Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is a tender, flaky salmon fillet baked with lemon, garlic, and rich butter for a bright, savory weeknight favorite. Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon makes weeknight dinners feel special with minimal fuss and maximum flavor – bright citrus, golden butter, and savory garlic come together for a fast, healthy main.

Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon delivers that restaurant-quality glaze at home, and this post walks you through the whole process so you can recreate it with confidence. In this friendly guide you’ll find why the flavors work, exactly what to buy, equipment to use, clear numbered steps, serving ideas, storage advice, nutrition facts, safety notes, and answers to common questions.

What Makes This Recipe So Special

• Balanced flavor profile – the acidity of lemon cuts through the butter for a light, refreshing finish.
• Quick and reliable – it takes under 30 minutes from oven to table when you use the streamlined method below.
• Versatile – pairs well with simple sides, hearty grains, or bright salads.

Why It Works

This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon succeeds because:

• Fat and acid – melted butter coats the fish and carries flavor, while lemon brightens the palate so the salmon never tastes heavy.
• High heat finish – baking at a hot temperature gives a slight edge to the exterior while keeping the middle moist.
• Garlic infusion – finely minced garlic and a short rest let aromatics saturate the fish without burning.

Ingredients

• 1 1/2 to 2 pounds center-cut salmon fillet, skin on if you like
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice – about 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional – 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for heat

Equipment

• Baking dish or rimmed baking sheet
• Small mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Knife and cutting board
• Instant-read thermometer (recommended for accuracy)

Prep Notes

• Pat the salmon dry with paper towels for better browning.
• If you prefer, remove pin bones with tweezers.

For a quick citrus-protein pairing you might also enjoy this lemon chicken recipe: 30-Minute Lemon Chicken Recipe.

Preheat and prepare the pan

Action: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Lightly oil the baking dish or line it with foil for easy cleanup.

Make the lemon garlic butter

Action: In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.

Season the salmon

Action: Place the salmon in the prepared dish skin-side down. Pour half of the lemon garlic butter over the top and gently spread with a spoon so the fillet is evenly coated.

Bake

Action: Transfer the dish to the oven and bake at 400°F for 10 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness – cook until the salmon flakes easily with a fork or reaches 125°F to 130°F for medium-rare, or 140°F for well-done. (Maintain these cooking times exactly for best results.)

Broil for finish (optional)

Action: For a golden top, switch the oven to broil and broil for 1 to 2 minutes – watch carefully to avoid burning.

Rest and glaze

Action: Remove from the oven and spoon the remaining lemon garlic butter over the warm fillet. Let rest 3 to 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

Serving Suggestions

Serve the fish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and a lemon wedge. Here are pairing ideas:

• Steamed asparagus and boiled baby potatoes
• Fluffy rice pilaf or quinoa
• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Try adding a buttery, garlicky mash for a comfort pairing

Note – duplicate keyword placement: For a simple weeknight centerpiece, try serving the Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with roasted seasonal vegetables.

Tips and Tricks

• Use room-temperature salmon to promote even cooking.
• If using frozen fish, thaw completely in the fridge overnight – do not cook from fully frozen.
• To prevent garlic from burning during broil, add extra garlic butter right after you remove the fish from the oven.
• For a lighter finish, swap half the butter for olive oil – flavor will shift but the method remains identical.
• Regional twist – in Mediterranean regions, add a few capers and sliced Kalamata olives before baking for briny depth.

Troubleshooting

• Fish overcooked or dry – reduce oven time by 2-3 minutes and check internal temp at the thickest part.
• Garlic bitter – make sure garlic is finely minced and not charred under the broiler; add more fresh garlic in the finishing butter if needed.
• Sauce too oily – briefly spoon off excess butter after resting.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through – this preserves moisture better than microwaving.
• For meal prep, flake cold cooked salmon into salads or grain bowls within 48 hours for best texture.

Nutrition Snapshot (approx per 6 oz serving)

• Calories: 420
• Protein: 32 g
• Fat: 30 g
• Carbohydrates: 1.5 g
• Sodium: 420 mg

Food Safety

• Always cook fish to a safe internal temperature – 125°F to 140°F depending on desired doneness – and avoid cross-contamination with raw seafood.
• Store leftovers within two hours of cooking to minimize bacterial growth.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Variations

• Honey-lemon glaze – add 1 tablespoon honey to the butter mixture for a sweeter finish.
• Herb-forward – swap parsley for dill and add 1 teaspoon chopped fresh tarragon.
• Spicy – include 1/4 teaspoon cayenne or more red pepper flakes.

Personal Notes

I first made this when entertaining friends with little time – the bright lemon and garlic made the whole apartment smell like a coastal bistro. The dish impressed guests while staying fast and forgiving, which is why I reach for it when I want simplicity and flavor.

Alternative Cooking Methods

• Pan-seared then oven-finished – sear for 2 minutes skin-side down in a hot skillet before transferring to a 400°F oven for 6 to 8 minutes.
• Air fryer – cook at 375°F for 8 to 10 minutes, checking for doneness.

Recipe Variations for Different Diets

• Low-fat – replace half the butter with low-sodium chicken broth or white wine.
• Keto-friendly – keep full butter and serve with low-carb veg like zucchini noodles.

Final Tips

• Use fresh lemons for the best brightness – bottled lemon juice will taste flat.
• Save lemon halves for finishing splashes of juice right before serving.

Conclusion

This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon recipe shines because it balances buttery richness with bright lemon and fragrant garlic for a quick, approachable dish that feels special. If you loved this method and want a closely related take with extra step-by-step photos, check out this detailed version on Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon – Savory Nothings.

If you made it, please leave a comment and a star rating below – I really want to hear what tweaks you tried. Share the recipe on Pinterest or Facebook and tell me – what side did you pair with your salmon tonight?

Try this rich potato soup recipe for a hearty side – Cheddar Garlic Herb Potato Soup.