Introduction

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon is a simple, flavorful, and elegant dish perfect for any meal, from weeknight dinners to special occasions. Salmon fillets are baked in a rich garlic butter sauce with a hint of lemon, resulting in tender, flaky fish infused with buttery, garlicky goodness. The fresh citrus adds brightness and balances the richness of the salmon, creating a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated.

This recipe is loved for its ease, minimal cleanup, and the fact that it delivers restaurant-quality results at home. It’s healthy, packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, and pairs wonderfully with vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes.

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Quick and Easy – Ready in under 25 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
2. Rich and Flavorful – Garlic butter elevates simple salmon into a decadent, savory dish.
3. Healthy and Satisfying – Packed with protein, omega-3s, and vitamins while still being indulgent.
4. Minimal Cleanup – Baked in one pan, making cleanup fast and easy.
5. Elegant Presentation – Lemon slices and fresh herbs make it visually appealing for guests.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This recipe is a must-try because it’s a perfect balance of rich, buttery flavor and fresh citrus brightness. The garlic butter sauce coats the salmon, keeping it moist and flavorful without overpowering the natural taste of the fish. Whether you’re cooking for family, hosting guests, or craving a healthy yet indulgent meal, this baked salmon delivers exceptional flavor with minimal effort.

Recipe Information

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Seafood
• Preparation Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~350 kcal

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ tsp paprika (optional for color)
• Lemon slices, for garnish
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven:
   • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare Garlic Butter:
   • In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika.
3. Prepare Salmon:
   • Pat salmon fillets dry and place them on the prepared baking sheet.
   • Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over each fillet.
4. Bake Salmon:
   • Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
5. Garnish and Serve:
   • Remove from oven and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.

How to Serve

• Serve hot with steamed vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or rice.
• Pair with a fresh green salad or roasted asparagus.
• Drizzle extra garlic butter from the pan over the salmon for maximum flavor.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook salmon; it continues cooking slightly after removing from the oven.
• For extra flavor, marinate salmon in garlic butter for 15–20 minutes before baking.
• Use fresh lemon juice for brightness; bottled lemon juice won’t give the same flavor.
• Optional: sprinkle paprika or smoked paprika for color and subtle smoky flavor.

Variations

• Herb-Infused: Add fresh thyme, dill, or rosemary to the garlic butter for aromatic flavor.
• Honey Garlic: Add 1 tbsp honey to the butter for a slightly sweet glaze.
• Spicy Kick: Add ¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
• Parmesan Crusted: Sprinkle grated Parmesan on top before baking for a cheesy crust.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Raw, marinated salmon can be frozen for up to 3 months. Cooked salmon is not recommended for freezing, as it may become dry upon reheating.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or oven-safe dish
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil (optional for easy cleanup)
• Small bowl for garlic butter mixture
• Basting brush or spoon for spreading butter
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
A: Yes, thaw completely before baking for even cooking.

Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: You can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead of time and brush it on just before baking.

Q: Can I use skin-on salmon?
A: Yes, bake skin-side down. The skin helps hold the fillet together and adds extra flavor.

Q: How do I know when salmon is done?
A: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon is an easy, flavorful, and elegant dish that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. The combination of buttery garlic, fresh lemon, and tender salmon makes every bite deliciously satisfying. Quick, healthy, and visually appealing, this baked salmon recipe is perfect for weeknights, special occasions, or anytime you crave a light but indulgent seafood meal.