INGREDIENTS:

• 1¼ pound sockeye or coho salmon (preferably wild caught)*
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons cold butter, cubed
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ¼ red pepper flakes
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley, for garnishing (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 375ºF. (see notes)
2. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine the lemon juice and minced garlic, allow the lemon juice to reduce to 1 tablespoon. Add in 1 tablespoon of butter, remove pan from heat and swirl so the butter starts to melt. Place back on the heat for a few seconds, removed and continue to swirl until butter completely melts. Repeat with second tablespoon of butter. When butter is completely melted, remove sauce from stove.
3. Place the salmon filet in a piece of foil large enough to fold over and seal. Using a brush or spoon, brush the salmon with the garlic butter sauce. Season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Cover with foil so that all sides are properly closed so the sauce does not leak.
4. Bake the salmon for 12-14 minutes or until firm. Open the foil and allow the fish to broil under the broiler for 2-3 minutes, keeping an eye on it so the fish does not burn. Remove from oven, top with parsley. Serve immediately.

Notes:

• Try to avoid using 'pink salmon' as this type of salmon is quite watery and will release lots of water in the baking process causing the fish to be wet and not flakey.
• The salmon can also be wrapped in foil and barbecued at 375ªF for about the same amount of time give or take a minute or two. Allow the salmon to 'broil' the same way you would in the oven, by opening the foil and allow the fish to dry out for just 1-2 minutes.