Ingredients:
- 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, skin-on
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 0.5 tsp sea salt
- 0.25 tsp cracked black pepper
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
- 1 tbsp honey
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions:
- The Tempering Phase: Remove salmon from the refrigerator 20 minutes before you plan to cook. Pat fillets bone-dry with paper towels. Let them sit at room temperature to ensure even cooking. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- The Skin Seasoning: Rub the 1 tbsp olive oil over the skin side. Sprinkle with a pinch of the sea salt.
- The Glaze Creation: In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and honey. Place salmon fillets on a rimmed baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Brush the tops and sides generously with the garlic butter mixture.
- The Precision Roast: Slide the tray into the center rack of the oven. Bake for 10–12 minutes until the edges are slightly opaque and the glaze is bubbling.
- Optional but highly recommended: Turn the broiler on for the last 2 minutes. Watch it closely! You want the honey to shatter into a golden, caramelized crust.
- The Essential Rest: Remove from oven and let the fish sit on the tray for 5 minutes to allow carryover heat to finish the cooking process and help fibers reabsorb juices.
- The Final Flourish: Sprinkle the 1 tbsp fresh parsley over the top and add an extra squeeze of lemon if you like it zingy.