Garlic Butter Baked Salmon: A Deliciously Flavored Meal with Veggies
If you’re looking for a flavorful, easy-to-make dinner that combines the richness of salmon with the goodness of fresh vegetables, Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is the recipe for you. This dish is the perfect balance of buttery, garlicky goodness and tender roasted salmon, complemented by vibrant, healthy broccoli. With minimal prep time and simple ingredients, this meal comes together quickly, making it ideal for both weeknights and special occasions. Plus, it’s a one-pan dish that can easily be served with your favorite sides, making cleanup a breeze.
For more salmon recipe ideas, check out Garlic Butter Salmon on AllRecipes and Oven Baked Salmon from Food Network.
Basic Recipe: Ingredients and Instructions
Print
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Roasted Broccoli – Easy and Flavorful Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Vegetables is an easy, healthy, and flavorful one-pan dinner. The salmon is perfectly baked with a rich and aromatic garlic butter sauce, while roasted broccoli florets provide a delicious and nutritious side. The combination of melted butter, brown sugar, and fresh herbs creates a savory-sweet flavor that pairs beautifully with the flaky salmon and crisp vegetables. It’s a wholesome and satisfying meal that’s perfect for a quick dinner!
Ingredients
For the Salmon and Vegetables
- 4 (6 ounces each) salmon fillets
- 4 to 6 cups broccoli florets
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon dried rosemary
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon, halved, divided
- Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Prepare the Vegetables:
- Arrange the broccoli florets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
- Create space for the salmon fillets in the center of the baking sheet, leaving enough room for the vegetables to roast.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
- Squeeze the juice of one half of the lemon into the sauce and stir well to combine.
- Prepare the Salmon:
- Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet with the broccoli.
- Drizzle the garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets.
- Add a few slices of lemon from the remaining half to each piece of salmon.
- Bake the Salmon and Vegetables:
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the broccoli is tender and slightly crispy at the edges.
- Serve:
- Once the salmon is cooked, remove the baking sheet from the oven.
- Garnish the salmon with freshly chopped parsley and serve the roasted broccoli alongside.
- Squeeze the remaining lemon half over the dish for a fresh burst of citrus.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and enjoy the savory, buttery goodness!
Notes
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese over the broccoli before baking.
- If you like your broccoli a bit more crispy, broil it for the last 2-3 minutes of baking.
- You can substitute the broccoli with other vegetables like asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with vegetables
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Vegetables
Instructions:
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help the salmon cook quickly while ensuring the vegetables roast to perfection.
- Prepare the Salmon and Broccoli: Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Arrange the broccoli florets around the salmon. Drizzle the garlic and a little olive oil over the broccoli, then season the broccoli with salt and pepper.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, light brown sugar, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix the ingredients. Add the juice of half a lemon and mix again.
- Coat the Salmon and Vegetables: Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets and broccoli. Make sure the salmon is well-coated, and the broccoli is lightly drizzled with the sauce.
- Bake the Salmon and Broccoli: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The broccoli should be tender and lightly browned at the edges. If you prefer crispier broccoli, you can broil it for an additional 1-2 minutes.
- Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven. Squeeze the remaining half of the lemon over the salmon and vegetables for a burst of fresh citrus. Garnish with fresh parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve your Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with your choice of sides, such as rice, quinoa, or a simple salad. Enjoy this deliciously healthy, buttery dish!
Advanced Techniques
Enhancing the Garlic Butter Sauce
To add more complexity to the garlic butter sauce, you can experiment by incorporating additional herbs such as basil or dill. If you prefer a spicier kick, a pinch of red pepper flakes can bring a subtle heat to the dish without overpowering the flavors.
Achieving Perfectly Roasted Vegetables
For an extra caramelized finish on the broccoli, you can roast it at a slightly higher temperature, around 425°F (220°C), for a more intense flavor. Be sure to toss the broccoli halfway through cooking to ensure it’s evenly roasted on all sides.
Crisping the Salmon Skin
If your salmon fillets have skin on, and you prefer crispy skin, start by searing the skin-side down in a hot skillet with a bit of olive oil before placing them in the oven. This method will give the salmon a crispy exterior while keeping the interior moist and tender.
See more advanced recipes, at Mobolux.
Storage, Shelf Life, and Maintenance Tips
Storing Leftover Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
If you have leftovers, store the salmon and vegetables in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To preserve the flavor and texture, it’s best to store the garlic butter sauce separately in a small container.
Reheating Leftovers
To reheat leftover salmon and broccoli, place them on a baking sheet and cover with foil. Bake in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also reheat in the microwave, though this may affect the crispiness of the vegetables.
Freezing Leftovers
For longer storage, you can freeze the leftover Garlic Butter Baked Salmon and vegetables. Wrap the salmon fillets and broccoli tightly in plastic wrap, then store them in a freezer-safe container. The meal can be frozen for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then warm in the oven or microwave.
Shelf Life
The dish will maintain its best quality when stored for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Freezing is an option, but it’s best enjoyed within 2 months for optimal flavor and texture.
Dietary Adaptations and Substitutions
Dairy-Free Option
For those avoiding dairy, simply substitute the unsalted butter with dairy-free margarine or olive oil. The rest of the recipe remains the same, providing a delicious alternative without compromising on flavor.
Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly
This recipe is naturally low in carbs, especially if you pair it with non-starchy vegetables like cauliflower rice instead of regular rice. It’s also perfect for those following a keto diet, as the healthy fats from the butter and salmon provide plenty of satisfying richness.
Gluten-Free Adaptation
The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but it’s always a good idea to double-check that any packaged ingredients (such as seasonings or butter substitutes) are labeled gluten-free if you have a gluten sensitivity or allergy.
FAQs About The Recipe
Can I use other vegetables instead of broccoli?
Yes, you can substitute broccoli with other vegetables like asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or zucchini. Just adjust the cooking time based on the vegetable’s size and thickness.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also prep the salmon fillets and vegetables and store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook.
Can I add cheese to the dish?
If you love cheese, you can sprinkle some grated Parmesan or mozzarella on top of the salmon and vegetables before baking for an extra layer of flavor. This addition is particularly good if you’re looking for a creamy, cheesy finish.
What if I don’t have fresh lemon?
If fresh lemon isn’t available, you can use bottled lemon juice. However, fresh lemon juice will give the dish a brighter, more vibrant flavor. Consider adding a bit of lemon zest to substitute for some of the freshness.
Conclusion & Final Thoughts
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with roasted broccoli is the perfect blend of rich, buttery salmon and healthy, flavorful vegetables. The garlic butter sauce ties everything together with its delicious mix of herbs and lemon. Whether you’re cooking for your family or guests, this meal is simple, satisfying, and sure to impress. With minimal effort and only a few ingredients, you can create a meal that is both healthy and indulgent. Don’t forget to experiment with different herbs and vegetables to personalize the recipe to your taste!