Description
This Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is a foolproof, flavor-packed dish perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Flaky salmon fillets are bathed in a rich garlic butter sauce infused with fresh herbs and lemon, then oven-baked to tender perfection. Simple, quick, and irresistibly delicious.
Ingredients
2 to 4 salmon fillets (skin-on preferred)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter
3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish or line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant. Do not brown. Stir in the chopped parsley, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Remove from heat.
3. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the baking dish. Pour or brush the garlic butter sauce evenly over the top of each fillet. Sprinkle with crushed red pepper flakes if desired.
4. Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. For a golden finish, broil for the final 2 minutes while watching closely.
5. Let the salmon rest for 2 minutes after removing it from the oven. Spoon any extra garlic butter from the pan over the top and garnish with more fresh parsley and a lemon wedge.
Notes
Choose skin-on fillets: The skin helps retain moisture and prevents sticking, especially useful for baking.
Use fresh garlic: It makes a big difference in aroma and taste—avoid pre-minced garlic if possible.
Don’t skip the resting time: Letting the salmon sit after baking helps the juices redistribute, keeping it tender and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg