Description
This perfect baked salmon with lemon garlic butter sauce is a quick, easy, and forgiving weeknight dinner that tastes like a lot more effort than it actually is. With simple ingredients and a precise oven temperature, it delivers tender, flaky salmon every time.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste (about ½ teaspoon kosher salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
- Lemon slices for topping
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between each. Drizzle with olive oil and rub evenly. Season both sides with salt, pepper, dill, and paprika.
- In a small microwave-safe bowl, melt butter in 20-second increments. Add minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Stir well and let sit for 1 minute.
- Brush or spoon the lemon garlic butter sauce generously over each salmon fillet, including the sides. Place 2-3 thin lemon slices on top of each fillet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature 125°F to 130°F).
- Optional: Switch oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a golden top. Watch closely.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 3 minutes. Spoon pan juices over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
Let salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking for even cooking. Use fresh garlic, not jarred. Watch the broiler closely to avoid burning. The 3-minute rest is essential for moist salmon.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 500
- Fat: 26
- Saturated Fat: 11
- Carbohydrates: 2.5
- Protein: 36
Keywords: baked salmon, lemon garlic butter sauce, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon