Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Quick, flavorful baked salmon topped with a lemony garlic butter. Ready in about 25 minutes and perfect for weeknights or a simple dinner party.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets about 6 oz each, skin on or off
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Olive oil or cooking spray for the baking sheet
Garlic Butter Sauce
- 6 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard optional
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Pinch red pepper flakes optional
To Finish
- Lemon wedges for serving
- Extra parsley or chives chopped
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment and lightly oil. Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
- Melt butter gently and stir in minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon (if using), parsley, and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Place fillets on the prepared sheet, spoon half the garlic butter over the tops, and bake for 10–12 minutes for 1-inch-thick fillets, or until salmon flakes easily.
- Remove from oven, spoon remaining garlic butter over fillets, let rest 2–3 minutes, then serve with lemon wedges and fresh herbs.
Notes
- For a crisp top, broil for the last 1–2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Make the garlic butter up to two days ahead and gently warm before using.
- Use an instant-read thermometer: 125–130°F (52–54°C) yields medium, tender salmon.
Nutrition
Calories: 460kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 34gFat: 36gSaturated Fat: 15gSodium: 220mgSugar: 0.2g
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