Description
This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon recipe offers a deliciously moist and flavorful fish dish, infused with zesty lemon, garlic, and aromatic herbs, finished with a beautifully caramelized top under the grill for perfect texture. Ideal for a quick and elegant meal, it pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes and steamed greens or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp freshly minced garlic
- 1 tsp honey
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sea salt flakes
- ½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper, plus extra to serve
- ½ tsp chilli (red pepper) flakes (optional)
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets
Optional Sides and Garnish
- Freezer-friendly mashed potato
- Steamed greens or leafy green salad, sprinkled with parmesan
- Fresh lemon slices
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 220°C (425°F) or 200°C (400°F) if using a fan-forced oven. Ensure it is fully heated for at least 20 minutes for even cooking.
- Prepare the lemon garlic butter marinade: In a bowl, mix together the melted unsalted butter, extra-virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, sweet paprika, dried oregano, sea salt flakes, freshly cracked black pepper, and optional chilli flakes until well combined.
- Marinate the salmon: Place the skin-on salmon fillets skin-side down in a roasting tin. Spoon the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each fillet, coating them thoroughly.
- Bake the salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12 minutes to allow it to cook gently and absorb the flavors.
- Grill for caramelization: After baking, switch the oven grill (broiler) to high and cook the salmon for an additional 3 minutes or until the top is caramelized and the fish is cooked to your liking.
- Serve: Plate the salmon with freezer-friendly mashed potatoes and steamed greens or a leafy green salad sprinkled with parmesan. Garnish with fresh lemon slices, a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper, and chopped flat-leaf parsley for an extra burst of flavor and color.
Notes
- Ensure the oven is fully preheated before baking to achieve the perfect texture and caramelization.
- Use skin-on salmon fillets for better flavor and moisture retention during cooking.
- The chilli flakes are optional and can be omitted if you prefer a milder dish.
- For best results, use fresh lemon juice and freshly minced garlic for the marinade.
- Leftover salmon can be refrigerated and enjoyed cold or reheated gently.
