Description
A simple, beginner-proof baked salmon recipe featuring a crispy garlic butter and Parmesan crust. Ready in just 20 minutes, this dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
- ½ cup unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy crust.
- Place fillets on the prepared baking sheet and sprinkle lightly with salt and black pepper.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Stir gently until combined and cheese is melted. Do not burn the garlic.
- Drizzle the warm garlic butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, spreading it to cover the top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, and the top is golden brown.
- Remove from oven and immediately squeeze fresh lemon juice over the hot salmon.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.
Notes
Patting the salmon dry is crucial for browning. Use low heat when melting butter to prevent burning the garlic. Salmon continues to cook slightly after removal from the oven; pull it when just barely opaque. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 450
- Sodium: 380
- Fat: 34
- Saturated Fat: 14
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 34
Keywords: baked salmon, garlic butter salmon, crispy salmon, easy dinner, healthy seafood, keto friendly, low carb, weeknight meals