This baked salmon is a tasty treat! It’s covered in butter, garlic, and zesty lemon that make every bite burst with flavor. Plus, it’s super quick to prepare—who doesn’t love that?
I often find myself sneaking extra pieces because it’s just that good! Pair it with some veggies or rice, and you’ve got a complete meal that feels fancy without the fuss.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon is my first choice for flavor and health benefits. If it’s not available, look for frozen fillets. Other fish like trout or cod can also work well, but they will change the taste slightly.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the salt in the dish. If you’re dairy-free, try using coconut oil or a plant-based butter alternative. It will give a different flavor but still delicious!
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers great flavor. If you’re short on time or don’t have fresh, jarred minced garlic works in a pinch. Just use a little less since it can be stronger in flavor.
Lemon Juice and Zest: Fresh lemon juice gives the best taste, but bottled lemon juice works too. For zest, always opt for fresh when possible as it adds a vibrant flavor. If unavailable, skip it or use less bottled juice.
Thyme: Dried thyme is fine, but fresh thyme really enhances the dish’s aroma. If you don’t have thyme, rosemary or oregano can be great alternatives.
How Do I Get the Perfectly Flaky Salmon?
Cooking salmon to the perfect flake can sometimes be tricky, but following a few key steps helps. First, use the right temperature. Preheating the oven is crucial, so make sure it reaches 375°F (190°C) before you put the salmon in.
- Cooking it skin-side down helps retain moisture and flavor.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark. It’s ready when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Keep an eye on internal temperature; it should hit 145°F (63°C) for safety.
Don’t forget, resting the salmon for a minute after baking allows juices to redistribute, making each bite moist and flavorful! Happy cooking!
How to Make Juicy Garlic Lemon Butter Baked Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon slices (for garnish)
- Fresh thyme sprigs (for garnish, optional)
Optional Side:
- 1 bunch asparagus
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious salmon dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15-20 minutes to bake. In total, you’re looking at about 30 minutes before you can enjoy your meal. It’s a quick and tasty option for dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a nice, even bake for your salmon. While the oven is heating, you can get the garlic butter ready!
2. Make the Garlic Lemon Butter:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant. Be sure to keep an eye on it so that it doesn’t burn. Once fragrant, take the saucepan off the heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, salt, and pepper. This mixture will give your salmon a burst of flavor!
3. Prepare the Salmon:
Take a baking dish and place the salmon fillets skin-side down inside it. Pour the garlic lemon butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, making sure they are well coated. If you’re using asparagus, now is the time to place it around the salmon in the dish.
4. Add Asparagus (Optional):
If you want to serve asparagus with your salmon, drizzle the asparagus with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper. Place the baking dish in the oven for baking.
5. Bake the Salmon:
Let your salmon bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This is when your salmon is perfectly juicy and ready!
6. Garnish and Serve:
Once baked, take your salmon out of the oven and let it rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh lemon slices and thyme sprigs if you like. Serve your juicy salmon immediately, alongside the roasted asparagus if you made it. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. To thaw quickly, place the salmon fillets in a sealed plastic bag and submerge them in cold water. This should take about 30 minutes to an hour. Once thawed, pat them dry with paper towels before proceeding with the recipe.
What Can I Substitute for Fresh Thyme?
If you don’t have fresh thyme, dried thyme works perfectly! Use about one-third of the amount called for in fresh, so 1 teaspoon of dried thyme will suffice. Keep in mind that dried herbs are more concentrated in flavor, so it’s best to adjust to your taste.
How Should I Store Leftover Salmon?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, or use the microwave on medium power for a few minutes.
Can I Add Other Vegetables?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes alongside the asparagus. Just adjust the cooking time if needed, as denser vegetables may take longer to cook than the salmon.
