Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

If you’re looking for a delightful dish that combines fresh flavors and a beautiful presentation, look no further than this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon. This recipe is perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a gourmet meal at home. With its zesty lemon and fragrant garlic, this salmon fillet is sure to impress your taste buds and leave you craving more!

Why It Works Every Time

The magic of this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon lies in its simplicity and the quality of ingredients. The wild Alaskan salmon offers rich flavor and healthy fats, while the garlic and lemon elevate it with a bright, savory punch. The addition of honey balances the acidity, and the crispy panko topping adds delightful texture. Each component complements the others, resulting in a dish that’s not only delicious but also visually appealing.

Ingredient List

• 1 wild Alaskan salmon fillet (3-4 pounds), with or without skin
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan
• 5 cups broccoli florets
• 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Must-Have Equipment

• Large baking dish: For roasting the salmon and veggies together.
• Mixing bowls: For combining the butter, garlic, and other ingredients.
• Sharp knife: To prepare the salmon and chop the garlic.
• Measuring spoons and cups: To ensure accurate measurements of ingredients.
• Whisk: For blending the marinade and coating ingredients smoothly.

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Cooking Guide

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help achieve a lovely golden crust on your salmon.

Step 2: Prepare the Marinade

In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (melted), minced garlic, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, salt, onion powder, dried dill, paprika, and pepper. Whisk until everything is blended.

Step 3: Marinate the Salmon

Place the salmon fillet in a large baking dish. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes, allowing the flavors to penetrate the fish.

Step 4: Prepare the Topping

In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will create a crispy crust for the salmon.

Step 5: Prepare the Broccoli

In a bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them around the salmon in the baking dish.

Step 6: Assemble and Bake

Top the marinated salmon with the panko mixture, pressing it down slightly to adhere. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the panko is golden brown.

Step 7: Serve and Enjoy

Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Serve the Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with the roasted broccoli on the side. Garnish with extra parsley if desired, and enjoy this beautiful dish!

Substitutions by Diet

• Butter: Use a plant-based butter substitute for a dairy-free option.
• Honey: Maple syrup can be used as a vegan alternative.
• Parmesan: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy flavor for a dairy-free option.
• Broccoli: Feel free to swap for asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.

Behind the Recipe

This Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon was inspired by the classic combination of lemon and garlic that pairs so beautifully with seafood. The addition of honey adds a touch of sweetness, making it a well-rounded dish. Salmon is not only delicious but is also packed with omega-3 fatty acids, making it a heart-healthy choice.

Storage Pro Tips

The leftovers of this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salmon in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. This dish also works well in salads or wraps, making it a versatile option for meal prep!

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just ensure it’s fully thawed before marinating and baking for the best results.

What if I don’t have panko breadcrumbs?

You can substitute with regular breadcrumbs, but panko will give you that extra crunch. Alternatively, you can crush some crackers or use ground almonds for a gluten-free option.

How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?

The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). A meat thermometer can be helpful for precise cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade and coat the salmon a few hours in advance. Just store it in the fridge until you’re ready to bake it.

Ready to Cook?

Now that you have the recipe and all the tips you need, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and make this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon! Treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that’s not only satisfying but also celebrates the flavors of fresh ingredients. Happy cooking!

Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

This Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is a flavor-packed delight! With zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and a crispy topping, it's a showstopper!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Salmon:

• 1 fillet wild Alaskan salmon (3-4 pounds), with or without skin
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 4-6 cloves garlic minced
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons reduced sodium soy sauce
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 2/3 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tablespoons melted butter
• 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan

For the Broccoli:

• 5 cups broccoli florets
• 2 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon pepper

Equipment

• Large baking dish
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Whisk

Method

 

Cooking Instructions:

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help achieve a lovely golden crust on your salmon.
2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter (melted), minced garlic, lemon juice, honey, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, fresh parsley, salt, onion powder, dried dill, paprika, and pepper. Whisk until everything is blended.
3. Place the salmon fillet in a large baking dish. Pour the marinade over the salmon, ensuring it's evenly coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
4. In another bowl, mix panko breadcrumbs, 2 tablespoons of melted butter, and grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture will create a crispy crust for the salmon.
5. In a bowl, toss the broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them around the salmon in the baking dish.
6. Top the marinated salmon with the panko mixture, pressing it down slightly to adhere. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes.
7. Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a couple of minutes. Serve the Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with the roasted broccoli on the side.

Notes

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat salmon at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
• This dish works well in salads or wraps for meal prep!