Let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight lifesaver – this Baked Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon. It’s the kind of dish that makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar with minimal effort. I stumbled onto this combo years ago when I was desperate to impress a dinner date (it worked – we’re married now!). The magic happens when that garlic butter melts into the salmon, while the lemon keeps everything bright and fresh. What I love most? From fridge to table in under 30 minutes, with flavors that taste like you spent hours. Trust me, once you try this method, you’ll wonder how you ever cooked salmon any other way.

Why You’ll Love This Baked Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon

This recipe is my go-to for so many reasons – let me count the ways:

Weeknight superhero: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish (yes, really!)
Flavor bomb: The garlic butter melts into the salmon, creating the most luxurious sauce
Bright & balanced: Lemon cuts through the richness perfectly – no heavy fishy taste here
Health win: Packed with omega-3s and protein, but feels totally indulgent
Foolproof: Even my 12-year-old niece can make this without burning the house down

Seriously, I’ve made this for date nights, potlucks, and even fancy dinner parties – it never disappoints. You can find more recipe ideas here.

Ingredients for Baked Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon

Here’s everything you’ll need to make magic happen – I swear by these simple ingredients:

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each): Look for center-cut pieces about 1-inch thick (skin-on or off works, but I prefer skin-on for extra flavor)
4 tbsp butter: Melted and slightly cooled (salted or unsalted both work – I use salted for that extra flavor punch)
4 garlic cloves: Minced (don’t skimp! Fresh garlic makes all the difference)
1 lemon: Half for juicing, half sliced thin to lay on top (that gorgeous presentation isn’t just for looks!)
1 tsp salt: I use kosher salt for even distribution
1/2 tsp black pepper: Freshly cracked if you’ve got it
1 tbsp fresh parsley: Chopped fine (the pop of green at the end makes it restaurant-worthy)

See? Nothing fancy – just real ingredients that pack serious flavor. For more simple recipes, check out our posts.

How to Make Baked Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon

Okay, let’s get cooking! This method is so simple you’ll have it memorized after one try. Here’s how I make it perfect every time:

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) – no need to wait until it’s fully heated to start prepping (we’re all about efficiency here!). Line a baking sheet with parchment – cleanup is a breeze this way.
Make that glorious garlic butter: Melt your butter (I just zap it for 30 seconds), then whisk in the minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. The smell alone will make your stomach growl!
Prep the salmon: Pat those fillets dry (this helps the butter stick) and arrange them on the baking sheet. Now pour that garlic butter goodness all over – I use a brush but a spoon works too. Get every inch coated!
Lemon magic: Layer those thin lemon slices right on top. They’ll release juice as they bake and make everything extra bright.
Bake for 12-15 minutes – the salmon should flake easily with a fork but still look juicy. Thicker fillets? Add 2-3 minutes. Don’t overcook it – that’s the only way to mess this up!
The finishing touch: Sprinkle with fresh parsley right when it comes out. That pop of color and fresh flavor takes it next level.

See? I told you it was easy. Now try not to eat it straight from the pan – though I won’t judge if you do!

Tips for Perfect Baked Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon

After making this recipe dozens of times, here are my foolproof tricks for salmon success:

Fresh is best: Use fresh salmon fillets – they’ll have that perfect buttery texture when baked (frozen works in a pinch, but pat them dry extra well)
Watch the clock: Thinner fillets cook faster! Start checking at 10 minutes – you want it just opaque in the center
Lemon lover? Double the lemon juice in the butter mixture for extra tang (my husband’s favorite version)
Garlic hack: Let the garlic butter sit for 5 minutes before brushing – it mellows the raw garlic bite

Trust me – these small touches make a big difference! You can find more inspiration on Pinterest.

Serving Suggestions for Baked Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon

This salmon shines with simple sides – my go-tos are:

Steamed asparagus drizzled with leftover garlic butter
Lemon rice that soaks up all those delicious juices
Crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to cut the richness

Honestly? It’s amazing straight from the pan too – I won’t tell!

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Leftovers? Rare in my house, but here’s how I handle them: Store cooled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in a 300°F oven for about 5 minutes – gentle heat keeps it from drying out. Pro tip: That garlic butter sauce gets even more flavorful overnight!

Nutritional Information for Baked Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon

Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving (one 6-oz fillet with all that glorious garlic butter):

Calories: 320 (but packed with good-for-you fats!)
Fat: 20g (8g saturated, 10g unsaturated – hello, omega-3s!)
Protein: 34g (perfect post-workout fuel)
Carbs: 3g (1g fiber from that zesty lemon)
Sodium: 650mg (mostly from the butter and salt)

Values are estimates and may vary slightly based on exact ingredients. But let’s be real – with nutrition this good, you can totally justify that extra spoonful of garlic butter sauce!

Frequently Asked Questions

I get asked about this recipe all the time – here are the answers to the most common questions:

Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just thaw it completely in the fridge overnight first. Pat it extra dry with paper towels – frozen salmon tends to release more moisture. The texture might be slightly different, but the flavor will still be amazing.

How do I know when the salmon is done?
The easiest test? Gently press the top – it should feel slightly firm but still have some give. The salmon will continue cooking a bit after it comes out. Perfectly cooked salmon flakes easily with a fork but still looks juicy.

Can I make this without butter?
Yes! Olive oil works great as a substitute. The flavor will be different (less rich), but still delicious. For dairy-free, I’ve used ghee with excellent results too. For more substitutions, see our pages.

Final Thoughts

That’s all there is to it – my foolproof baked garlic butter salmon that never lets me down. Give it a try this week and let me know how it turns out! I bet it’ll become your new go-to just like it did for me. Happy cooking!

30-Minute Baked Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon Perfection

Author: iyma hernandes
Total Time: 25 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Calorie

Print Recipe

Description

A simple and flavorful baked salmon dish with garlic butter and lemon.

Ingredients

Scale

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
4 tbsp butter (melted)
4 garlic cloves (minced)
1 lemon (juiced and sliced)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet.
Mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Brush the mixture over the salmon fillets.
Top with lemon slices.
Bake for 12-15 minutes or until salmon flakes easily.
Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Use fresh salmon for best results.
Adjust baking time based on thickness of fillets.
Serve with steamed vegetables or rice.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 320
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 650mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: baked salmon, garlic butter salmon, lemon salmon, easy salmon recipe