Description
Succulent honey-lime garlic butter baked salmon delivers restaurant-quality seafood right to home kitchens. Rich marinades and simple techniques ensure delicious results that satisfy serious home cooks and casual diners alike.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz/170 g each)
- 3 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsps olive oil
- 2 tbsps honey
- 2 tbsps fresh lime juice (about 1 lime)
- 1 tsp lime zest
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ¼ tsp ground cumin (optional)
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Lime slices, for garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, for garnish
Instructions
- Oven Preparation: Preheat oven to 375F (190C), lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly greasing to prevent salmon from adhering.
- Marinade Creation: Whisk melted butter, olive oil, honey, and lime juice into a harmonious blend. Incorporate lime zest, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and cumin, seasoning with salt and pepper to elevate the flavor complexity.
- Salmon Positioning: Arrange salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, generously brushing the entire surface with the honey-lime marinade to ensure comprehensive flavor coverage and moisture retention.
- Baking Process: Slide the salmon into the preheated oven, baking for 12-15 minutes until the fish flakes easily with a fork and appears completely opaque. For a final touch of caramelization, activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes, creating a golden, slightly crisp exterior.
- Serving Presentation: Retrieve the salmon from the oven and allow a brief resting period. Garnish with delicate lime slices and a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or cilantro. Complement the dish with roasted seasonal vegetables, steamed rice, or a vibrant salad.
Notes
- Optimize Salmon Moisture: Pat salmon dry before marinating to ensure the honey-lime butter adheres perfectly and prevents excess liquid during baking.
- Adjust Cooking Time for Thickness: Thicker fillets require longer baking; use 10 minutes per inch of thickness as a reliable guideline to prevent overcooking and maintain tenderness.
- Control Honey Caramelization: Monitor broiling closely to achieve golden-brown edges without burning, keeping the oven rack at least 4-6 inches from the heat source.
- Customize Dietary Needs: Swap butter with olive oil for dairy-free version or use coconut aminos instead of honey for low-sugar alternatives while maintaining flavor complexity.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 60 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg