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Healthy Baked Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter

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A quick and easy baked salmon recipe featuring garlic herb butter that keeps the fish moist and flavorful, perfect for a healthy and comforting dinner in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets, skin-on if possible (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 60 g), softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced fresh
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice (optional but recommended)
  • Salt to taste (preferably flaky sea salt)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil, for brushing the baking dish or salmon skin

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare your baking dish by lightly brushing it with olive oil or lining it with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the softened unsalted butter with minced garlic, chopped parsley, dill, and lemon juice until well combined and smooth.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a nice texture and help the butter stick better.
  4. Season each fillet generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides.
  5. Place the salmon skin-side down in the prepared baking dish.
  6. Spread the garlic herb butter evenly over the top of each fillet using the back of a spoon or a small spatula.
  7. Bake the salmon for about 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. Aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium doneness if using a thermometer.
  8. Optionally, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes to crisp the butter topping and add a golden finish, watching carefully to avoid burning the garlic.
  9. Remove from oven and let rest for a couple of minutes to allow juices to redistribute and flavors to settle.
  10. Serve immediately, spooning any buttery pan juices over the salmon for extra flavor.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before seasoning to avoid sogginess. Use room temperature butter for even spreading. Watch oven temperature carefully to prevent burning the garlic herb butter. Check doneness starting at 12 minutes. Let salmon rest before serving for juicier texture. For dairy-free, substitute butter with coconut oil or plant-based margarine. Optional broil step adds a crispy finish but requires close attention.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, garlic herb butter, healthy dinner, quick salmon recipe, easy salmon, weeknight dinner, seafood, healthy recipe

Find it online: https://realityeats.com/healthy-baked-salmon-with-garlic-herb-butter-easy-20-minute-recipe-for-perfect-dinner/