Name: Garlic Butter Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each); salt & pepper (to taste); ¼ cup butter; 2 cloves garlic (minced); 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried parsley; lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Garlic butter salmon is an impressive entree that takes almost no effort. Tender, flaky, and ready in 15 minutes, it’s a fresh and flavorful dinner made in no time!

cooked garlic butter salmon filets topped with lemon slices

Holly’s Recipe Highlights

Flavor: Buttery and rich with bright lemon, gentle garlic, and a fresh herbal finish, this salmon comes out moist, flaky, and delicious.
Why Make It: Salmon is not only quick to make, it’s also loaded with Omega-3 fatty acids, antioxidants, and protein for a nutritious entree.
Technique: This beginner friendly recipe requires just a quick garlic butter pour to lock in moisture, leaving the salmon tender, flaky, and perfectly baked.
Serving Suggestions: This 4 serving recipe is delicious served with cauliflower rice, roasted asparagus, zucchini, or a crisp salad.

Ingredients to make Garlic Butter Salmon labeled: garlic, butter, salmon, salt & pepper, parsley, and lemon

Ingredients Notes

Salmon: Salmon filets with the skin on tend to stay intact and moist. Fresh or frozen (and thawed) salmon fillets can be used in this recipe.
Sauce: The flavor of real butter, salted or unsalted, can’t be matched for this recipe. Minced garlic gives the best flavor, while fresh lemon juice (and zest) brightens and balances the rich butter.
Seasoning: Salt and pepper, plus a bit of dried parsley are all you need to ensure the salmon flavor remains the star!
Lemon Wedges: While optional, they are highly recommended for a fresh finish!
Variations:
- Olive oil makes a good substitute for butter.
- In a pinch use jarred garlic instead of fresh. Bottled lemon juice, or other citrus juice options such as lime or orange, will work if that is all that is available.
- Sprinkle paprika or red pepper flakes for added warmth.
- Use fresh parsley instead of dried at a 3:1 ratio. Chives and dill, fresh or dried, are also delicious. Try other combinations such as Italian seasoning or a zesty southwest flavor to help salmon fit any menu.

garlic butter being poured over salmon filets in a baking dish

garlic butter being spooned over cooked salmon filets with lemon slices

How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon

Melt sauce ingredients and mix.
Season salmon filets and place skin side down in a baking dish. Drizzle sauce over the fish.
Bake (as directed in recipe below).
Rest and serve.

Best Salmon Secrets

Pat salmon filets dry to help the seasoning adhere. It also helps the sauce stick better and brown nicely.
Try to use fillets that are about the same thickness so they finish baking at the same time.
Check the salmon for doneness a few minutes early, especially if they are thin, to avoid overcooking. An instant read thermometer takes the guesswork out! Aim for 145°F at the thickest part.
Once cooked, rest salmon for a few minutes so the juices settle back in.
Spoon pan butter over the salmon just before serving for even more flavor!

a fork flaking apart a garlic butter salmon filet with a lemon slice

Save It for Later

Refrigerate leftovers, along with butter sauce, in an airtight container for up to four days.
Reheat garlic butter salmon in a pan on the stove with a little water or broth until warmed through. Short intervals in the microwave also works!
Freeze cooked and cooled portions in parchment paper and then in zippered bags. Salmon will keep up to 2 months this way. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating, or serve cold over a salad or mixed with mayo in a sandwich.

Low Carb Sides for Salmon Night

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Garlic Butter Shrimp prepared in a casserole dish and topped with lemon slices

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Garlic Butter Salmon

Easy homemade baked garlic butter salmon is made with simple ingredients and quick prep. It's a buttery fresh and flavorful entree that is perfect for busy nights.

Save Pin Review Print

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings 4

Author Holly

Equipment

Small Bowl

Baking Dish

Instant Read Thermometer

Ingredients

▢ 4 salmon fillets 6 oz each
▢ salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F.
In a small bowl, combine the butter and garlic. Microwave for 30 to 40 seconds or until melted. Whisk in lemon juice and parsley.
Place the salmon, skin side down, in a baking dish and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the butter mixture over the salmon.
Bake for 10 to 12 minutes or until salmon reaches 145℉. Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. Check the salmon early to ensure it doesn't overcook.
Rest for 3 minutes, then serve with optional lemon wedges.

Notes

Check the salmon early to ensure it doesn’t overcook. It will usually carryover cook in the baking dish, so as long as it reaches 145ºF after removing from oven, it’s ok to take it out a bit early to ensure tender, flaky fish.
Salmon should be slightly translucent in the center and flake easily with a fork.

5 from 2 votes↑ Click stars to rate now!
Or to leave a comment, click here!

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American

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