Garlic Butter Herb Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 2 tablespoons lemon juice - Salt and pepper to taste Gather these fresh ingredients before you start cooking. The salmon fillets are the star of the dish. They need to be fresh for the best flavor. Unsalted butter adds richness and helps the garlic infuse its aroma. Minced garlic gives this dish its bold taste. Fresh parsley and dill add a nice herbal touch. They brighten the dish and enhance the salmon's flavor. Lemon zest and lemon juice bring a refreshing tang. They balance the richness of the butter and salmon. Do not forget the salt and pepper. They are key to bringing out all the flavors in your dish. Having all these items ready will make cooking easier and more enjoyable. Happy cooking! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step gets your oven ready for baking. 2. Take your salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. 3. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper. This adds flavor to the fish. 1. In a medium skillet, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Watch it closely so it doesn’t burn. 2. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté it for about 1 minute until it smells great but is not browned. 3. Stir in 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of lemon zest. Mix well to combine all the fresh flavors. 4. Place the salmon fillets skin side down in a baking dish. 5. Pour the garlic butter herb mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. This will soak into the fish as it cooks. 6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. 1. For a crispy top, turn on the broiler. Broil the salmon for 2-3 minutes. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. 2. Remove the salmon from the oven. Garnish it with lemon slices and any extra herbs if you want. This adds a nice touch and bright flavor. Knowing when salmon is done: Salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. You can use a fork to test the thickest part. The inside should be a light pink color. If it is still dark or raw in the middle, it needs more time. Avoiding overcooking: Overcooked salmon will become dry. To avoid this, set a timer for 15 minutes. Check the salmon after this time. The salmon should be firm but not hard. If it feels too soft, give it a few more minutes. Adjusting herbs and spices: You can change the taste by adding your favorite herbs. For a bolder flavor, try adding thyme or basil. If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes. Using flavored butter options: Flavored butter can add a special touch. Try mixing in some lemon or chili powder with the butter. You can also use herb-infused oils for a different taste. Plating tips for visual appeal: A nice plate makes the meal look even better. Use a large white plate to show off the salmon. Drizzle some of the garlic butter sauce around the salmon. This adds color and depth. Suggested side dishes: Pair your salmon with steamed veggies like broccoli or green beans. A fresh salad is also a great choice. You can serve it with rice or quinoa for a filling meal. Pro Tips Fresh Ingredients: Always use fresh herbs and quality salmon for the best flavor and texture. Fresh ingredients make a significant difference in taste. Don’t Overcook: Keep an eye on your salmon while baking. It should be cooked until it flakes easily with a fork but still moist. Overcooking can lead to dry fish. Variations: Feel free to experiment with different herbs such as thyme or basil, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat. Resting Time: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute and enhances the overall flavor. {{image_2}} You can switch up the fish in this dish. Try using trout or tilapia. Both options have unique flavors and cook well with garlic butter. You can also add seasonal vegetables to your meal. Think about using asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. These veggies roast nicely and add color to your plate. You can grill or bake your salmon. Grilling gives it a smoky taste and nice grill marks. Baking is simple and keeps the fish moist. If you want a crispy skin, try pan-searing the salmon first. Sear it in a hot skillet for a few minutes before finishing it in the oven. Want to spice things up? Add some red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the garlic butter. It brings a nice kick to the dish. You can also experiment with herbs. Try thyme, basil, or cilantro for a different taste. Each herb changes the flavor and makes the dish unique. After enjoying your garlic butter herb salmon, save the leftovers. Store them in airtight containers. This keeps the salmon fresh and tasty. Make sure to let the salmon cool before sealing the container. It can last up to three days in the fridge. Always check for any off smells before eating. Freezing salmon is a great way to keep it fresh. Wrap each salmon fillet tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped fillets in a freezer bag. Remove as much air as possible before sealing. Properly frozen, the salmon can last up to three months. When you’re ready to cook, thaw it in the fridge overnight. To reheat your salmon, avoid the microwave if you can. Instead, use the oven or a skillet. For the oven, preheat to 300°F (150°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. This keeps it moist. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. If using a skillet, cook on low heat with a splash of water. This also helps keep the salmon juicy. Bake salmon at 375°F for 15-20 minutes. The fish should be flaky and opaque. Use a fork to check. If it flakes easily, it is done. Always check the thickest part of the fillet. This ensures that it cooks evenly. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. Place the fillets in the fridge overnight to defrost. If you're short on time, you can run the sealed fillets under cold water. This will speed up the process. Once thawed, pat them dry and season as usual. Garlic butter herb salmon pairs well with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans - A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette - Mashed potatoes or rice for a hearty touch - Quinoa for a healthy grain option Feel free to mix and match sides to suit your taste! You now have a simple guide for making garlic butter herb salmon. We covered the main ingredients, preparation steps, and cooking tips. I shared ways to enhance flavor and present your dish. You can play with variations, like different fish or cooking methods. Remember to store leftovers properly for later meals. Enjoy this dish, and feel free to experiment. Cooking can be fun, and it's great to share with others. Trust your taste, and make this recipe your own!$

A delicious and easy salmon recipe with garlic, butter, and fresh herbs.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 20

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (6 ounces each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon zest
2 tablespoons lemon juice
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish lemon slices

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a medium skillet over medium heat, melt the butter.
Add the minced garlic to the skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
Stir in the fresh parsley, dill, lemon juice, and lemon zest, mixing well until combined.
Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish, skin side down.
Pour the garlic butter herb mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
For an extra touch, broil the salmon for an additional 2-3 minutes to get a slightly crispy top.
Remove from the oven and garnish with lemon slices and additional herbs if desired.

Notes

Serve the salmon on a platter drizzled with the remaining garlic butter sauce, and add a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a vibrant meal.

Keyword butter, garlic, herbs, salmon