There’s something truly magical about the aroma of buttery baked salmon wafting through the kitchen, mingling with the earthy scent of roasted broccolini. Just imagine sinking your teeth into tender, flaky salmon drizzled with a rich, buttery sauce, paired perfectly with bright green broccolini that adds a delightful crunch. This dish doesn’t just taste like a celebration; it feels like one.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- How do I know when the salmon is done?
- Can I use other types of fish?
- What should I serve with buttery baked salmon?
- 📖 Recipe Card
I still remember the first time I made this buttery baked salmon with broccolini for my family. They were skeptical at first—after all, who brings fish to a family dinner? But as soon as they took a bite, their eyes lit up like Christmas morning! It became our go-to for special occasions and cozy weeknights alike. autumn-inspired pumpkin dump cake creamy roasted butternut squash soup delicious oven-baked butternut squash. comforting pumpkin bars.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This buttery baked salmon is incredibly easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile is rich yet balanced, with hints of lemon and garlic
- Its vibrant colors make it visually stunning on any plate
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to pair with various sides or serve cold in salads
Every time I whip up this dish, my friends can’t help but rave about how amazing it tastes. It’s become a staple at gatherings and always garners applause!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Salmon Fillets: Fresh or frozen salmon works well; just ensure it’s skin-on for extra crispiness.
- Unsalted Butter: Choose high-quality butter for that rich flavor that makes everything better.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves will elevate the flavor significantly; don’t skimp on this one!
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and balances the richness of the salmon.
- Broccolini: Look for vibrant green stalks; they add a beautiful color contrast and delightful crunch.
- Salt and Pepper: Use kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper for seasoning your ingredients perfectly.
- Olive Oil: A drizzle will help roast the broccolini beautifully while adding depth of flavor.
- Fresh Herbs (optional): Thyme or dill will provide an aromatic touch; feel free to experiment!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Oven: First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your salmon gets that lovely golden crust while staying juicy inside.
Prepare Salmon: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Place your salmon fillets on the sheet and season generously with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy here; seasoning is key!
Make Garlic Butter: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt unsalted butter until bubbly. Stir in minced garlic and let it sizzle until fragrant but not burnt—about 30 seconds should do.
Add Lemon Juice: Remove from heat and stir in freshly squeezed lemon juice. The tangy acidity is going to elevate the butter from good to absolutely divine!
Prepare Broccolini: Toss broccolini in olive oil along with salt and pepper. Spread them out around the salmon on your baking sheet—this dish is all about sharing space in harmony!
Bake: Drizzle half of that glorious garlic butter over the salmon fillets and broccolini. Pop everything into the oven for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and broccolini turns vibrant green. For more inspiration, check out this Delicious Garlic Butter Green Beans recipe.
Serve & Enjoy: Once done, drizzle any remaining garlic butter over your creation before serving. Plate it up and watch hearts—and stomachs—melt as you present this culinary masterpiece!
Now you have yourself an unbelievably tasty meal that looks as good as it tastes! Enjoy every bite of this buttery baked salmon with broccolini—it’s not just food; it’s a hug on a plate!
You Must Know
- This buttery baked salmon with broccolini is not just delicious; it’s incredibly easy to prepare
- The rich, flaky texture of the salmon paired with the tender crispness of broccolini will make your taste buds dance
- Plus, it’s a healthy option that looks fancy enough for a dinner party!
Perfecting the Cooking Process
To achieve perfect results, start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Season the salmon while the oven warms up, then roast the broccolini for about 10 minutes before adding the salmon for another 15-20 minutes.
Add Your Touch
Get creative! Swap out broccolini for asparagus or green beans, and try different seasonings like lemon zest or dill to elevate flavors. Personalize it to match your cravings.
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, pop them back into a preheated oven at 350°F for about 10 minutes to keep everything moist.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use fresh salmon for better flavor and texture; frozen can work but may lack freshness
- Ensure your oven is fully preheated before baking; this helps cook evenly
- Don’t skip resting time after baking; it allows flavors to meld beautifully
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of hosting weekend dinners with friends. Their compliments and smiles made all the effort worthwhile, proving that simple meals can create unforgettable moments.
FAQ
How do I know when the salmon is done?
Check if it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Can I use other types of fish?
Yes, trout or cod would also work well with this preparation style.
What should I serve with buttery baked salmon?
Pair with rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete meal experience. For more inspiration, check out this Delightful Strawberry Spinach Salad recipe.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Buttery Baked Salmon with Broccolini
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Experience the delightful harmony of buttery baked salmon paired with crunchy broccolini in this easy-to-make dish. The rich flavors of garlic and lemon elevate the tender, flaky salmon, while vibrant broccolini adds a fresh, nutritious touch. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this recipe promises to impress your family and friends alike!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 bunch broccolini (about 8 oz)
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- 2 tsp olive oil
- Fresh herbs (optional, e.g., thyme or dill)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and arrange salmon fillets on it. Season with salt and pepper.
- In a small saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in minced garlic and cook until fragrant (30 seconds). Remove from heat and mix in lemon juice.
- Toss broccolini with olive oil, salt, and pepper; place around salmon on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle half of the garlic butter over the salmon and broccolini.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily and broccolini is vibrant green.
- Serve hot, drizzling remaining garlic butter over the dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with broccolini (6 oz)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 9 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
