Melt-in-Mouth Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

Introduction

This melt-in-mouth honey garlic butter baked salmon offers a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, making it an easy yet impressive dish for any night. With a simple butter sauce and a hint of lemon, it’s tender, juicy, and full of delicious aroma.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp dried parsley or 2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• Pinch paprika
• 1 lemon, sliced into half-moons

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) fan. Line a baking tray with foil or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2. Step 2: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared tray.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, honey, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Stir to mix well.
4. Step 4: Pour the butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets, ensuring each piece is well coated.
5. Step 5: Arrange the lemon slices on and around the salmon fillets for added flavor.
6. Step 6: Bake the salmon for 8 minutes, then carefully open the oven and baste the fillets with the sauce collected in the tray.
7. Step 7: Return the salmon to the oven and bake for an additional 4 to 7 minutes, or until the salmon is tender and cooked through.
8. Step 8: Remove from the oven and serve immediately with your favorite potatoes and green vegetables.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the butter sauce for a subtle kick.
• Use fresh parsley whenever possible for a brighter herbal note.
• To keep the salmon moist, avoid overbaking; check for doneness starting at 12 minutes total cooking time.
• Substitute lemon slices with orange or lime for a different citrus twist.

Storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature or in a microwave covered loosely to prevent drying out. It’s best enjoyed fresh for optimal texture and flavor.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salmon with skin on or skin off?

You can use either skin-on or skinless salmon fillets. Baking with the skin on helps keep the fish moist and adds texture, but skinless fillets work well too.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, replace the unsalted butter with a dairy-free alternative such as olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Melt-in-Mouth Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 78 reviews

This Melt-in-Mouth Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe delivers tender, flavorful salmon fillets glazed with a luscious honey garlic butter sauce. The dish is baked to perfection, infused with fresh lemon slices and aromatic herbs, making it a simple yet elegant meal perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

• Author: Isabella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon Fillets

• 4 boneless salmon fillets

Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp dried parsley or 2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• pinch paprika

Garnish

• 1 lemon, sliced into half-moons

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) with the fan setting. Line a baking tray with foil or a silicone mat to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
2. Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they are spaced evenly for uniform cooking.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, honey, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika. Whisk the ingredients together until well mixed.
4. Coat the Salmon: Pour the honey garlic butter sauce evenly over each salmon fillet, making sure they are thoroughly coated to maximize flavor.
5. Add Lemon Slices: Arrange the lemon half-moon slices on and around the salmon fillets to infuse a fresh, citrus aroma and flavor while baking.
6. Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 8 minutes. This initial cooking time starts to set the fillets and meld the flavors.
7. Baste and Continue Baking: Carefully open the oven and baste the salmon with the sauce collected on the baking tray. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 4-7 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque, tender, and cooked through.
8. Serve: Remove from the oven and serve your honey garlic butter baked salmon with your favorite side dishes such as roasted potatoes and green vegetables for a complete meal.

Notes

• You can substitute fresh parsley with dried parsley if fresh is unavailable.
• For a more intense garlic flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the butter sauce.
• Basting during baking helps keep the salmon moist and flavorful.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
• This recipe pairs well with steamed asparagus, roasted broccoli, or a fresh green salad.

Keywords: baked salmon, honey garlic salmon, butter salmon recipe, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon dinner, oven baked fish, garlic butter sauce