There’s something truly magical about salmon baked to perfection in a rich, garlicky butter sauce. This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is one of those meals that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make! With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have a delicious, restaurant-quality dish on your table in no time.
The combination of buttery garlic, zesty lemon, and tender salmon is simply irresistible. Plus, it’s a healthy, protein-packed meal that’s naturally low in carbs and full of heart-healthy omega-3s. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is bound to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Easy to make – Just 5 minutes of prep, and the oven does the rest!
- Packed with flavor – The garlic butter sauce is rich, savory, and absolutely mouthwatering.
- Healthy & nutritious – High in protein, full of healthy fats, and naturally low in carbs.
- Perfectly tender – Baking keeps the salmon moist, flaky, and cooked to perfection.
- Minimal clean-up – Baked in foil or parchment, making cleanup a breeze!
What Does Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Taste Like?
This baked salmon is rich, buttery, and infused with bold garlic and fresh lemon flavors. The garlic butter melts into the salmon as it bakes, creating a juicy, flavorful bite in every forkful. A touch of paprika and fresh herbs add depth, while the lemon balances everything with a subtle brightness. It’s a simple yet elegant dish that highlights the natural taste of the salmon without overpowering it.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon, here’s what you’ll need:
- Salmon fillet (1–1.5 lbs) – Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor.
- Butter (4 tbsp, melted) – Adds richness and helps keep the salmon moist.
- Garlic (4 cloves, minced) – The star of the show, providing that bold, aromatic flavor.
- Lemon (1, sliced + 1 tbsp juice) – Enhances the dish with a fresh citrusy zing.
- Paprika (½ tsp) – Adds a mild warmth and beautiful color.
- Salt & black pepper (to taste) – Essential for bringing out all the flavors.
- Fresh parsley (2 tbsp, chopped) – For garnish and a fresh, herby finish.
- Olive oil (1 tbsp) – Helps prevent sticking and adds extra flavor.
Tools You’ll Need
- Baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Small bowl for mixing the butter sauce
- Basting brush (optional, but helpful for coating the salmon evenly)
Ingredient Substitutions & Additions
Want to tweak the recipe a little? Here are some great options:
- Swap butter for olive oil if you prefer a dairy-free version.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Use fresh dill or thyme instead of parsley for a different herb flavor.
- Try honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness that complements the garlic butter beautifully.
How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
1. Preheat & Prep
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly grease it with olive oil.
2. Prepare the Garlic Butter
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to combine.
3. Assemble the Salmon
Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush or spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top. Arrange lemon slices over the salmon for extra flavor.
4. Bake to Perfection
Cover the salmon loosely with another piece of foil (this helps lock in moisture). Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork. If you prefer a golden, slightly crispy top, remove the foil in the last 5 minutes of baking.
5. Garnish & Serve
Remove from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve immediately with your favorite side dishes!
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
This salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! Here are some ideas:
- Roasted vegetables – Asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts are great choices.
- Mashed or roasted potatoes – A comforting side that soaks up the buttery sauce.
- Rice or quinoa – A light and nutritious option.
- A fresh salad – A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness of the salmon.
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture. Look for wild-caught if possible!
- Don’t overbake! Check for doneness at 15 minutes—overcooked salmon can become dry.
- Let it rest for a few minutes after baking to lock in juices.
- Adjust seasoning to taste – You can always add more garlic, lemon, or paprika if desired.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Storage:
- Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating:
- Reheat gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10-12 minutes, or until warmed through.
- You can also reheat in the microwave, but do it in short bursts to avoid drying out the salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just make sure to thaw it completely before baking for even cooking.
How do I know when salmon is done?
The salmon should be opaque and flaky when tested with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is perfect.
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! You can prep the garlic butter and season the salmon in advance, then bake it just before serving.
What’s the best salmon to use?
Wild-caught salmon is usually the best choice for flavor and nutrition, but farm-raised works well too.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and flavorful way to enjoy salmon, this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is a must-try! It’s rich, buttery, and infused with bold garlic and citrus flavors that make every bite irresistible. Plus, it’s a nutritious, one-pan meal that requires minimal effort but delivers restaurant-quality results.
Try it out and let me know how it turns out! If you loved this recipe, be sure to leave a review, share it on Pinterest, and tag me in your photos!
📌 Follow me on Pinterest for more recipes: TheKitchenJoyy
Looking for more delicious recipes? Try these:
- Chicken Rice Bowl – A hearty, flavor-packed meal in a bowl!
- Baked Broccoli Cheese Balls – A crispy, cheesy snack that’s hard to resist.
- Creamy Garlic Shrimp – Perfect for seafood lovers who crave a rich, garlicky sauce.
Happy cooking! 🍽✨
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Ingredients
- For the Garlic Butter Sauce:
- ¼ cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional, for color
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning or fresh chopped parsley
- For the Salmon:
- 1 ½ pounds salmon fillet skin on or off
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat & Prepare the Baking Dish
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
- Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning.
- Prepare the Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and place it on the prepared baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over the fillet and rub it evenly.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce over the salmon, spreading it evenly with a spoon or brush.
- Arrange lemon slices on top for extra flavor.
- Bake the Salmon
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- For a golden, slightly crispy top, broil for 2 minutes at the end.
- Serve & Enjoy!
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the baked salmon and serve immediately. Pair with roasted vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
Notes
- For extra crispiness, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes.
- Use foil for easy cleanup! Simply wrap the salmon and bake for a mess-free dish.
- Check doneness – salmon should reach 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.
- Swap seasonings – try Cajun, honey mustard, or a chili-lime twist!