Low-Calorie Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter
This simple yet flavorful baked salmon recipe features fillets coated with a garlic, butter, Dijon mustard, and honey glaze, seasoned with paprika, oregano, thyme, and a touch of heat from crushed red pepper flakes. Baked to perfection and garnished with fresh parsley, this dish is served with lemon wedges for an added citrusy punch.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets approximately 4-6 ounces each
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon honey optional for a hint of sweetness
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional for spice
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat Your Oven
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey (if using), and olive oil. Stir until well combined.
- Season the Salmon
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle them evenly with salt, black pepper, paprika, oregano, thyme, and crushed red pepper flakes. Using a brush or spoon, coat the fillets with the garlic butter mixture.
- Bake the Salmon
- Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done.
- Broil for a Crispy Finish (Optional)
- For a slightly crispy texture, switch your oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve
- Remove the salmon from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
Pair your Low-Calorie Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter with:
Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli, asparagus, or green beans complement salmon beautifully.
Quinoa or Brown Rice: A nutritious and fiber-rich side that keeps the meal balanced.
Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette.
Use Fresh Salmon – For the best flavor and texture, choose fresh wild-caught salmon over farmed varieties.
Don’t Overcook – Salmon continues to cook even after being removed from the oven. Keep an eye on it to prevent dryness.
Marinate for Extra Flavor – If you have time, marinate the salmon in the garlic butter mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
Use Foil for Juiciness – Wrapping the salmon in foil before baking can help lock in moisture.