Salmon Roasted in Butter

Salmon Roasted in Butter

This simple fish dish is best made with wild salmon, but it works equally well with the farmed sort. It's astonishingly easy. In a hot oven, melt butter in a skillet until it sizzles, add the salmon, flip, remove the skin, then allow to roast a few minutes more. You'll have an elegant fish dinner in about 15 minutes. Don't be afraid to play with herb and fat combinations: parsley, chervil or dill work well with butter; thyme, basil or marjoram with olive oil; or peanut oil with cilantro or mint.

Ingredients

  • 4 tablespoons butter

    1/2 stick

  • 4 tablespoons minced chervil

    parsley or dill

  • 1 salmon fillet

    1 1/2 to 2 pounds

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges

Directions

  1. 1

    Preheat the oven to 475 degrees. Place the butter and half the herb in a roasting pan just large enough to fit the salmon and place it in the oven. Heat about 5 minutes, until the butter melts and the herb begins to sizzle.

  2. 2

    Add the salmon to the pan, skin side up. Roast 4 minutes. Remove from the oven, then peel the skin off. (If the skin does not lift right off, cook 2 minutes longer.) Sprinkle with salt and pepper and turn the fillet over. Sprinkle with salt and pepper again.

  3. 3

    Roast 3 to 5 minutes more, depending on the thickness of the fillet and the degree of doneness you prefer. Cut into serving portions, spoon a little of the butter over each and garnish with the remaining herb. Serve with lemon wedges.

Salmon Roasted in Butter

Salmon Roasted in Butter

5.0(11.2k)

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Ratings & Reviews

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Based on 11,229 ratings

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About this Recipe

Craving an elegant fish dinner that comes together effortlessly? This Salmon Roasted in Butter recipe delivers perfectly cooked salmon with astonishing ease, proving that gourmet flavors don't require complex techniques or a long list of ingredients. Whether you choose wild or farmed salmon, you'll find this dish to be both simple and deeply satisfying.

The genius of this recipe lies in its incredibly simple yet effective technique: melting butter directly in a hot oven skillet before adding the salmon. This approach ensures the fish roasts beautifully, creating a rich, buttery crust and a tender interior that sets it apart from many other preparations. It's a method that maximizes flavor with minimal fuss, perfect for a busy weeknight or an impressive dinner party.

You'll be rewarded with perfectly cooked salmon, rich and flaky, infused with the warm, aromatic notes of melted butter and fresh herbs. The initial sear in the hot butter creates a wonderful exterior, while the remaining roasting ensures the inside is tender and moist. Despite its refined taste, the entire process from start to finish is astonishingly quick, allowing you to enjoy a high-quality meal in about 15 minutes. It's a truly satisfying dish that tastes far more elaborate than its humble preparation suggests.

Customization & Variations

This recipe is incredibly flexible, inviting you to experiment with different herb and fat combinations to suit your palate:

  • For a classic pairing with butter, consider chervil, parsley, or dill.
  • If you prefer olive oil, thyme, basil, or marjoram make excellent companions.
  • For an adventurous twist, peanut oil paired with cilantro or mint offers a vibrant, aromatic profile.

Serve this beautiful roasted salmon immediately as an elegant centerpiece for any meal, from a casual weeknight dinner to a special occasion. A squeeze of fresh lemon wedges provides a bright counterpoint to the rich flavors.

Frequently Asked Questions