Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon Dinner 🧄🧈🐟🧀
This Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon Dinner is rich, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make! Tender salmon fillets are coated in a buttery garlic Parmesan sauce and baked until perfectly flaky. It’s a delicious restaurant-style dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 oz (170 g) each
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For Garnishing
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
- Lemon wedges
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, optional
Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking dish or sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, smoked paprika, garlic powder, black pepper, salt, and lemon juice.
Mix until well combined.
3. Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
Place them skin-side down on the prepared baking dish.
Brush each fillet generously with the garlic butter Parmesan mixture, making sure the tops are well coated.
4. Bake the Salmon
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for a fully cooked result.
For a golden Parmesan crust, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching carefully.
5. Garnish and Serve
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and additional Parmesan.
Serve with lemon wedges and your favorite sides.
🍋 Best Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Roasted broccoli
- Steamed green beans
- Creamy Parmesan pasta
- White or brown rice
- Roasted asparagus
- Fresh garden salad
- Garlic bread
🔥 Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Salmon
- Use fresh garlic and freshly grated Parmesan for the best flavor.
- Don’t overbake the salmon; thicker fillets may need a few extra minutes.
- Pat the salmon dry before seasoning so the Parmesan topping sticks better.
- For extra crispy edges, broil briefly at the end.
- Add red pepper flakes for a spicy garlic butter kick.
- Fresh lemon juice balances the richness of the butter and Parmesan.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator and pat it dry before preparing.
Q: Can I use salmon with the skin on?
Absolutely. Bake the salmon skin-side down and the skin will help protect the fish from drying out.
Q: Can I make this recipe in an air fryer?
Yes. Cook at 390°F (200°C) for about 8–12 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon reaches your desired doneness.
Q: Can I substitute Parmesan cheese?
Romano or Asiago cheese can be used for a slightly different flavor.
Q: How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Q: How should I reheat salmon?
Reheat gently in a covered oven-safe dish at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through to help prevent it from drying out.
Nutrition Information
Approximate per serving:
- Calories: 520
- Protein: 43g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fat: 37g
- Fiber: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the salmon, cheese, butter, and other ingredients used.
