Baked Salmon With Brown-Buttered Tomatoes & Basil

This elegant salmon dish combines the richness of brown butter with the freshness of summer tomatoes and aromatic basil. Perfect for a special dinner or when you want to impress your guests with a restaurant-quality meal at home.

## Ingredients

- 4 salmon fillets (6-8 oz each)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, torn
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, juiced

## Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the brown butter: In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Continue cooking, swirling the pan occasionally, until the butter turns golden brown and develops a nutty aroma (about 3-4 minutes). Remove from heat immediately.

3. Season the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.

4. Arrange on baking sheet: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if your fillets have skin.

5. Add tomatoes: Scatter the halved cherry tomatoes around the salmon fillets.

6. Drizzle with brown butter: Spoon the brown butter over the salmon and tomatoes.

7. Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.

8. Finish with basil: Remove from oven and immediately sprinkle with torn basil leaves and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

## Pro Tips

- Don't overcook: Salmon is done when it flakes easily but is still moist in the center.
- Brown butter timing: Watch carefully - it goes from perfect to burnt quickly!
- Fresh basil: Add the basil after cooking to preserve its bright flavor and color.

This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine and a simple green salad. The combination of the nutty brown butter, sweet tomatoes, and fresh basil creates a symphony of flavors that will make this recipe a family favorite.