Name: Baked Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 6 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: . Salmon; 1 1/2 - 2 lbs salmon fillet ((or about six (4oz) portions)); salt (to taste); freshly ground black pepper (to taste); . Garlic Butter; 3 Tablespoons butter ((melted)); 4 cloves garlic ((minced)); 2 teaspoons lemon juice; fresh chopped parsley ((for garnish, optional)); lemon slices ((for garnish, optional))

Welcome to a delightful culinary journey with this Baked Salmon recipe! Perfectly seasoned and topped with a luscious garlic butter, this dish is simple yet incredibly satisfying. Let’s dive into how to create this mouthwatering meal!

Tips for Success

Allow your salmon to rest before cooking for even better results. This part’s so satisfying when the garlic butter seeps into the fish!

Serving Suggestions

Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices for a beautiful presentation!

Ingredients

Salmon:
1 1/2 - 2 lbs salmon fillet ((or about six (4oz) portions))
salt (to taste)
freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Garlic Butter:
3 Tablespoons butter ((melted))
4 cloves garlic ((minced))
2 teaspoons lemon juice
fresh chopped parsley ((for garnish, optional))
lemon slices ((for garnish, optional))

Instructions

Prepare the Salmon:
Step 1

- Rest salmon: Set salmon on counter and allow it to rest for 20-30 minutes to come to room temperature. Pat with paper towels. (You can cut one large salmon fillet into smaller 3-4 oz portions, or leave it whole).
Step 2

- Line the sheet pan: Line a sheet pan or any baking tray with a piece of aluminum foil. Lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray. Place the fillet on top, skin side down.
Step 3

- Prepare garlic butter: Garlic butter: Melt butter and stir in garlic and lemon juice. Spoon mixture over the flesh of the salmon fillet. You can enclose the aluminum foil around the salmon if you want (some people prefer it cooked inside a pocket of foil, to make sure it's moist) but you don't have to.
Step 4

- Bake the salmon: Bake at 400 degrees F for 12-15 minutes depending on thickness of salmon and desired doneness. USDA recommends 145 degrees F (Remove it a few degrees before desired temperature, as it will continue to cook outside the oven). I always cook my salmon to 120-130 degrees F, for medium rare to medium. The easiest way to check if salmon is done is to use a fork to gently pull back on a section in the thickest part of the fillet. The salmon should flake away easily.

Nutrition

Calories: 350, Fat: 20g, Carbs: 0g, Protein: 38g

Cooking techniques

For the best flavor, allow the salmon to rest before cooking. Baking ensures even cooking and keeps the salmon moist.

Variations or substitutions

Feel free to use different herbs like dill or thyme instead of parsley, or add a splash of white wine to the garlic butter for an extra kick!

Storage tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain its tenderness.

Notes

For a dairy-free option, substitute the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter alternative.