Ingredients
Scale
- For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried thyme (or 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves)
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
- Optional Garnishes:
- Lemon wedges
- Extra parsley or dill
Instructions
- Preparing the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Let them sit at room temperature for 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Making the Garlic Butter Sauce: Heat olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Stir in butter, letting it melt completely. Add lemon zest, lemon juice, thyme, and red pepper flakes (if using). Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
- Cooking the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Spoon the garlic butter sauce generously over the salmon. Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) and bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Finishing Touches: Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with plant-based butter or olive oil.
- Storage tip: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or stovetop to preserve texture.
- Substitute salmon with cod, halibut, or chicken breasts for a variation.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Pan-sear and Oven-bake
- Cuisine: American-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (1/4th of the recipe)
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 18 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg