Last friday I was looking for somthing quick and yummy and i found this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon. It mixs the rich buttery taste of salmon with a tangy lemon punch and garlicky smell that just hits right. Folks like it cause it only takes a few steps, and you can have it on any weeknight or even for a fancy dinner. Its easy, fast, and everyone seems to love it when I make it.
Salmon is also great for your body, so it feels like a win win dish. It's loaded with omega-3 fats, protein, and lots of vitamins and minerals. Eating salmon more often can be good for your heart, your brain and even make your skin look better, so it not only tastes gud but its also a healthy pick.
What make this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon different from other salmon receipes is you dont need fancy stuff to get a gourmet taste. That buttery sauce with fresh lemon and garlic just makes the salmon flavors pop. You can change it up easy if you like more spice or diferent herbs, so its something that fit all tastes. Plus you feel like a chef at home without much work.
Health Benefits of Salmon
Salmon helps your heart because of the omega-3 fats. These fats can make your blood pressure go down, cut down on swelling inside your body, and lower the chance of heart problems. If you eat enough omega-3 all the time, your heart will probaly thank you.
Also salmon gives you a lot of good protein, wich your muscles and cells need to rebuild and stay strong. A normal portion of salmon can cover much of your protein needs for the day.
It got B vitamins like B12, B6 and niacin that help turn food into energy and keep your nerves working right. Salmon also has vitamin D for strong bones and imunity, and selenium which fights bad stuff in your cells.
If you eat salmon often, you may get benefits for your brain, maybe help memory and lower the risk of brain problems when you get old. The nutrients can also make your skin look more fresh and slow down aging signs. With all that, salmon is not just tasty, but also good for you in many waies.
Ingredients Needed
To make this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon, you just need a few simple stuffs:
- Salmon fillets: Fresh or thawed fillets for best taste and texture.
- Lemon: Fresh juice and zest to give it that bright zing.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves, minced to make it super savory.
- Butter: Unsalted butter to make the sauce creamy.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley or dill for taste and looking pretty.
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste, and you can add more spices if you want.
Ingredients Needed
To make this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon, you just need a few simple stuffs:
- Salmon fillets: Fresh or thawed fillets for best taste and texture.
- Lemon: Fresh juice and zest to give it that bright zing.
- Garlic: Fresh cloves, minced to make it super savory.
- Butter: Unsalted butter to make the sauce creamy.
- Fresh herbs: Parsley or dill for taste and looking pretty.
- Seasoning: Salt and pepper to taste, and you can add more spices if you want.
Equipment Needed
Before you start, check you have these kitchen tools ready:
- Baking dish or oven-safe skillet: For cooking the salmon in oven or on the stove top.
- Zester or grater: To get the lemon zest.
- Knife and cutting board: For cutting everything up.
- Measuring cups and spoons: To measure stuff so it comes out right.
Detailed Recipe for Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Preparation Time
Prep time is about 10 minutes and cook time around 15 minutes, so it makes a quick dinner. This recipe serves about 4 people.
Directions
- Preparation of Ingredients:
- First, pat dry the salmon fillets; if they have skin, you can leave it on for crispness or take it off before cooking.
- Peel and mince the garlic cloves, and chop your fresh herbs.
- Zest the lemon to get the tangy outer layer of the peel.
- Making the Lemon Garlic Butter:
In a small pan, melt the butter over low heat. When it's melted, add the grated garlic and lemon zest. Cook gentle for 1-2 minutes so the flavors mix without burning the garlic.
- Cooking the Salmon:
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) if you bake. Or, heat a skillet on medium with a little oil. Season the salmon with salt and pepper on each side. For baking, put the fillets in a baking pan and pour the lemon garlic butter over them. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes with a fork. If you use the skillet, put the salmon skin-side down and cook 6-7 minutes each side, spooning the butter on top as it cooks.
- Serving Suggestions:
To serve, sprinkle fresh herbs and add lemon wedges on the side. It goes well with steamed veggies, rice, or even a simple salad for a balanced meal.
Tips for Perfect Salmon
- Choosing the right salmon: Wild-caught salmon tastes best and is healthier, but farmed salmon is ok if its from a good source.
- Doneness levels: Salmon is best medium-rare to medium, so it's still moist. Use a meat thermometer to check for 125°F (52°C) inside.
- Storage and reheating advice: Store leftovers in a closed container in fridge for up to 2 days. To warm it up, do it slow in a pan or oven so it dont dry out.
Variations of the Recipe
You can play with this recipe to suit diffrent tastes:
- Spices: Add paprika or cayenne if you like it spicy.
- Alternative oils and fats: You can use olive oil or ghee instead of butter.
- Substitutions for dietary preferences: If you want vegan, swap salmon for tofu and use vegan butter.
Pairing Suggestions
Make your meal better with these pairing ideas:
- Wine Pairings: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works great.
- Side Dishes:
- Grilled veggies like asparagus or zucchini.
- Rice or quinoa with herbs and lemon.
- A green salad with a light vinegar dressing.
Conclusion
All in all, Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is a simple but tasty dish that's good for you and easy to make. It's perfect for a busy weeknight or when you want to impress people. Try it out and tell your friends and family how it went!
FAQs
- What goes well with Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon? Roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad are awesome sides.
- Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, just thaw it completely before cooking so it cooks evenly.
- How do I know when salmon is cooked properly? It flakes easily with a fork and look opaque. You can also use a meat thermometer and look for 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare.
- Can I make Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon ahead of time? You can make the garlic butter ahead and keep it in the fridge. Cook the salmon when you are ready to eat it.
- Is salmon healthy? Yes, salmon is full of omega-3 fats, protein, and vitamins, making it a good choice.
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Equipment
- 1 Baking dish
- 1 Small saucepan
- 1 Whisk
- 1 Measuring spoons
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Aluminum foil optional
Ingredients
- 4 fillets salmon, about 6 ounces each
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 lemons juice of
- 1 lemon zest of
- to taste salt
- to taste black pepper
- for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish, skin-side down.
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the unsalted butter.
- Once the butter is melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
- Stir in the lemon juice and lemon zest, mixing well to combine. Remove from heat.
- Pour the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Serve the salmon garnished with chopped parsley and enjoy!
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