Introduction

Garlic Herb Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon Slices is the kind of dish that turns an ordinary dinner into a restaurant-worthy experience — effortlessly. This recipe captures everything that’s wonderful about salmon: its delicate texture, its rich, buttery flavor, and its ability to absorb aromatics beautifully.

Here, fresh salmon fillets are generously brushed with a homemade garlic herb butter, infused with parsley, thyme, and a hint of dill. Thin lemon slices are layered over the top, infusing the fish with a light citrus perfume as it bakes. The result is juicy, tender salmon that melts in your mouth, with each bite bursting with buttery richness and bright lemony freshness.

It’s a dish that’s as visually stunning as it is simple to prepare — elegant enough for a dinner party, yet easy enough for a weeknight meal.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort. The garlic herb butter does all the heavy lifting — it bastes the salmon as it bakes, keeping it incredibly moist and flavorful. The lemon slices not only make it beautiful but also balance the richness of the butter with refreshing brightness.

It’s also a one-pan wonder, which means easy cleanup. I often make it on busy nights because it feels luxurious but requires almost no hands-on cooking. Plus, it’s naturally low-carb, gluten-free, and full of heart-healthy omega-3s.

Every time I make it, the aroma of garlic, butter, and herbs fills the kitchen — and that alone makes it feel like a special occasion.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it strikes that perfect balance between comfort and sophistication.

• It’s beginner-friendly, yet tastes like something you’d order at a fine restaurant.
• It’s nutrient-dense, rich in healthy fats and protein.
• It’s quick and versatile — ready in under 30 minutes, and pairs beautifully with countless sides.
• And above all, it’s universally loved — even by those who don’t usually enjoy fish.

If you’ve ever wanted to cook salmon perfectly every single time, this is the recipe to master.

Recipe Overview

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories: ~420 kcal per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / European (Modern Comfort)

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 large lemon, thinly sliced

For the Garlic Herb Butter:

• 4 tablespoons (½ stick) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves (or ½ teaspoon dried thyme)
• 1 teaspoon fresh dill (optional but highly recommended)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for mild heat)

For Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh herbs (parsley, thyme, or dill)
• Extra lemon wedges

Cooking Directions (Overview)

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Make the garlic herb butter mixture.
3. Place salmon on baking sheet and season.
4. Brush with butter mixture and top with lemon slices.
5. Bake until tender and flaky.
6. Serve warm with extra lemon and herbs.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Line a large baking sheet or baking dish with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Garlic Herb Butter

1. In a small bowl, whisk together:
   • Melted butter
   • Minced garlic
   • Parsley, thyme, dill
   • Lemon juice
   • Crushed red pepper flakes (if using)
2. Whisk until well combined. The butter should be aromatic and flecked with herbs.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon

1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels — this helps the butter adhere and ensures even baking.
2. Place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Brush lightly with olive oil, and season generously with salt and pepper.

Step 4: Add Garlic Herb Butter and Lemon

1. Pour or brush the garlic herb butter over each fillet, coating the tops thoroughly.
2. Arrange thin lemon slices on top of each fillet for visual appeal and subtle citrus infusion.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon

• Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
• The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of about 135°F (57°C).

Optional: For a slightly caramelized finish, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Transfer the baked salmon to plates or a serving platter.
• Spoon over any remaining melted butter from the pan.
• Garnish with fresh herbs and extra lemon wedges.

How to Serve

Serve hot, directly from the oven with a drizzle of melted herb butter.

Perfect Pairings:

• Garlic mashed potatoes or creamy risotto
• Roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli
• A fresh side salad with vinaigrette
• Quinoa, couscous, or herbed rice

Drink Pairing:

• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
• Sparkling lemon water or iced herbal tea for a non-alcoholic option

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best aroma and flavor.
• Pat salmon dry before baking — moisture prevents browning.
• Don’t overcook: Salmon continues to cook after removal from the oven. Take it out just before it’s fully done.
• Melt butter gently: Avoid overheating to prevent separation.
• Add flavor depth: A touch of honey or Dijon mustard in the butter adds extra complexity.

Recipe Variations

1. Garlic Honey Butter Salmon:
   Add 1 tablespoon honey to the butter mixture for a sweet-savory glaze.
2. Spicy Cajun Salmon:
   Replace herbs with Cajun seasoning and add a squeeze of lime instead of lemon.
3. Italian-Style Salmon:
   Add chopped basil, oregano, and grated Parmesan to the butter mix.
4. Foil Packet Version:
   Wrap each fillet in foil with butter and lemon — perfect for grilling or easy cleanup.
5. Vegetable Bake Combo:
   Add asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the same pan and bake together for a full meal.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 325°F (165°C) for 10 minutes or in a skillet with a bit of butter.
• Freeze: Cool completely, wrap in foil or plastic wrap, and freeze for up to 2 months.
• Thaw: Overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Avoid microwaving directly — it can make the salmon dry and tough.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or glass baking dish
• Small mixing bowl
• Pastry brush or spoon
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Instant-read thermometer (optional, for precision)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before baking for even cooking.

Q2: Can I use salted butter?
Yes, but reduce added salt to avoid over-seasoning.

Q3: How do I know if the salmon is done?
The flesh should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Use a thermometer — it should read 135°F (57°C).

Q4: Can I cook this on the grill?
Definitely! Wrap salmon in foil with the garlic herb butter and grill for 12–14 minutes over medium heat.

Q5: What herbs work best with salmon?
Parsley, dill, thyme, basil, and chives all pair beautifully with its natural richness.

Conclusion

Garlic Herb Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon Slices is a timeless classic that proves how simple ingredients can create something truly extraordinary. Every bite offers a perfect blend of rich, buttery flavor, fragrant herbs, and bright citrus freshness.

Whether you’re cooking for a quiet night in or hosting a dinner party, this dish never fails to impress. It’s elegant, wholesome, and irresistibly delicious — a true celebration of what makes home-cooked meals so special.

Light, luxurious, and deeply satisfying — this is salmon at its very best.