no time!
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love the savory flavors; it’s a hit for everyone!
• One-Pan Wonder: Cooking everything on one sheet pan means less mess and easy cleanup.
• Healthy & Wholesome: Packed with nutritious ingredients, this dish doesn’t compromise on health.
• Versatile Meal: Great for everyday dinners or special occasions, this recipe fits every occasion perfectly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather our ingredients! You’ll find that these are simple, wholesome items that you probably already have at home or can easily pick up from your local grocery store. The best part? They come together to create an unforgettable meal!

For the Salmon and Veggies

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

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter (melted)
• 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
• salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 lemon (halved, divided)

For Garnish

• chopped fresh parsley

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! You can easily customize it to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the vegetables: Instead of broccoli, try asparagus or green beans for a different veggie twist.
• Add some heat: Sprinkle in some red pepper flakes if you like a little spice in your life!
• Change up the herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or basil for added freshness.
• Switch proteins: If you’re feeling adventurous, try this recipe with other fish like trout or cod!

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 400˚F. This ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and perfectly. While it heats up, grease your sheet pan with cooking spray to prevent any sticking.

Step 2: Arrange the Ingredients

Next, arrange the broccoli florets and salmon fillets on the greased sheet pan. Take a moment to rub minced garlic over each fillet. This step infuses the salmon with that delicious garlic flavor right from the start!

Step 3: Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a mixing bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, oregano, thyme, and rosemary until well combined. This butter sauce brings richness and depth of flavor that pairs wonderfully with both salmon and veggies.

Step 4: Drizzle & Season

Pour that heavenly butter mixture over the salmon and broccoli. Then take half of your lemon and squeeze its juice over everything before seasoning with salt and pepper. The lemon juice adds brightness that balances out all those rich flavors.

Step 5: Bake It Up!

Place your sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for about 15 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145˚F degrees. Keep an eye on it; you want perfect tenderness without overcooking!

Step 6: Serve & Enjoy

Once out of the oven, garnish with chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Serve it up alongside those lovely lemon slices for an extra zesty kick! Enjoy every bite of your delightful Garlic Butter Baked Salmon!

Pro Tips for Making Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

Cooking salmon to perfection is easy with just a few helpful tips. Here are some pro tips to ensure your dish turns out delicious every time!

• Use fresh ingredients: Fresh garlic and herbs will elevate the flavor of your garlic butter sauce, making it more aromatic and vibrant.

• Pat the salmon dry: Before seasoning, pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better and promotes even cooking.

• Monitor cooking time closely: Salmon can go from perfectly cooked to overdone very quickly. Keep an eye on it during the last few minutes to ensure it stays moist and flaky.

• Customize vegetables: Feel free to swap out broccoli with other veggies like asparagus or bell peppers for a different flavor profile while maintaining that beautiful sheet pan dinner.

• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes after removing it from the oven helps redistribute juices, making each bite tender and flavorful.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

Presenting your Garlic Butter Baked Salmon beautifully can turn a simple meal into an impressive feast. Here are some ideas on how to serve this delightful dish.

Garnishes

• Chopped fresh parsley: A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a burst of color and freshness that complements the rich flavors of the salmon.
• Lemon wedges: Serving lemon wedges on the side allows guests to drizzle extra lemon juice over their portion for added brightness.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Pilaf: This fluffy grain dish is nutty and wholesome, offering a perfect base that soaks up any extra garlic butter sauce.

• Roasted Sweet Potatoes: Their natural sweetness pairs wonderfully with salmon’s savory flavors, adding a lovely contrast to your plate.

• Garlic Mashed Cauliflower: A creamy, low-carb alternative to mashed potatoes, this dish enhances the garlic theme while being light and airy.

By following these serving suggestions and tips, you’ll create not only a delicious meal but also a delightful dining experience! Enjoy your time in the kitchen, and happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious, healthy meals throughout the week. Whether you want to prepare it ahead of time or store leftovers, this dish holds up wonderfully!

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the salmon and veggies to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Freezing

• Wrap individual portions of salmon and veggies tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Preheat your oven to 350˚F (175˚C).
• Place salmon and veggies on a baking sheet; cover with foil.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through.

FAQs

If you have questions about this tasty recipe, you’ve come to the right place!

Can I prepare the Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! You can marinate the salmon in garlic butter up to 24 hours in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator until you’re ready to bake.

What should I serve with Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad, quinoa, or even some roasted potatoes. Feel free to get creative with your sides!

How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked?

The best way to check is by using a fork; the fish should flake easily. Additionally, ensure that it reaches an internal temperature of 145˚F.

Can I use different vegetables with this recipe?

Yes! While broccoli is fantastic, you can substitute or add other veggies like asparagus, green beans, or bell peppers based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe! It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and flavor into your kitchen. Enjoy making it for yourself and loved ones – I’m sure they will appreciate every bite. Happy cooking!