Introduction to Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Let’s face it, finding the perfect meal for a busy weeknight can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. But fear not! My Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe is here to rescue dinner time. This dish isn’t just quick and easy; it’s an irresistible blend of flavors that will delight your taste buds and impress your loved ones. With its luscious garlic butter sauce and vibrant broccoli, this meal is as nourishing as it is satisfying. Plus, the best part? It’s all made in one sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon dish is a game changer for busy moms and professionals alike. It’s not only unbelievably simple to prepare, but it also takes just 25 minutes from start to finish. Imagine savoring tender, flaky salmon infused with rich garlic butter while knowing you’ve served a healthy, wholesome meal. This recipe is a delightful way to bring nourishment and flavor to your family without spending hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Creating remarkable Garlic Butter Baked Salmon starts with the right ingredients. Don’t worry; it’s simple! Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salmon fillets: Fresh salmon is the star of the show! Opt for wild-caught if possible for the best flavor and nutrient profile.
- Broccoli florets: This green gem adds a crunch and greenery to your plate. You can also swap in asparagus or green beans if you prefer.
- Garlic: Freshly minced, garlic brings that irresistible aroma and flavor. However, if you’re in a pinch, garlic powder works too!
- Unsalted butter: Rich and creamy, melted butter is where the magic lies. You could substitute with olive oil for a healthier option.
- Brown sugar: This adds a touch of sweetness and balances the savory notes of garlic and butter. Feel free to reduce it or use maple syrup as an alternative.
- Herbs: Dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary create an aromatic blend that complements the salmon beautifully. You can play around with fresh herbs if you have some on hand.
- Salt and pepper: These essentials elevate the dish, so don’t skip them! Adjust according to your taste.
- Lemon: It adds a zesty brightness. Squeeze on top for a fresh finish or toss in lemon slices for roasting alongside.
- Fresh parsley: For garnish, this also adds a pop of color and freshness when serving.
For exact quantities and a handy list for printing, refer to the end of the article.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Sheet Pan
First things first, let’s get that oven preheating! Set it to 400˚F, so it’s nice and ready for your gorgeous salmon. While that’s heating up, grab a sheet pan and give it a light spray with cooking spray. Trust me on this one—it’s a lifesaver for cleanup later! Your goal here is to create a non-stick surface that makes the salmon and broccoli easy to transfer from the pan to your plate without leaving any deliciousness behind.
Step 2: Arrange the Main Ingredients
Now that your oven is heating, it’s time to arrange the ingredients. Lay the broccoli florets across the pan, ensuring they have space to breathe. They’ll roast beautifully that way! Next, place the salmon fillets on top of the broccoli. Don’t worry about being fancy—just make sure they sit snugly and comfortably. Each piece of salmon should be smothered in that glorious garlic goodness soon, so let’s make this as efficient as possible!
Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
Ah, the star of our dish—garlic butter sauce! In a mixing bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, brown sugar, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Use a whisk to blend it all together until smooth and harmonious. You’ll find that joyful aroma announcing dinner’s arrival! This sauce will drench your salmon and veggies in a deliciously rich flavor. It’s like a warm hug for your taste buds. Yes, please!
Step 4: Pour and Season
Now comes the fun part—drizzling! Pour the garlic butter sauce generously over the salmon and broccoli. Make sure everything gets a good soak in that velvety mixture. Next, take half a lemon and squeeze its juice all over the ingredients. This bright zing makes a huge difference! Finally, sprinkle salt and pepper over everything to enhance all those lovely flavors. Don’t be shy—season to your heart’s content!
Step 5: Bake the Dish
Slide that fabulous creation into your preheated oven and let the magic happen—bake for about 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it! You want the salmon to be flaky and have an internal temperature of 145˚F. When it’s done, you’ll know by the irresistible aroma wafting through your kitchen. Ah, nothing says “dinner’s ready” like that sweet, savory scent!
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Once your salmon and broccoli are out of the oven, take a moment to admire your culinary masterpiece. Sprinkle some fresh parsley on top for an extra pop of color—a simple touch that makes a world of difference. Serve it up with a wedge of lemon on the side, and voila! You’ve got yourself an impressive meal that’s as beautiful as it is delicious. Your family will be clamoring for seconds!
Tips for Success
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness; it ensures perfectly cooked salmon every time.
- Let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes after baking for even juicier results.
- Don’t overcrowd the sheet pan—leave space for even roasting and vibrant colors.
- Experiment with herbs to find your favorite flavor twist—fresh dill or basil can work wonders!
- For meal prep, cook extra salmon and broccoli to enjoy as leftovers the next day!
Equipment Needed
- Sheet Pan: A large baking sheet is ideal, but a rimmed cookie sheet works in a pinch.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for your garlic butter sauce. Any bowl will do!
- Whisk: For mixing the sauce; a fork can work too in a hurry!
- Meat Thermometer: Not a must, but it’s handy for perfect cooking; otherwise, use your fork to check for flakiness.
- Cooking Spray: A great tool for easy cleanup; oil can substitute if needed.
Variations for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Citrus Twist: Swap the lemon with lime or orange for a unique flavor profile that brightens up the dish.
- Spicy Kick: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the garlic butter sauce for a delightful heat.
- Herb Medley: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or cilantro instead of dried herbs for a fresh taste.
- Vegetable Variety: Mix in other vegetables such as bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini for a vibrant, colorful meal.
- Gluten-Free Adjustments: This recipe is already gluten-free, but ensure any additional seasonings or sauces are labeled as such.
- Marinated Salmon: Marinate the salmon in soy sauce, ginger, and garlic for added depth before applying the garlic butter.
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Rice or Quinoa: Serve alongside fluffy rice or quinoa for an earthy complement to the salmon.
- Mixed Greens: A light salad with vinaigrette balances the richness of the garlic butter.
- White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc enhances the dining experience.
- Lemon Wedges: Present with sliced lemons for an extra zing!
- Colorful Plate: Arrange the salmon and veggies artfully for a restaurant-quality presentation.
FAQs about Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Definitely! You can use frozen salmon fillets. Just ensure they’re completely thawed before baking for even cooking. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly, but the result will still be delicious!
What can I substitute for broccoli?
If broccoli isn’t your favorite, no problem! Asparagus, green beans, or even brussels sprouts work beautifully with the garlic butter sauce. Feel free to mix it up according to your family’s preferences.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The best way to check is by using a meat thermometer. Once the internal temperature reaches 145˚F, your salmon is perfectly cooked. Alternatively, the fish should flake easily with a fork when done.
Is this dish healthy?
Absolutely! This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, lean protein, and fiber-rich vegetables. It’s a delightful way to nourish your family while being easy on the cooking process!
Can I prepare this dish in advance?
Yes! You can pre-make the garlic butter sauce and marinate the salmon a few hours ahead. Just bake it fresh when you’re ready to serve for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Final Thoughts
Cooking my Garlic Butter Baked Salmon has become one of my absolute joys. Watching my family gather around the table, delighted by the aroma wafting through the kitchen, fills my heart. This dish brings comfort, flavor, and togetherness. Knowing that dinner can be both nutritious and delicious in just 25 minutes makes it a true lifesaver for busy nights. Whether it’s a special occasion or a regular Tuesday, this recipe never fails to impress. I cherish the laughter, stories, and memories created over this meal—it’s not just dinner, but a celebration of family time!
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A flavorful and easy dish combining salmon and broccoli, drizzled with a delicious garlic butter sauce.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 ounces each) salmon fillets
- 4 to 6 cups broccoli florets
- 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
- chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400˚F. Grease a sheet pan with cooking spray.
- Arrange broccoli florets and salmon fillets on the sheet pan. Rub minced garlic over each fillet. Set aside.
- In a mixing bowl whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Pour the butter mixture over the salmon and veggies.
- Take half of a lemon and squeeze lemon juice over everything; then, season with salt and pepper.
- Place the sheet pan in the oven and cook for 15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature is 145˚F degrees.
- Remove from oven and garnish with parsley. Serve with lemon slices.
Notes
- Ensure salmon is fresh for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of garlic according to taste.
- Broccoli can be substituted for other vegetables like asparagus or green beans.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet and 1 cup of broccoli
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Baked Salmon, Easy Salmon Recipe, Healthy Salmon Dinner