Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon
Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon is an effortless and gourmet-feeling dinner that combines tender, flaky salmon with a rich garlic butter sauce and melty Parmesan cheese. Ready in under 30 minutes, this recipe delivers a decadent and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.
- Author: Lina
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salmon
- 4 fresh salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese, divided
Seasonings and Garnish
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Preheat and prepare: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure a nice sear and even cooking. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Make garlic butter sauce: In a small saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes, being careful not to burn it. Remove from heat and stir in fresh lemon juice and half of the grated Parmesan cheese.
- Bake the salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Spoon the garlic butter sauce generously over each fillet. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for finishing: Switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Sprinkle the remaining Parmesan cheese on top to create a golden, bubbly crust. Watch closely to prevent burning.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately while warm and melty.
Notes
- Choose fresh salmon with bright color and firm texture for best results.
- Patting salmon dry before seasoning helps the sauce stick and creates better searing.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese rather than pre-shredded for optimal flavor.
- Keep a close watch when broiling to avoid burning the cheese topping.
- Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after baking to lock in moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: Garlic Butter Parmesan Salmon, easy salmon recipe, baked salmon, healthy salmon dinner, quick dinner, gluten free salmon