Get ready to elevate your dinner game with a mouthwatering recipe that combines the rich, buttery goodness of salmon with the vibrant freshness of basil and burst cherry tomatoes. This isn't just another fish dish – it's a culinary experience that will transform your home cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. Imagine tender, perfectly roasted salmon topped with herb-infused butter, surrounded by sweet, caramelized cherry tomatoes that literally burst with flavor in every bite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will ensure that your salmon cooks evenly and the tomatoes burst beautifully.
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with a bit of butter or oil to prevent sticking.
- In a small bowl, combine the 4 tablespoons of softened butter with the 1/4 cup of chopped fresh basil. Mix well until the basil is evenly distributed throughout the butter.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the fillets in the prepared baking dish, skin-side down if applicable.
- Spread the basil butter mixture generously over the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring they are well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and pat them dry with a paper towel. Scatter the tomatoes around the salmon in the baking dish.
- Drizzle a little olive oil over the cherry tomatoes and season them with salt and pepper to taste. This will enhance their sweetness as they roast.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and roast for about 20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The tomatoes should burst and become slightly caramelized.
- While the salmon and tomatoes are roasting, prepare your lemon slices for garnish.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to settle.
- Serve the salmon fillets hot, garnished with fresh lemon slices and the burst cherry tomatoes on the side. Enjoy your delicious basil butter roasted salmon!
Tips
- Temperature Matters: Ensure your salmon is at room temperature before cooking to guarantee even roasting and prevent dry edges.
- Butter Brilliance: Use high-quality, softened butter and mix the basil thoroughly to distribute the herb's flavor evenly.
- Tomato Technique: Choose ripe, firm cherry tomatoes for the best burst and caramelization during roasting.
- Don't Overcook: Salmon is best when it's slightly translucent in the center. Use a fork to check – it should flake easily but still look moist.
- Garnish Upgrade: For an extra touch of elegance, consider adding some fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of lemon zest just before serving.
- Pairing Perfection: This dish pairs wonderfully with a light white wine or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the salmon.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 360kcal
Carbohydrates: 10g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 90mg
