This basil-garlic salmon recipe is my go-to for weeknight dinners. It's incredibly easy to make, yet it tastes fancy enough for a special occasion. It’s the kind of dish that always impresses, even if you’re just cooking for yourself—and honestly, those are the dinners that deserve the most effort!
I remember the first time I made this for my friend, Sarah. She's notoriously picky, but even she loved it! That's when I knew I had to share this recipe with the world. It's the perfect blend of simple ingredients, creating a surprisingly complex and delicious dish. Honestly, it's my new favorite.
Required Equipments
- Baking sheet
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Spatula
Basil Garlic Salmon: A Simple Elegant Recipe (Updated April 6 2025)
This recipe delivers a restaurant-quality meal with minimal effort and time. The combination of fresh basil, garlic, and perfectly cooked salmon creates a dish you will want to make again and again.
⏳ Yield & Time
Yield: 1 servings
Preparation Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time:
🍽 Ingredients
📖 Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important for even cooking. Trust me, I've learned this the hard way!
- Prepare the salmon: Rinse your salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. A good quality salt makes all the difference!
- Make the basil-garlic mixture: Mince three cloves of garlic. You can use a garlic press if you have one, but mincing by hand is totally fine too. Finely chop a generous cup of fresh basil leaves. Try to use good quality basil—it really impacts the flavor. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped basil, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you'll thank me later!
- Assemble and bake: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the basil-garlic mixture evenly over the top of each fillet. Try to make sure all the fillets have equal amounts!
- Bake for 12-15 minutes: Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. This is important; don't overcook the fish!
- Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it super moist and flavorful. Serve immediately and enjoy!
📝 Notes
- If you don't have fresh basil, you can use 1 teaspoon of dried basil, but fresh basil offers a more vibrant flavor. Just sayin'
🍎 Nutrition
Calories: 250 kcal
Protein: 25 g
Fat: 15 g
Carbohydrates: 5 g
Fiber: 1 g
Calcium: 20 mg
