Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe
If you’re craving a mouthwatering meal that’s as effortless as it is elegant, this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe is about to become your go-to dish. Tender, flaky salmon fillets are nestled among crisp-tender broccoli and smothered with aromatic garlic, melted butter, and a hint of brown sugar — all on a single sheet pan! With every bite, you get savory herbed butter, zesty lemon, and the subtle sweetness that brings everything together. Whether for quick weeknights or special gatherings, this impressive recipe always wows and leaves you with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps it simple yet absolutely satisfying. Each ingredient plays an important role, bringing distinct flavors and textures — from the lush, rich salmon to that garlicky butter magic that soaks into everything.
- Salmon Fillets (4, 6 ounces each): The star of the show; choose skinless or skin-on, depending on your preference for texture and presentation.
- Broccoli Florets (4 to 6 cups): These sturdy greens soak up flavor beautifully and get deliciously golden in the oven.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced): The key to that irresistible aroma and deep savory flavor that defines the Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe.
- Unsalted Butter (6 tablespoons, melted): Creates a rich base for the sauce and keeps the salmon moist and tender.
- Light Brown Sugar (1 tablespoon): Adds a subtle hint of sweetness that balances the butter and herbs.
- Dried Oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Provides an earthy, Mediterranean note that complements the salmon.
- Dried Thyme (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a gentle herbal flavor that brightens the whole dish.
- Dried Rosemary (1/2 teaspoon): Adds woodsy, aromatic undertones to the butter mixture.
- Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Lemon (1, halved and divided): Brings a pop of freshness, both in cooking and serving.
- Chopped Fresh Parsley (for garnish): Adds a final burst of color and a fresh herbal finish.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Pan
Start by preheating your oven to 400˚F. To keep cleanup as breezy as possible, grease a large sheet pan with cooking spray, making sure you get into all the corners. This ensures that your salmon and veggies won’t stick and makes for an easy lift-off when it’s time to serve.
Step 2: Arrange Salmon and Broccoli
Spread the broccoli florets evenly on the sheet pan, leaving enough space to nestle in the salmon fillets. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down if yours still have skin. Rub the minced garlic generously over each salmon piece — this step is where that signature aroma starts. Set everything aside while you move on to the butter mixture.
Step 3: Whisk the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, light brown sugar, dried oregano, thyme, and rosemary. This sauce brings together all the key flavors that make this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe a true crowd-pleaser. The brown sugar melts into the butter, creating a slightly caramelized glaze that’s pure magic once baked.
Step 4: Pour and Coat
Drizzle the garlic-herb butter mixture evenly over both the salmon and the broccoli florets. Grab a spoon and make sure every piece gets coated — you want that buttery, herby goodness in each and every bite. This is your chance to really infuse every element with flavor!
Step 5: Add Lemon and Seasoning
Take one lemon half and squeeze it over the entire sheet pan, letting the bright citrus cut through the richness of the butter. Season everything liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The lemon and pepper work hand in hand to perk up all the flavors in this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe.
Step 6: Bake to Perfection
Slide the sheet pan into the preheated oven and bake for 15 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145˚F. The broccoli will be just tender with crispy caramelized bits — the sign of a perfect bake!
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and immediately shower everything with chopped fresh parsley. Slice the remaining lemon half and serve the wedges alongside the salmon. This not only looks stunning but lets everyone add that final, fresh citrus squeeze at the table. Dig in while everything’s hot, and enjoy the glorious flavors together!
How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley adds color and a delicate herbal aroma, while lemon slices invite a bright finishing squeeze. You can also sprinkle some extra cracked pepper or even a pinch of flaky sea salt for that little restaurant-quality touch.
Side Dishes
This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe pairs perfectly with fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or a simple orzo pilaf. If you’re looking for lighter fare, a fresh mixed greens salad or even a tangy cucumber salad balances the richness of the salmon beautifully. Crusty bread is always welcome for soaking up any leftover butter sauce too!
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, scatter edible flowers or microgreens over the platter for a colorful showstopper. Serve the salmon fillets atop pillowy mashed potatoes or stack the broccoli beneath the salmon for a beautiful layered plate. If you want an elegant starter, slice the salmon into bite-sized pieces and serve atop crostini, drizzled with extra garlic butter.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let any leftover salmon and broccoli cool to room temperature before transferring them to an airtight container. They’ll keep in the fridge for up to 3 days, making them perfect for a quick lunch or an easy dinner later in the week.
Freezing
While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze cooked salmon fillets for up to one month. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap, then store in a freezer bag. Broccoli can become soft after freezing, but works well for meal-prep if you don’t mind a softer texture.
Reheating
To keep the salmon moist, reheat gently in the oven at 300˚F, covered with foil, until warmed through. You can also microwave, but add a splash of water or extra butter to prevent drying out. Leftover salmon is surprisingly delicious flaked cold into salads or grain bowls, too.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw your salmon fillets thoroughly in the fridge overnight and pat them dry with paper towels before baking. This helps achieve the right texture and lets the butter soak in beautifully.
What if I don’t have broccoli? What other veggies work?
Swap in asparagus, green beans, or even thinly sliced bell peppers for the broccoli. Any veggie that gets tender in about 15 minutes will be perfect in this versatile Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes! Use your favorite dairy-free butter substitute. Just make sure it’s one that melts well and has a mild flavor — so it lets the garlic and herbs shine through.
What should I do if my salmon isn’t quite done after 15 minutes?
Oven temps can vary, so check the thickest part of your fillet with a fork or thermometer. If it’s not opaque and flakes easily, give it another 2-4 minutes, checking closely to avoid overcooking.
Is it okay to prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time?
Definitely! You can mix up the garlic butter and herbs a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Just melt it again before pouring over the salmon and veggies for even coverage and maximum flavor.
Final Thoughts
Few recipes are as reliable, rewarding, and downright delicious as this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe. It’s designed for busy nights but special enough to impress anyone lucky enough to join you at the table. Give it a try and let every bite remind you that simple, fresh ingredients really are the secret to the best meals!
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Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines juicy salmon fillets with tender broccoli, infused with a delicious garlic herb butter. Perfect for a quick and healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 (6 ounces each) salmon fillets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Broccoli:
- 4 to 6 cups broccoli florets
Garlic Butter:
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Additional:
- 1 lemon, halved
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400˚F and grease a sheet pan with cooking spray.
- Prepare Ingredients: Arrange broccoli and salmon on the sheet pan, rub minced garlic over the fillets.
- Mix Butter: In a bowl, whisk together melted butter, brown sugar, oregano, thyme, and rosemary.
- Add Butter Mixture: Pour the butter mixture over the salmon and veggies.
- Season and Squeeze Lemon: Squeeze lemon juice over everything, season with salt and pepper.
- Bake: Bake for 15 minutes until fish is flaky and reaches 145˚F.
- Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley, serve with lemon slices.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon to keep it tender and juicy.
- You can customize the herb blend in the butter to suit your taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with veggies
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Baked Salmon, Salmon with Garlic Butter, Baked Salmon Recipe
