Description
Succulent salmon meets zesty Mediterranean flavors in this quick lemon herb butter salmon bake that promises restaurant-quality dining at home. Delicate fish fillets melt with herbal richness, inviting you to savor each perfectly seasoned bite without complex cooking techniques.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Proteins:
- 4 salmon filets (6 ounces / 170 grams each)
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh or dried dill
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Vegetables and Citrus:
- 1 lemon
- 2 cups asparagus spears, trimmed
- 2 cups vegetables of choice
Instructions
- Position an oven rack in the center and heat to 400°F, creating an ideal roasting environment for the delicate salmon.
- Carefully line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, which will prevent sticking and ease cleanup.
- Delicately grate the lemon zest, releasing its vibrant citrusy essence, then slice the remaining lemon into elegant rounds.
- Craft a fragrant herb-infused butter blend by whisking together melted butter, crushed garlic, bright lemon zest, and finely chopped dill in a small mixing bowl.
- Gently lay salmon fillets onto the prepared baking sheet, positioning them with care to ensure even cooking.
- Generously season the salmon with salt and freshly cracked black pepper, allowing the seasoning to enhance the fish’s natural flavors.
- Lavishly brush the herbed butter mixture across the salmon, ensuring every inch is beautifully coated with the aromatic blend.
- Artfully arrange lemon rounds atop the salmon, creating a decorative and flavorful garnish.
- Distribute asparagus or preferred vegetables around the salmon, drizzling the remaining herb butter and sprinkling with additional salt and pepper.
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, watching for the salmon to turn opaque and effortlessly flake when tested with a fork.
Notes
- Prep Smart: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup a breeze.
- Flavor Boost: Zesting the lemon before slicing maximizes citrus essence and adds bright, tangy notes to the garlic butter mixture.
- Butter Magic: Melting butter and blending with garlic, lemon zest, and dill creates a rich, aromatic coating that transforms ordinary salmon.
- Even Cooking: Brush salmon generously with garlic butter and ensure fillets are evenly coated for consistent, juicy results.
- Quick Dinner Solution: This one-pan meal takes just 15 minutes from prep to plate, perfect for busy weeknights or elegant entertaining.
- Versatile Veggie Option: Customize your bake by choosing seasonal vegetables that complement the salmon’s delicate flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 250mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg