This baked salmon is juicy and flavorful, thanks to a zesty garlic lemon butter sauce. It’s simple to make and perfect for any occasion!
Honestly, it tastes like a fancy restaurant meal, but you’ll whip it up in no time. I love pairing it with veggies for a quick and yummy dinner that feels special! 🐟🍋
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best for this recipe, as they’re thick and tender. If you’re looking for alternatives, try trout or cod. Both have similar flavors and textures, which work well with the garlic and lemon.
Butter: Unsalted butter is what I recommend for better control over saltiness. If you’re dairy-free, use olive oil or a plant-based butter alternative, which will still keep it rich and delicious!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that vibrant flavor. If you don’t have fresh, garlic powder can work, but use only about 1/4 teaspoon to avoid overpowering the dish.
Dill: Fresh dill adds a unique touch, but if it’s not available, you can use other herbs like parsley or chives. Dried dill will work too, just remember it’s more potent, so use less.
Asparagus: While asparagus pairs perfectly, you can use green beans or broccolini as well. They’ll cook nicely and soak up the lemon butter flavor.
How Can I Make Sure My Salmon is Cooked Perfectly?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but following a few simple steps will help you nail it every time! Here’s how:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so the salmon cooks evenly.
- Place the fillets skin-side down in the baking dish, which helps keep them moist.
- Check the cooking time; 15-20 minutes is usually perfect, but the thickness of your fillets can vary, so check for doneness by flaking with a fork.
- Let it rest a few minutes after baking; this helps the juices redistribute.
Using this method will keep your salmon juicy and packed with flavor! Enjoy cooking!
How to Make Juicy Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced (plus extra slices for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Asparagus:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound asparagus, trimmed
- Optional: additional lemon wedges for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. So, in total, you’re looking at around 30 minutes from start to finish for a healthy and tasty meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will ensure it’s hot and ready for your salmon and asparagus!
2. Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Mix:
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything well until it’s nicely combined. This will add loads of flavor to your salmon!
3. Prepare the Salmon:
Take a baking dish and place the salmon fillets in it, skin-side down. Pour half of that delicious garlic lemon butter mixture over the salmon, making sure each fillet is well coated. Yum!
4. Arrange the Asparagus:
Next, take the trimmed asparagus and arrange it around the salmon in the baking dish. Drizzle the olive oil over the asparagus and sprinkle with a bit of salt and pepper for some extra flavor.
5. Add More Sauce:
Don’t forget to pour the remaining garlic lemon butter sauce over the asparagus, too! This will make it deliciously tasty.
6. Bake!
Now, pop your baking dish into the oven. Bake for about 15-20 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender. The smell will be amazing!
7. Garnish and Serve:
Take the dish out of the oven, and if you like, you can garnish with fresh lemon slices and extra dill for that fancy touch. Serve it hot, with some additional lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the salmon and asparagus.
Enjoy your meal – you’re going to love this juicy garlic lemon butter baked salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon in This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely before baking. The best way to thaw is in the refrigerator overnight. If you’re short on time, you can also place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about 30 minutes.
What If I Don’t Have Fresh Dill?
No problem! You can substitute fresh dill with dried dill; just use about one teaspoon. Alternatively, other fresh herbs like parsley or thyme can also add a delightful flavor!
How to Adjust Cooking Time for Thicker Salmon Fillets?
If your salmon fillets are thicker than one inch, you’ll need to increase the cooking time. Check them around the 20-minute mark, and continue baking until they flake easily with a fork. Always keep an eye on them to prevent overcooking.
Can I Prepare This Dish Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the garlic lemon butter mixture in advance and marinate the salmon for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking. The asparagus can be prepped as well, but it’s best to bake it fresh for optimal texture.
