Introduction:
Baked Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon is a flavorful dish that combines the richness of salmon with a sweet and tangy honey-lime garlic butter sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious dinner that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
This recipe enhances the natural flavors of salmon with a simple yet flavorful honey-lime garlic butter sauce. It’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions when you want a dish that’s both elegant and delicious. The addition of fresh parsley and lime wedges adds brightness and freshness to each bite.
Ingredients:
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
- Zest of 1 lime
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley, for garnish
- Lime wedges, for serving
Step-by-Step Directions:
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Pat Dry and Season:
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides of each fillet with salt and pepper to taste. This step helps to ensure a nice sear and enhances the flavor of the salmon.
Step 3: Make the Honey Lime Garlic Butter Sauce
Prepare the Sauce:
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, honey, lime juice, and lime zest until well combined. This mixture will serve as the flavorful sauce for the salmon.
Step 4: Add Flavor and Bake
Coat the Salmon:
Drizzle the honey lime garlic butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, making sure to coat them thoroughly for even flavor distribution during baking.
Bake the Salmon:
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. For a slightly golden and crisped top, you can broil the fillets for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Watch closely to prevent burning.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Garnish and Serve:
Once cooked to your liking, remove the salmon from the oven. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the fillets for added color and freshness. Serve immediately with lime wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Tips:
- Ensure the salmon fillets are evenly coated with the honey lime garlic butter sauce to maximize flavor absorption.
- Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets to ensure they cook evenly.
- Serve with your favorite sides such as rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Storage Options:
Any leftover Baked Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through before serving.
Enjoy the delicious flavors of this Baked Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon, perfect for any occasion!