This best damn oven baked salmon is a simple yet incredibly flavorful dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The salmon is baked to perfection in a rich honey garlic butter sauce, making it tender, flaky, and absolutely delicious. The combination of sweet honey, savory garlic, and buttery richness creates a mouthwatering glaze that will make this salmon recipe your new go-to!
1. Best Damn Oven Baked Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin on or off)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (or juice of half a lemon)
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional, for a hint of umami)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Lemon slices and fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Step 1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
Step 2. Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, honey, minced garlic, lemon juice, and soy sauce (if using). This will create the delicious glaze for the salmon.
Step 3. Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then season both sides with salt and pepper.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet or in the baking dish, skin side down if the skin is on.
Step 4. Pour the Sauce Over the Salmon
Pour the honey garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets, making sure each fillet is coated well.
Arrange lemon slices around or on top of the salmon for added flavor.
Step 5. Bake the Salmon
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
If you prefer a crispy, caramelized top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Just be sure to watch it closely to avoid burning the glaze.
Step 6. Garnish and Serve
Remove the salmon from the oven and spoon a little more of the sauce from the pan over the top of each fillet.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with additional lemon wedges on the side.
2. Serving Suggestions
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy side.
Rice or Quinoa: Pair with a side of rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the delicious sauce.
Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a fresh, healthy complement to the rich salmon.
3. Variations
Spicy Honey Garlic Butter: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of Sriracha to the sauce for a spicy kick.
Maple Garlic Butter: Substitute maple syrup for honey for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.
Herb-Infused Butter: Add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or dill to the butter for an herby twist.
4. How to Store and Reheat
Refrigerator: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating: Reheat in a low oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through, or reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat. Be careful not to overcook the salmon when reheating.
5. Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking.
Can I use this recipe for a whole side of salmon?
Absolutely! You can use this recipe for a whole side of salmon. Just adjust the cooking time; a large piece of salmon will take about 20-25 minutes to cook, depending on thickness.
What if I don’t have soy sauce?
If you don’t have soy sauce, you can omit it or substitute it with tamari (for a gluten-free option) or coconut aminos.
This Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and buttery richness. It’s an easy, foolproof recipe that delivers restaurant-quality results in under 30 minutes.
