Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Save this recipe on:

Golden, flaky, and dripping in a luscious garlic butter sauce, this Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is the kind of dinner that makes you feel like a chef without breaking a sweat. It delivers restaurant-level flavor with minimal effort and cleanup, making it perfect for busy weeknights or elegant date nights in.

The fresh salmon fillets bake to perfection in just about 15 minutes, soaking in the savory richness of butter, fresh herbs, and a hint of lemon. Pair it with your favorite greens or grains, and you’ve got a wholesome, mouthwatering meal that never disappoints.

What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?

Fresh Atlantic or wild-caught sockeye salmon both work beautifully in this recipe. Look for fillets with vibrant color and minimal odor. Skin-on fillets are great for locking in moisture during baking, and they’ll slide right off the skin when cooked. If you’re using frozen salmon, be sure to thaw it completely before baking to ensure even cooking.

Ingredients for the Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: The star of the dish. Opt for fresh, thick fillets for juiciness.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps infuse the salmon with deep flavor.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic brings pungent, aromatic warmth.
• Parsley: Chopped parsley offers freshness and color contrast.
• Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter.
• Salt & Pepper: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
• Olive Oil: Helps prevent sticking and adds another layer of healthy fat.

---

How To Make the Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Lightly brush it with olive oil.

Step 2: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Stir in the minced garlic, chopped parsley, and lemon juice. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes to bring the flavors together, then remove from heat.

Step 3: Assemble the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Spoon the garlic butter sauce generously over each fillet, making sure to coat them well.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the flesh flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 135°F (carryover heat will bring it to 140°F).

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with extra parsley or a few lemon zest curls for brightness. Serve hot for best flavor.

---

How to Store and Serve This Salmon Dish

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. You can also flake cold salmon into salads or wraps for an easy protein-packed lunch.

---

What to Serve With Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

A crunchy, cheesy green veggie side that adds texture to the tender salmon. Try our Roasted Parmesan Green Beans.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

For colder nights, a comforting bowl of Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup pairs well.

Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet and tangy, Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes complement the richness of the butter sauce.

Buttery Stuffed Artichokes

Their unique flavor and hearty texture make Buttery Stuffed Artichokes an unexpected but delightful pairing.

Fluffy Pancakes

A twist for brunch vibes: serve with Fluffy Pancakes and lemon yogurt.

Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes

Double down on the nutrients with Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes.

Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders

Great for family-style meals, Lemon Garlic Parmesan Chicken Tenders pair well with similar flavors.

---

Want More Dinner Ideas with a Healthy Twist?

If this salmon recipe hit the spot, you might enjoy:

• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a hearty yet easy comfort meal.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta when you need something filling and fast.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a cheesy, protein-packed bite.
• Marry Me Chicken Pasta with sun-dried tomato goodness.
• Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole for creamy, cheesy layers the whole family will devour.

---

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go with wild-caught or farmed salmon? Add extra herbs or a spicy twist?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dinners and more on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest and discover your new go-to for feeling great!

---

Print

Save this recipe on: