Description
Enjoy tender, flaky salmon fillets baked in a luscious garlic butter sauce that’s bursting with bright lemon and fresh herb notes. This healthy yet indulgent dish is simple to prepare and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The rich sauce pairs beautifully with your favorite sides—think steamed veggies, rice, or a crisp salad.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon:
- 4 fillets Salmon fillets (About 6 oz each; skin-on or off based on preference)
To taste: Ground black pepper For seasoning
- 1 Lemon (Sliced for garnish and extra flavor or use extra lemon juice)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil (Drizzle over salmon)
For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 4 tbsp Unsalted butter (Melted)
- 4 cloves Garlic minced ( Adjust according to taste)
- 1 tbsp Fresh lemon juice (For brightness)
- 1 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped (Or substitute with dill for extra herbaceous flavor)
Instructions
Preheat Oven and Prepare Salmon:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Place the fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down if applicable.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant (be careful not to burn the garlic).
- Stir in the fresh lemon juice, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Remove from heat.
Bake the Salmon:
- Spoon the garlic butter sauce evenly over each salmon fillet.
- Arrange lemon slices on top or around the fillets for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Serve:
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
- Garnish with additional chopped fresh parsley or dill, if desired.
- Serve immediately with your favorite sides like steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.
Notes
- For crispier skin, if using skin-on salmon, pat the skin extra dry and consider broiling for the last 2 minutes of cooking.
- Adjust the garlic and lemon quantities to suit your taste for a more intense flavor.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with a chilled glass of white wine or a crisp, citrus-infused iced tea.
Enjoy your Irresistible Garlic Butter Baked Salmon—savor the flavor of this healthy, easy-to-make dinner that’s sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
