Weeknights got you beat? I totally get it. Sometimes the *last* thing you want to do after a long day is spend ages in the kitchen, but you still crave something delicious and good for you. That’s exactly why I fell head over heels for sheet-pan meals! They’re like a magic trick, turning simple ingredients into a gorgeous, flavorful dinner with minimal fuss and even less cleanup. My journey into sharing recipes, with my background in storytelling and a deep love for elegant yet easy cooking, inspired me to create dishes that feel special without the stress. And my Garlic Butter Baked Salmon? Oh, it’s a total winner. It’s speedy, packed with flavor, and you can even prep it ahead. Seriously, one pan, pure deliciousness, and minimal mess – what’s not to love?
- Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Gather Your Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- How to Make Perfect Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Tips for Success with Garlic Butter Salmon
- Meal Prep and Storage for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Estimated Nutritional Information
- Share Your Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Experience
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Honestly, this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is a weeknight game-changer! Here’s why you’ll be making it again and again:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking dinner on the table in about 25 minutes, start to finish!
- Bursting with Flavor: That garlic butter sauce is just divine, making the salmon so moist and tasty.
- Easy Cleanup: It’s a sheet-pan wonder, meaning only one pan to wash. Yes, please!
- Totally Versatile: It’s perfect for a quick dinner and also fantastic for meal prep lunches.
Gather Your Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Okay, so for this amazing garlic butter salmon, you don’t need a whole lot, which is part of why I love it so much. First up, you’ll need about 1.5 pounds of salmon fillet. You can use skin-on or skin-off, whatever you prefer! Then, for that magical sauce, grab 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter and make sure it’s melted. You’ll also need 4 cloves of garlic, all finely minced. A little bit of fresh lemon juice, about 1 tablespoon, really brightens things up. And to get that lovely herby flavor, we’re using 1 teaspoon of dried dill, or if you have fresh, just use about 1 tablespoon, chopped nice and fine. Of course, don’t forget salt and pepper to taste! If you’re feeling fancy, some lemon slices and fresh parsley for garnish are always a good idea.
How to Make Perfect Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Alright, let’s get this amazing garlic butter salmon into the oven! It really is as simple as a few steps, and before you know it, you’ll have a gorgeous, flaky fillet ready to devour. Trust me, this process is practically foolproof.
Prepping Your Sheet Pan for Baked Salmon
First things first, let’s get that oven roaring! Preheat it over to 400°F (that’s 200°C). While it’s heating, grab your favorite baking sheet. I always line mine with parchment paper – it’s a total game-changer for cleanup. Seriously, no stuck-on bits, just lift and toss. Easy peasy!
Crafting the Flavorful Garlic Butter Sauce
Now for the good stuff: the sauce! Grab a small bowl, and in go the melted butter, all that gorgeous minced garlic, that splash of fresh lemon juice, and our dried dill. Give it a good whisk until everything is nicely blended. This is where all that amazing garlic butter flavor comes from, so make sure it’s all mixed in!
Baking Your Sheet Pan Salmon to Perfection
Once your oven’s to temp, place your beautiful salmon fillet right onto that prepared baking sheet. Now, pour that lovely garlic butter concoction all over the top. Don’t forget to season it generously with salt and pepper. If you’re using lemon slices, lay them over the top now. Pop it into the oven and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. It’s usually done when it flakes easily with a fork. For a little extra golden color and crispiness on top, you can pop it under the broiler for the last minute or two – just keep a close eye on it so it doesn’t burn!
Tips for Success with Garlic Butter Salmon
Making absolutely incredible garlic butter salmon is all about a few little tricks! When you’re picking out your salmon, try to grab fillets that are about the same thickness. This way, they’ll cook evenly, and you won’t end up with one bit overcooked and another still a little rare. I’ve found using medium thicknesses is usually perfect for that 12-15 minute window. If yours are super thick, just give them a few extra minutes, or if they’re really thin, maybe a minute or two less. Don’t be shy with the seasonings, either—a good pinch of salt and pepper makes all the difference! And if you’re not a huge fan of dill, this herb butter fish recipe is super forgiving. Try fresh parsley, some chives, or even a pinch of dried thyme! For a complete meal, just toss some broccoli florets or asparagus spears onto the sheet pan with the salmon during the last 10 minutes of baking. Easy peasy dinner!
Meal Prep and Storage for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
This garlic butter salmon is practically made for meal prep! Once your delicious baked salmon is cooked and has cooled down a bit, just portion it out into your favorite airtight containers. I usually get about four good servings out of a 1.5-pound fillet. Pop them in the fridge, and you’ve got fantastic lunches or quick dinners ready to go for the next few days. It really makes sticking to a healthy lifestyle and maybe even some meal planning so much easier. Reheating is super simple – I usually just pop it in the microwave for about a minute or so, or you can give it a quick warm-up in a low oven. It’s a fantastic way to have a healthy, flavor-packed meal whenever you need it!
Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Got questions about making this amazing garlic butter salmon? I’ve got you covered! This recipe is pretty straightforward, but it’s always good to know a few extra tips. It’s such a versatile and easy fish dinner, so let’s dive into what folks usually ask!
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
You sure can! If you’re using frozen salmon, just make sure to thaw it completely first. The best way is to pop it in the fridge overnight. If you’re in a pinch, you can place the frozen fillet in a sealed bag and submerge it in cold water until thawed. Don’t try to cook it while it’s still frozen; it won’t cook evenly.
What are good side dishes for garlic butter salmon?
Oh, there are so many delicious pairings! Since we’re already using a sheet pan, I often just toss some veggies on there with the salmon for the last 10-12 minutes. Think asparagus, broccoli florets, or some thinly sliced bell peppers. Rice, quinoa, or even a simple side salad are also fantastic options to round out this baked salmon recipe.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
It’s super easy to tell! The salmon should look opaque and flake easily when you gently press it with a fork. It shouldn’t be mushy or have any raw-looking pinkness in the center. Also, a little trick I use is to glance at the thickest part; it should be firm but still have a little give. Remember, thicker fillets might take a minute or two longer!
Estimated Nutritional Information
Just a little heads-up, the nutritional info for this garlic butter baked salmon is an estimate, of course! Things can change a bit depending on the exact size of your fillet or the brands you use. But generally, a 4 oz serving is going to be around 250 calories, with about 15g of fat and a whopping 25g of protein. It’s a wonderfully healthy choice for dinner!
Share Your Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Experience
Alright, I’ve told you all my secrets for this amazing garlic butter baked salmon, but I truly want to hear from *you*! Did you try it? Maybe you did something a little different with it? I just love hearing how my recipes turn out in your kitchens. Drop a comment below, let me know what you thought, or even give the recipe a star rating. It really helps others find these simple, delicious dinners!
PrintGarlic Butter Baked Salmon
A simple and delicious sheet-pan salmon recipe with garlic butter, perfect for a weeknight dinner or meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillet
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional: Lemon slices and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dill.
- Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon. Season with salt and pepper.
- If using, arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillet.
- Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For a crispier top, you can broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Feel free to swap dill for other herbs like parsley, chives, or thyme.
- This recipe is great for meal prep. Portion the cooked salmon into containers for easy lunches throughout the week.
- Consider pairing with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli cooked on the same sheet pan for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg