📖 Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This is super important for even cooking. Trust me, I've learned this the hard way!
2. Prepare the salmon: Rinse your salmon fillets and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. A good quality salt makes all the difference!
3. Make the basil-garlic mixture: Mince three cloves of garlic. You can use a garlic press if you have one, but mincing by hand is totally fine too. Finely chop a generous cup of fresh basil leaves. Try to use good quality basil—it really impacts the flavor. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, chopped basil, and two tablespoons of olive oil. Mix well.
4. Prepare the baking sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. This makes cleanup a breeze. Trust me, you'll thank me later!
5. Assemble and bake: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the basil-garlic mixture evenly over the top of each fillet. Try to make sure all the fillets have equal amounts!
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes: Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. This is important; don't overcook the fish!
7. Rest and serve: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, making it super moist and flavorful. Serve immediately and enjoy!