Garlic-Butter Baked Salmon with Crispy Broccolini: A Simple, Flavorful Delight

If there’s one dish that can truly capture the essence of a simple yet elegant dinner, it’s Buttery Baked Salmon with Broccolini. This recipe takes the best of both worlds—the rich, tender texture of wild-caught salmon paired with the crisp freshness of broccolini. It’s a celebration of flavor, health, and ease. Whether you’re preparing a meal for a special occasion or simply want a weeknight dinner that’s both nutritious and delicious, this dish ticks all the boxes. It’s packed with nutrients, bursting with aromatic flavors, and requires minimal effort to prepare.

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Salmon is a beloved fish in many cultures, prized for its flaky, juicy texture and high content of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It’s a fish that can be prepared in a variety of ways, but baking it with butter and fresh herbs is a tried-and-true method that allows the fish to shine. Pairing it with broccolini—the sweet, tender, and slightly peppery cousin of broccoli—only enhances the dish. The broccolini roasts beautifully in the same pan, soaking up the flavors of the garlic and butter, while adding a crisp, vibrant contrast to the smooth richness of the salmon.

The combination of buttery salmon and roasted broccolini is as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. The golden, crispy edges of the fish, paired with the tender stalks of the broccolini, create a delightful interplay of textures that will have you savoring every bite. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a meal that feels indulgent, yet light and healthy at the same time.

Ingredients Breakdown

For this recipe, the ingredients are few but impactful, working together to elevate the natural flavors of the salmon and broccolini.

• Real Butter: The star of the show, butter is essential for achieving that rich, indulgent flavor. It also helps to create a perfect, golden crust on the salmon. The butter is melted and combined with garlic and shallots to form a flavorful base for the salmon.
• Garlic and Shallots: These aromatic ingredients infuse the butter with an irresistible fragrance. Garlic adds a savory depth, while shallots provide a milder, slightly sweet onion flavor. Together, they make a delicious, aromatic mixture that elevates the entire dish.
• Salmon Fillet: Wild salmon is the best option for this recipe because of its rich flavor and firm texture. The salmon is placed skin-side down, which helps keep the fish moist during baking while the skin crisps up beautifully in the oven.
• Sea Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the salmon and broccolini. It also helps to draw out the moisture from the vegetables, giving them a slightly caramelized texture when roasted.
• Dried Basil: This herb complements the butter and garlic with its sweet, slightly peppery flavor. It pairs beautifully with the richness of the salmon and adds an aromatic note that brings everything together.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a little heat and a slight pungency to the dish, balancing out the sweetness of the shallots and the richness of the butter.
• Broccolini: Often mistaken for baby broccoli, broccolini is actually a hybrid between Chinese broccoli and broccoli. It has smaller florets and long, tender stems, making it a perfect side to accompany the salmon. Roasting it with olive oil helps to bring out its sweetness, while its slight peppery flavor contrasts nicely with the butteriness of the salmon.
• Olive Oil: This is used to roast the broccolini and helps achieve a crispy, caramelized texture. The olive oil also infuses the vegetable with flavor, enhancing its natural sweetness.
• Fresh Rosemary: Rosemary is an herb with a bold, piney flavor that pairs perfectly with both salmon and broccolini. The sprigs are used to infuse the dish with their earthy aroma during the roasting process.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Sheet

Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. This step ensures that your salmon and broccolini won’t stick to the pan and makes cleanup much easier. The parchment paper also helps the vegetables roast evenly by allowing heat to circulate around them.

2. Melt the Butter and Sauté the Aromatics

In a small skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. As the butter melts, add the finely chopped garlic and shallots. Stir occasionally, letting the garlic and shallots cook for about 30 seconds or until they begin to release their fragrant aromas. The garlic should soften and become slightly golden, while the shallots will turn translucent. Once this happens, remove the skillet from the heat and set it aside. This garlic-butter mixture will later be poured over the salmon, infusing it with a rich, aromatic flavor.

3. Prepare the Salmon Fillet

Before you place the salmon in the oven, it’s important to prep it properly. Use a paper towel to gently pat dry the salmon fillet on both sides. This helps remove excess moisture, which ensures that the fish will bake up crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. Once dry, sprinkle a pinch of sea salt on the skin of the salmon. This will help crisp the skin and enhance the overall flavor of the fish.

Place the salmon fillet in the center of the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. The skin will help keep the fish from drying out as it bakes, and once it’s cooked, it will have a crispy texture that contrasts nicely with the tender flesh of the fish.

4. Season the Salmon

Pour the garlic butter mixture over the top of the salmon fillet, making sure to cover it evenly. Season the salmon with half a teaspoon of sea salt, dried basil, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The salt will enhance the natural flavors of the fish, while the basil adds a delicate herbaceous note. The black pepper will provide a mild spiciness that helps balance the richness of the butter.

5. Prepare the Broccolini

Now it’s time to prep the broccolini. Make sure it’s washed thoroughly and patted dry with a paper towel. Broccolini holds moisture, so drying it before roasting helps to ensure that it crisps up nicely in the oven. Arrange the broccolini around the salmon fillet on the baking sheet. Drizzle the broccolini with olive oil and season it with a pinch of salt and black pepper. The olive oil will help the broccolini crisp and caramelize in the oven, bringing out its natural sweetness.

6. Add the Rosemary

Take the fresh rosemary sprigs and arrange them around the salmon and broccolini. The rosemary will infuse both the fish and the vegetables with its bold, piney aroma as they roast. The herb’s earthy flavor complements the buttery richness of the salmon, making it an essential addition to the dish.

7. Bake the Salmon and Broccolini

Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet. After 15 minutes, check the salmon to see if it’s done. You can do this by gently inserting a fork into the thickest part of the salmon. It should flake easily but still have a slightly translucent center. If the salmon needs more time, continue baking in 5-minute increments until it’s fully cooked.

8. Rest and Serve

Once the salmon is cooked to perfection, remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the salmon rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the fish. This will ensure that the salmon remains moist and flavorful. Plate the salmon and broccolini, and drizzle some of the leftover garlic butter sauce from the baking sheet over the top for an extra burst of flavor.

The Magic of the Flavors and Textures

This dish is a beautiful marriage of flavors and textures. The salmon, baked in its own buttery sauce, becomes incredibly tender and moist, with a slight crispness on the outside that adds texture and contrast. The garlic and shallots infuse the fish with their savory, aromatic goodness, while the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper elevate the natural flavors of the salmon. The dried basil adds a subtle, herbaceous flavor that balances the richness of the fish.

The broccolini is the perfect side to accompany the salmon. It has a slightly sweet, peppery flavor that complements the richness of the salmon. Roasting the broccolini in olive oil allows it to become slightly crispy on the edges while remaining tender in the center. The rosemary enhances both the salmon and the broccolini, infusing them with its earthy, aromatic scent.

Tips and Variations

• Vegetable Substitutes: If you can’t find broccolini, you can substitute it with regular broccoli, asparagus, or even green beans. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as different vegetables have different roasting times.
• Spices and Herbs: Experiment with different herbs to personalize the dish. Fresh thyme, tarragon, or oregano are all great alternatives to rosemary. Each herb will offer a slightly different flavor, allowing you to customize the recipe to your taste.
• Add Lemon: If you prefer a bit of acidity to balance the richness of the salmon, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the top just before serving. The citrus will brighten the dish and add a refreshing zing.
• Spicy Twist: For those who enjoy a little heat, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter mixture or sprinkle some over the broccolini before roasting.

Final Thoughts

Buttery Baked Salmon with Broccolini is a showstopper of a dish that doesn’t require much effort but delivers big on flavor. The combination of tender, flaky salmon with the crispy broccolini and the rich, aromatic garlic butter is sure to become a favorite in your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or for guests, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. So next time you want a healthy yet indulgent meal, turn to this recipe and enjoy a dinner that’s both satisfying and delicious.