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For this tasty dish, you need just a few key items: - 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter - 4 garlic cloves, minced - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - Zest of 1 lemon - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for garnish) These ingredients come together to make a dish that shines with flavor. You can use both fresh and dried herbs in this recipe. Fresh herbs give a bright taste. They can also add a lovely look to your dish. If you have fresh oregano, use it! If not, dried oregano works great too. It saves time and still tastes good. Just remember, dried herbs are stronger. So, use a little less. Garnishing makes your dish pop! I like to use fresh parsley and lemon slices. The parsley adds a splash of green. It also brings a fresh taste. The lemon slices not only look nice but also give a zesty kick. You can place them on the side or right on top of the salmon. Enjoy your meal with these bright touches! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is perfect for cooking salmon. Next, take a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This step helps keep the salmon from sticking. It makes cleaning easier too. Grab a small saucepan and place it on the stove over medium heat. Add 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. As the butter melts, you will add 4 minced garlic cloves. Stir them for about 1 minute. The garlic should smell great but not brown. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Now, mix in 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice and the zest of one lemon. Add salt and pepper to taste, along with 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. The mix should smell amazing! Take your prepared baking sheet with the salmon fillets. Place the fillets skin-side down. Brush the garlic butter mixture over each fillet. Make sure to cover them well. Now, it’s time to bake! Place the baking sheet in the oven and cook for 12-15 minutes. You will know the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. After baking, let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes. This resting time helps keep it juicy. Enjoy your delicious garlic butter lemon salmon! To get flaky salmon, cook it at the right temperature. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the salmon cook evenly and stay tender. Use fresh salmon fillets and ensure they are skin-side down on the baking sheet. This helps keep moisture in. Brush them with the garlic butter mix for added flavor. Overcooked salmon can be dry and tough. To prevent this, set a timer for 12 minutes. Check the salmon with a fork. It should flake easily. If it is still raw in the middle, return it to the oven for a couple more minutes. Keep a close eye on it to avoid drying out. Garlic butter lemon salmon pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with steamed broccoli or a fresh salad. Rice or quinoa also makes a great side. A light white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, complements the dish nicely. For a fun twist, add lemon slices on top for serving. This adds color and fresh flavor. Enjoy your meal! Pro Tips Tip for Perfectly Cooked Salmon: Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon; it should reach 145°F (63°C) for optimal doneness. Tip for Extra Flavor: Marinate the salmon fillets in the garlic butter mixture for 30 minutes before baking to enhance the flavor. Tip for Crispy Skin: If you prefer crispy skin, broil the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Tip for Serving: Pair the salmon with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad to create a well-rounded meal. {{image_2}} Lemon dill salmon brings fresh flavors to your plate. You can easily swap out the oregano for fresh dill. Just use 1 tablespoon of chopped dill. Add this to your garlic butter mix. The dill adds a bright taste that pairs well with lemon. This dish works great for a summer meal. If you like heat, try spicy garlic butter salmon. To make this, add red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mix. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust to your taste. This will give your salmon a nice kick. It’s perfect for those who enjoy bold flavors. For gluten-free options, you can still enjoy garlic butter lemon salmon. The original recipe is already gluten-free! Just be sure your butter and any added sauces are gluten-free. You can serve it with gluten-free sides like rice or quinoa. This way, everyone can enjoy this tasty dish. To keep leftover salmon fresh, place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing. When reheating salmon, use a low heat setting. You can use an oven, microwave, or skillet. Heat it at 275°F (135°C) for about 10-15 minutes. This keeps it moist and tasty. If using a microwave, cover it with a damp paper towel. This helps prevent it from drying out. To freeze salmon, wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place it in a freezer bag. This helps avoid freezer burn. You can keep it frozen for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it overnight in the fridge. This keeps the taste and texture great. Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just remember to thaw them first. Place them in the fridge overnight. If you're short on time, use the cold water method. Seal the fillets in a bag and submerge them in cold water for about 30 minutes. This will help them thaw quickly and safely. Salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures that the fish is safe to eat. You can check the temperature with a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the fillet for the most accurate reading. You can tell when salmon is done by checking its color and texture. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If the salmon is still translucent, it needs more time. Keep an eye on it while baking to avoid overcooking. This dish cooks quickly, so check at the 12-minute mark. Garlic butter lemon salmon is a simple, tasty dish. I shared key ingredients, cooking steps, tips, and variations. Each part helps you cook salmon well. You learned how to store leftovers too. Remember, fresh herbs add flavor, and watch the cooking time to avoid dryness. This meal is perfect for any occasion. Enjoy your cooking journey and share this dish with loved ones.

Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

A delicious and easy salmon recipe with garlic butter and lemon.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 lemon zest of
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
  • for garnish lemon slices

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  • Remove the saucepan from heat and stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and dried oregano.
  • Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the top of each fillet.
  • Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  • Once done, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
  • Serve the salmon garnished with chopped parsley and lemon slices for an extra pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Serve with fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish.
Keyword butter, garlic, lemon, salmon