Chunky Garlic Salmon

Garlic lovers, rejoice!! I have found my new favorite topping for when I bake salmon. I usually buy the Copper River Wild Keta Salmon from Sam’s Club. They are the perfect portion sizes and taste delicious. I have baked salmon with simple spices, baked it with a soy-ginger marinade, and even put pesto on it after it comes out. But THIS. You guys. Is so, so delicious.

I love garlic. Like, LOVE garlic. I prefer chopping up fresh cloves vs. the minced stuff in the plastic jar that sits in water or oil.  Anyway, I was trying to think of some other way I could add flavor to salmon. I had seen a recipe-video that had a garlicky parmesan crust on top, and it sounded yummy, but that wasn’t quite what I was going for. I wasn’t completely digging the parmesan part. Not that I don’t love parmesan. I do, but I had other ideas in my head.

The crust part was what I was thinking of, but without the cheese and breadcrumbs. That video was going to be my inspiration. I disregarded those two ingredients and started to think of classic scampi flavors – garlic, extra virgin olive oil (evoo), spices, white wine, etc. Yes! I was headed in the right direction. I was going to make a thick paste for the salmon. My family willingly eats what I cook, and thank goodness they love salmon and garlic. Honestly, who DOESN’T love seafood and garlic?! I digress.

I quickly got out my ingredients and came up with this AMAZING, thick, garlic paste. It incorporates the scampi flavors we all know and love, but it is unlike it’s saucy, runny, super buttery (and delicious) counterpart.  It is better! Here is what you will need, for two salmon filets:

Ingredients:

• 2 Salmon filets
• 5-6 Garlic cloves, roughly minced
• 1 tbsp dry white wine
• Dash salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 tsp fresh Rosemary
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• Dash red pepper flakes to taste
• 1 tbsp EVOO
• Pat of room temperature butter (less than 1 tbsp)

How to: 

1. Preheat oven to 425, and line a cookie sheet w/ foil (for less mess, of course!).
2.  Roughly mince garlic, and combine all ingredients except salmon in a bowl. Stir so it makes a thick paste. Taste to see what more of the spices you want to add.
3. Let sit for about 15-20 min.
4. Place the filets on the cookie sheet. Drizzle the salmon with a tiny bit of olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and then spoon the paste onto the salmon.
5. Cook for 22-25 min.

This meal is best served right out of the oven. The garlic will be browned slightly on top, and you’ll be hypnotized by the smell! You could serve this with a steamed veggie or a salad. We love broccoli around here, so that is usually our go-to. Enjoy!