Baked salmon with lemon butter is a classic dish that is both delicious and easy to prepare. The mild flavor of salmon pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon and rich butter, creating a dish that is sure to impress your guests or family. In this essay, we will discuss the steps for making this dish, including tips for selecting the best salmon, preparing the lemon butter, and baking the salmon to perfection.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets, skin-on (about 6 ounces each)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 1/2 cup of butter, cut into small cubes
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp of chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp of chopped fresh dill
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil and lightly coat it with cooking spray.
- Season the salmon: Season both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish, skin-side down.
- Prepare the lemon butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Add the garlic, parsley, and dill and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the garlic is fragrant.
- Bake the salmon: Arrange the lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets. Pour the lemon butter mixture over the salmon, making sure that it covers the surface of each fillet. Place the baking dish in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve the salmon: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes. Serve the salmon hot, garnished with additional lemon slices and chopped parsley, if desired.
Tips for Perfect Baked Salmon:
- Select the Best Salmon: Look for salmon fillets that are bright pink and have a firm texture. Avoid salmon that has a dull color or a strong fishy odor.
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs, such as parsley and dill, add depth of flavor to the lemon butter and help to balance out the richness of the dish. If you don’t have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but be sure to adjust the quantities accordingly.
- Bake Until Just Done: Overbaking salmon can cause it to become dry and tough. To avoid this, be sure to keep an eye on the salmon as it bakes and remove it from the oven as soon as it is cooked through.
- Experiment with Flavors: While the lemon butter in this recipe is delicious as is, feel free to experiment with different flavors to find your favorite combination. Try adding different herbs, spices, or hot sauce to the lemon butter to create a new twist on this classic dish.
In conclusion, baked salmon with lemon butter is a simple and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion or a quick and easy weeknight dinner. By following these tips and instructions, you can achieve perfectly baked salmon every time. So, preheat your oven and start cooking up some delicious baked salmon with lemon butter today!
