Garlic Butter Herb Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) - 3 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped - 1 teaspoon lemon juice - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper To make garlic butter herb salmon, you need fresh ingredients. Start with salmon fillets. I prefer wild-caught salmon for the best flavor. The unsalted butter adds richness and helps the garlic shine. I use 4 cloves of garlic. Minced garlic gives a strong taste. Fresh herbs like parsley and dill add brightness. Lemon juice gives a lovely tang. Seasoning with salt and black pepper enhances all the flavors. - Lemon wedges - Additional fresh herbs for presentation Garnishes make your dish look pretty and add flavor. Lemon wedges are great for serving. They add a nice fresh taste when squeezed on the salmon. Extra fresh herbs on top look inviting and colorful. They also bring more herb flavor to every bite. These small touches can make your meal feel special. {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This makes sure the salmon cooks evenly. 2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down in a baking dish. This helps the skin get crispy. 1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Be careful not to burn it. 2. Add 4 cloves of minced garlic to the melted butter. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until it smells great. 3. Remove the saucepan from heat. Stir in 1 tablespoon each of chopped parsley and dill, 1 teaspoon of lemon juice, ½ teaspoon of salt, and ¼ teaspoon of black pepper. This mixture brings all the flavors together. 4. Pour the garlic butter herb mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. Make sure each piece is coated well. 5. Bake the salmon in your preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. It is done when it flakes easily with a fork. 1. Let the salmon rest for a minute after removing it from the oven. This helps keep it juicy. 2. For plating, serve the salmon on a white platter. Add more fresh herbs and lemon wedges on the side for color and flavor. To make sure your salmon is fresh, look for bright, shiny skin. The flesh should be firm and wet. If it smells like the ocean, it is likely fresh. To check if salmon is done, look for the flaky texture. Use a fork to test it. If it flakes easily, it is ready. The inside should not be raw or too dry. You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste. Add more salt or pepper if needed. If you love bold flavors, try adding a bit more garlic. For herb substitutions, experiment with basil, thyme, or chives. Each will give a different taste to your salmon. Use what you have on hand to keep it easy. Serve salmon on a white platter for a clean look. This makes the colors pop and looks beautiful. Garnish with extra fresh herbs or lemon wedges. This adds a bright touch and enhances the flavor. A sprinkle of herbs can make your dish shine! Pro Tips Fresh Herbs: Always use fresh herbs for the best flavor. Dried herbs can alter the intended taste of the dish. Garlic Care: Be careful not to overcook the garlic in the butter; it should be fragrant but not browned to avoid bitterness. Salmon Skin: Leave the skin on while baking to help retain moisture and flavor. It can easily be removed after cooking. Resting Time: Let the salmon rest for a minute after baking to allow the juices to redistribute for a more succulent bite. {{image_2}} You can switch up the herbs in this garlic butter herb salmon. Try using basil, thyme, or even tarragon. Each herb gives a unique flavor. You can mix and match to find your favorite taste. If you want to use a different type of fish, go for it! Try trout or sea bass. These fish cook well and taste great with garlic butter. You can cook this salmon in a few ways. Grilling adds a nice smoky flavor. Preheat your grill and cook the salmon for about 6-8 minutes on each side. Baking is another great option. It keeps the fish moist. Follow the same steps in the recipe but use a baking dish. If you prefer pan-searing, start with a hot skillet. Add a little oil, then place the salmon skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for another 4-5 minutes. For a low-carb or keto-friendly meal, use less butter or replace it with a healthier oil. Olive oil works well and keeps the dish tasty. If you want vegan options, try using tofu instead of salmon. Marinate the tofu in the garlic butter mix. Bake or grill it for a similar flavor profile. These variations help you enjoy this dish in many ways! To store cooked salmon, let it cool first. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. You can also use an airtight container. This keeps it fresh and tasty for up to three days. If you have sauce left, store it separately. Keep the salmon in the fridge. Avoid letting it sit out at room temperature. This helps prevent bacteria from growing. To reheat salmon, you can use the oven or a skillet. For the oven, set it to 300°F (150°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 10-15 minutes. For the skillet, use low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Heat for about 5 minutes, flipping gently. This method helps prevent drying out. You can freeze cooked salmon, but raw salmon freezes best. If you freeze cooked salmon, wrap it well in foil or freezer bags. It lasts up to three months. For raw salmon, place it in a freezer bag, and remove as much air as you can. It can stay fresh for six months in the freezer. You should cook garlic butter herb salmon for 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon should be flaky and tender when done. Use a fork to check if it flakes easily. If it does, it's ready to enjoy! Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just be sure to thaw them before cooking. You can leave them in the fridge overnight or use cold water to thaw them quickly. This will help the salmon cook evenly. Garlic butter herb salmon pairs well with many sides. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed asparagus - Roasted potatoes - A fresh green salad - Quinoa or rice These sides will complement the salmon well and make a balanced meal. Salmon is very healthy. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fats help your heart and brain. Salmon also contains high-quality protein, vitamins, and minerals. Eating salmon can support overall health and well-being. You can prepare the garlic butter herb mixture ahead of time. Store it in the fridge for up to two days. When you're ready, coat the salmon and bake it. This makes dinner quick and easy! We covered how to make garlic butter herb salmon with easy steps and fresh flavors. You learned about the main ingredients and how to cook them to perfection. Remember to check for freshness and adjust spices to your taste. Explore variations with different fish or herbs to keep it exciting. Lastly, follow the storage tips to enjoy your leftovers. This dish is not only tasty but also healthy, making it great for any meal. Enjoy your cooking adventure!$

Garlic Butter Herb Salmon

A delicious salmon dish coated in garlic butter and fresh herbs, perfect for a quick and healthy meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1 teaspoon lemon juice
0.5 teaspoon salt
0.25 teaspoon black pepper
none Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down in a baking dish.
In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and sauté for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant, being careful not to brown the garlic.
Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the chopped parsley, dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Pour the garlic butter herb mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, making sure each fillet is generously coated.
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for a minute before serving.

Notes

Serve the salmon on a white platter, garnished with additional fresh herbs and lemon wedges on the side for a pop of color.

Keyword butter, garlic, herbs, salmon, seafood