Easy Baked Salmon with Herb Butter (Delicious & Healthy Recipe)

Looking for a quick and delicious dinner idea? This baked salmon with herb butter is the perfect healthy meal—packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and ready in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting guests, this dish is sure to impress with minimal effort.

Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse that adds both taste and health benefits to your meals. With just a few ingredients and minimal prep, you can make a dish that will wow your family and friends. Our easy baked salmon recipe ensures tender, flaky fish with a delicious herb butter that makes every bite special.

Key Takeaways

• Quick and easy gourmet salmon recipe
• Packed with essential nutrients
• Requires minimal cooking skills
• Versatile dish for multiple meal occasions
• Delicious herb butter enhances natural salmon flavors
• Perfect for health-conscious home cooks

Why This Oven-Baked Salmon Recipe Will Become Your Favorite

Finding the perfect Baked Salmon with Herb Butter
can change your weeknight cooking. This oven-baked salmon recipe is a mix of nutrition, ease, and gourmet taste. It will soon become a favorite in your kitchen.

Incredible Health Benefits

Salmon is not only tasty but also packed with nutrients. Our oven-baked salmon is full of good stuff for your health:

• Rich in omega-3 fatty acids
• High-quality protein source
• Packed with vitamin D
• Supports heart and brain health

Weeknight Dinner Made Simple

Busy cooks will love how fast this Baked Salmon with Herb Butter
is ready. You can make this oven-baked salmon in just 20 minutes. It’s ideal for those busy evenings when you need a quick, nutritious meal.

Preparation Time	Cooking Time	Total Meal Time
10 minutes	10-12 minutes	20-25 minutes

Restaurant-Quality Results at Home

With simple steps, you can make a restaurant-quality oven-baked salmon. The herb butter and careful cooking make the fish flaky and moist every time.

Pro tip: The secret to great salmon is keeping the right temperature and not overcooking.

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Baked Salmon with Herb Butter

Creating a great baked salmon recipe begins with the right ingredients. Your herb butter for salmon will turn a simple dish into a meal that wows everyone.

Salmon Selection

Choosing the right salmon is key for your recipe. Wild-caught or farm-raised salmon works well. Look for these qualities:

• Fresh, bright color with firm flesh
• No strong fishy odor
• Thick, evenly cut fillets
• Preferably skin-on for extra moisture

Herb Butter Ingredients

The secret to amazing herb butter for salmon is using fresh, quality ingredients. Here’s what you need:

Ingredient	Quantity	Purpose
Unsalted butter	1/2 cup	Creamy base for herb mixture
Fresh parsley	2 tablespoons	Bright, fresh flavor
Fresh dill	1 tablespoon	Delicate, aromatic herb
Minced garlic	2 cloves	Depth of flavor

Additional Seasonings

To make your baked salmon even better, try these seasonings:

• Sea salt for enhanced flavor
• Freshly ground black pepper
• Lemon zest for brightness
• Optional red pepper flakes for heat

By picking the right ingredients, you’ll make a delicious and healthy baked salmon dish. The perfect mix of fresh salmon and herb butter will make your meal unforgettable.

How to Make the Perfect Garlic Herb Butter

Making the perfect herb butter for salmon can turn a simple dish into a masterpiece. Your salmon with garlic herb butter will taste like it’s from a fancy restaurant. It’s all about using a few simple techniques.

Selecting the Best Herbs

Choosing the right herbs is key to making great herb butter for salmon. You can pick from:

• Fresh dill – adds a bright, tangy flavor
• Flat-leaf parsley – gives a clean, fresh taste
• Chives – add a mild onion-like flavor
• Thyme – brings an earthy, aromatic taste

Butter Mixing Techniques

To make smooth herb butter, start with room-temperature butter. This makes it easy to mix. Chop your herbs finely and mix them well into the butter. Use a fork or food processor to get a smooth consistency for your salmon with garlic herb butter.

Storage and Preservation

You can store your homemade herb butter in the fridge for up to two weeks. To keep it longer, roll it into a log with plastic wrap and freeze for up to three months. This way, you’ll always have herb butter for salmon on hand.

Pro tip: Label your herb butter with the date of preparation to track freshness.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making the perfect baked salmon recipe needs precision and care. Follow these simple steps to make your oven-baked salmon delicious.

1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C). A hot oven helps your salmon get a golden exterior and stay tender inside.
2. Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly. This makes cleanup easy and helps your salmon cook evenly.
3. Season the Salmon: Dry the salmon fillet with paper towels. Brush it with herb butter, making sure it’s fully covered. Then, sprinkle with salt and black pepper.
4. Baking Time: Put the salmon in the oven. The cooking time varies based on the fillet’s thickness:
   • Thin fillets (1/2 inch): 8-10 minutes
   • Medium fillets (1 inch): 12-15 minutes
   • Thick fillets (1.5 inches): 15-18 minutes
5. Check for Doneness: Your salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F (63°C). It should look opaque but slightly translucent in the center.

Pro tip: Let your baked salmon rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This makes it moist and flavorful.

Cooking is an art, and with practice, your baked salmon recipe will become a masterpiece!

Tips for Choosing and Preparing Fresh Salmon

Starting a delicious healthy salmon dinner begins with picking the right fish. Your baked salmon recipe needs the best ingredients. Knowing how to choose and prepare salmon makes a big difference in your cooking.

Selecting Quality Salmon

Your senses are the best guide when buying salmon. Look for these signs of fresh, high-quality fish:

• Bright, vibrant color (deep pink or orange)
• Firm flesh that springs back when touched
• Clean, ocean-like smell (no strong fishy odor)
• Moist appearance without dry or discolored edges

Proper Storage Methods

Keeping your salmon fresh is key for a great baked salmon recipe. Follow these storage tips:

Storage Method	Duration	Best Practices
Refrigerator	1-2 days	Keep in coldest part, wrapped tightly
Freezer	2-3 months	Wrap in freezer paper, remove air

Best Cooking Temperature Guidelines

Controlling temperature is crucial for a perfectly cooked healthy salmon dinner. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F for safety and best texture. Use a meat thermometer to check without overcooking.

Pro tip: Let your salmon rest for 3-5 minutes after cooking. This allows juices to redistribute, making your meal moist and flavorful.

Serving Suggestions and Wine Pairings

Your healthy salmon dinner needs the right touch. Choose side dishes and wine pairings that make it special. This turns a simple meal into a gourmet delight.

Perfect Side Dishes

• Roasted asparagus with lemon zest
• Quinoa pilaf with fresh herbs
• Garlic-roasted baby potatoes
• Mediterranean couscous salad

Wine Pairing Recommendations

Wine Type	Flavor Profile	Best Pairing
Chardonnay	Buttery, smooth	Herb butter salmon
Pinot Noir	Light, fruity	Grilled or baked salmon
Sauvignon Blanc	Crisp, acidic	Salmon with citrus notes

Plating Tips

Make your salmon dinner look like a pro’s. Use a white ceramic plate to highlight the salmon’s colors. Add fresh dill or parsley and a drizzle of herb butter for a fancy touch.

Tip for your baked salmon: Serve it right after cooking. This keeps it warm and the fish tender.

Conclusion

Your culinary adventure with oven baked salmon ends here, but the delicious possibilities are just beginning. This simple yet elegant salmon with garlic herb butter recipe transforms an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary meal. It perfectly balances nutrition and flavor.

By mastering this technique, you’ll discover how easy it is to create restaurant-quality seafood right in your kitchen. The combination of fresh salmon and aromatic herb butter elevates your cooking skills. It also provides a heart-healthy protein that takes less than 30 minutes to prepare.

Remember that cooking is about experimenting and making recipes your own. Feel free to adjust the herb butter blend or try different seasonings with your salmon. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a beginner, this recipe offers a delicious pathway to confident, nutritious cooking. It will impress your family and friends.

Start your salmon culinary journey today and watch as this oven baked salmon becomes a beloved staple in your meal rotation. Your taste buds and health will absolutely thank you!

FAQ

How long does it take to bake salmon in the oven?

Bake salmon at 400°F (204°C) for 12-15 minutes. This depends on the fillet’s thickness. For a 1-inch thick piece, cook for 12-13 minutes. This ensures it’s moist and flaky.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon works too. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight. Pat it dry with paper towels before cooking. This helps get a better sear and prevents steaming.

What are the best herbs to use in herb butter for salmon?

Great herbs for salmon include fresh dill, parsley, chives, and thyme. You can use one or mix them for more flavor. Fresh herbs taste better than dried ones.

How can I tell if my salmon is fully cooked?

Salmon is cooked when it’s 145°F (63°C) inside and flakes with a fork. It should be opaque and slightly pink in the middle. Don’t overcook it to avoid dryness.

What side dishes pair well with baked salmon?

Good sides are roasted asparagus, quinoa salad, green beans, rice pilaf, or a fresh salad. They complement the salmon’s flavor and add nutrition to your meal.

Can I make the herb butter in advance?

Yes, you can make herb butter up to 5 days ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months for convenience.

Is salmon a healthy protein choice?

Salmon is very healthy. It’s full of omega-3s, protein, vitamin D, and B vitamins. Eating it regularly can help your heart and brain, and it’s nutritious.

What type of salmon is best for this recipe?

Wild-caught Sockeye or King salmon is best for flavor and nutrition. If you can’t find wild-caught, farm-raised Atlantic salmon is a good choice. Choose salmon with bright, firm flesh and a fresh smell.

More Recipes to Try

If you loved this Moist Chocolate Banana Oat Cake, here are more great treats to explore:

• Moist Chocolate Banana Oat Cake – A rich and wholesome cake combining chocolate, banana, and oats for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
• Quick No-Oven Stovetop Bread – A soft and fluffy homemade bread that requires no oven—perfect for a quick and easy bake.
• Greek Honey Ricotta Pie – A delightful Mediterranean-inspired dessert with a creamy ricotta filling and a touch of honey sweetness.

If you’re looking for even more delicious and creative recipe ideas,
be sure to check out this great resource for inspiration: blackened chicken recipe.

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