Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is a dish that transports us right back to our little trattoria in Italy. The aroma of garlic sizzling in butter, the bright zest of lemon… it’s the taste of home, family, and love all baked together. This baked lemon garlic butter salmon recipe is incredibly easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner, and impressive enough to serve to guests. This is one of our go-to recipes when we want something delicious and healthy without spending hours in the kitchen. Buon appetito!
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Our version of Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon celebrates simplicity. It uses fresh, high quality ingredients to create a flavor explosion. It’s the kind of dish that makes you want to gather around the table with loved ones, share stories, and savor every bite. It's a dish that brings joy to our hearts, and we hope it will to yours as well.
Why You Will Love This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon recipe is a winner for so many reasons! First, it's incredibly comforting. The buttery, garlicky sauce is pure bliss, especially when paired with the flaky, tender salmon. It's also incredibly fast to make. From prep to plate, you're looking at less than 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
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The flavor is another reason to love this dish. The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter is a match made in heaven, creating a bright, savory, and utterly irresistible sauce. And the best part? It's so easy to customize to your liking. Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat, or some fresh herbs for an extra burst of flavor. Plus, salmon is a healthy and delicious protein choice. We love that it's packed with omega 3 fatty acids.
This is not just a recipe; it's a memory of our Sunday dinners in Queens. It's a reminder of simpler times, good company, and delicious food. This one reminds Lucia about her sweet child as she used to prepare this lemon baked salmon every Tuesdays just because she likes to have a special dinner with her. If you are looking for other salmon dishes be sure to try our Lemon Garlic Salmon Tray, it is another family favorite.
Ingredients Needed for This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillet, skin on or off
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
How to Make This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
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Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper.
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In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
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Place the salmon fillet in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the salmon, ensuring it's evenly coated.
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Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon.
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Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. We love to serve this with a side of roasted vegetables or rice.
How to Serve This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is delicious served with a variety of side dishes. Consider pairing it with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a simple green salad. A side of fluffy rice or quinoa is also a great option for soaking up the flavorful sauce.
For an extra touch of elegance, garnish the salmon with a few fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped parsley. We also like to drizzle a little extra lemon garlic butter sauce over the top before serving.
If you want to turn this into complete meal, try serving it over a bed of pasta. The rich sauce coats the pasta beautifully, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish. You could use spaghetti, linguine, or even penne. You could even serve this baked salmon with some Honey Garlic Chicken Thighs!
How to Store This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
Allow the Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon to cool completely before storing. Place the salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
For longer storage, you can freeze the salmon. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer safe bag or container. Frozen salmon will last for up to 2 months.
To reheat, thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight. Then, bake it in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook it. A touch of olive oil or lemon juice can help rehydrate during reheating.
Tips to Make This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
- Don't overcook the salmon: Overcooked salmon will be dry and tough. Cook it just until it flakes easily with a fork.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh lemon juice and garlic will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce.
- Adjust the seasonings to your liking: Add more or less garlic, lemon juice, or red pepper flakes to suit your palate.
- Use a meat thermometer: For perfect results, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon.
- Baste the salmon: Basting the salmon with the lemon garlic butter sauce every few minutes while it bakes helps to keep it moist and flavorful.
Helpful Notes for This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
For the best flavor, use high quality salmon. Wild caught salmon is a great option but can be a bit pricey. Farmed salmon is more affordable and still delicious.
If you don't have fresh parsley on hand, you can use dried parsley. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried parsley for every tablespoon of fresh parsley.
You can use regular butter or clarified butter (ghee) for this recipe. Clarified butter has a higher smoke point and won't burn as easily. You could also use olive oil instead of butter for a healthier option.
For a richer flavor, you can add a splash of white wine to the lemon garlic butter sauce. It's also delicious when made alongside our Bang Bang Salmon 15 Minutes.
Variation of This Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to the lemon garlic butter sauce.
You can also add some vegetables to the baking dish along with the salmon. Asparagus, broccoli, cherry tomatoes, or bell peppers are all great options.
For a more decadent version, top the salmon with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese before baking.
Instead of baking the salmon, you can also grill it. Grill the salmon over medium heat for about 4 to 6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
Frequently Asked Questions
What temperature should I bake salmon at?
Bake salmon at 400°F (200°C) for best results. This temperature ensures the salmon cooks evenly and remains moist and tender.
How long does it take to bake salmon?
Baking time varies depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet. Generally, it takes around 12-15 minutes to bake salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Make sure to thaw it completely before baking. Patting it dry with paper towels will help it cook evenly and achieve a nice sear.
What can I serve with baked salmon?
Baked salmon pairs well with a variety of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, rice, or a simple salad. Consider green beans, asparagus, or broccoli for a healthy and delicious meal.
How do I know when salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. You can also use a meat thermometer to ensure it has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy this Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon as much as we do! It's a simple, flavorful, and satisfying dish that's perfect for any occasion. Gather your loved ones, share a plate of this delicious salmon, and create some beautiful memories together. We can't wait to hear what you think! Please leave a comment below with your questions or feedback. Buon appetito!
Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon: The Easiest Recipe EVER!
Flaky salmon baked in a bright and savory lemon garlic butter sauce. Easy, quick, and perfect for weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Pescatarian
Nutrition:
Protein: 30g
Carbs: 3g
Fat: 25g
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds salmon fillet, skin on or off
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice, fresh
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with butter or line it with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper.
- Place the salmon fillet in the prepared baking dish. Pour the lemon garlic butter sauce over the salmon, ensuring it’s evenly coated.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh, high-quality salmon. Adjust seasonings to your liking. Serve with roasted vegetables or rice.
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