Name: Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lb salmon filet; 4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened); 4 Garlic cloves (minced); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped); 1 lemon (zested, then cut into wedges)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re searching for that one “wow” recipe that’s as easy as it is impressive, Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is about to become your new go-to favorite. Imagine tender, flaky salmon infused with a golden, garlicky butter, brightened by zesty lemon and a shower of fresh herbs — all in under 30 minutes from fridge to table. Whether you need a fuss-free weeknight dinner or a dish to dazzle company, this show-stopper has your back. With just a handful of ingredients and almost no prep, Garlic Butter Baked Salmon delivers restaurant-quality flavor, right from your home oven.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe shines because it keeps things simple: every ingredient here has a starring role. Each element brings something wonderful — from luscious richness and subtle heat, to bursts of color and a touch of citrus that lifts the whole dish.

Salmon filet (1.5 lb): Choose a fresh, skin-on salmon filet for flavor and easy serving; look for vibrant, firm flesh with a mild scent.
Unsalted butter (4 tbsp, softened): Softened butter is key to making a creamy spread that stays put, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful.
Garlic cloves (4, minced): Fresh garlic brings deep, aromatic flavor that melts right into the butter, making the salmon utterly irresistible.
Salt (1 tsp): It enhances all the savory notes and balances the richness of the salmon and butter.
Pepper (1/2 tsp): Adds a gentle warmth, so each mouthful pops just enough.
Fresh parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): For a splash of green, with a crisp and herby counterpoint to the rich butter.
Lemon (zested, then cut into wedges): The zest infuses the butter, while wedges add a bright, tangy finish at the end that truly wakes up the dish.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Set your oven to 425 degrees F so it’s nice and hot by the time you’re ready to bake. This higher temperature is ideal — it lets the salmon cook quickly, preserving all that natural juiciness and giving the butter a chance to bubble and brown just slightly.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Place your salmon filet on a baking sheet (lining the sheet with foil makes cleanup a breeze). Give it a gentle pat down with a paper towel; removing surface moisture ensures the butter mixture clings beautifully and the fish bakes up tender every time.

Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter

In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, pepper, chopped parsley, and lemon zest. Use the back of a spoon or a fork to mash everything together until you have a smooth, fragrant spread. This simple blend is the secret to maximum flavor in your Garlic Butter Baked Salmon.

Step 4: Spread the Garlic Butter Mixture

Using a spatula or a butter knife, evenly coat the surface of the salmon with your garlic butter mixture. Spread it edge to edge, so each bite is loaded with flavor. Don’t worry if it looks like a lot — the butter will melt, bathing the fish in every single herby, zesty, garlicky note.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon

Slide your tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the thickest part of the salmon registers 145 degrees F. The fish should flake easily with a fork, the butter will be sizzling, and the aroma is guaranteed to bring everyone to the kitchen.

Step 6: Add a Burst of Lemon

Take the salmon out of the oven and squeeze fresh lemon wedges right over the top. This burst of citrus is the finishing touch, balancing out all the richness from the butter and bringing brightness to each bite of Garlic Butter Baked Salmon.

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Garnishes

Finish your Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with another sprinkle of chopped parsley for a pop of fresh green, and maybe an extra crack of black pepper. A few thin lemon slices or wedges arranged on the side make it look as bright and inviting as it tastes.

Side Dishes

You can’t go wrong serving this with simple sides: think fluffy rice, creamy mashed potatoes, or roasted veggies that can cook alongside your salmon. A crisp arugula salad, tossed with more lemon and olive oil, is wonderful for cutting through the richness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Garlic Butter Baked Salmon on a large wooden board for a rustic, family-style vibe, or plate over a bed of herbed couscous for dinner-party elegance. You could even flake leftovers over a salad or tuck slices into sandwiches for a next-day lunch that feels gourmet.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftover Garlic Butter Baked Salmon cool, then gently transfer it to an airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it’ll keep for up to 3 days — perfect for meal prepping ahead or enjoying quick lunches.

Freezing

If you have more than you can eat within a few days, you can freeze portions of salmon. Wrap each piece in plastic wrap and then foil, and place in a freezer-safe bag. Tightly wrapped salmon will keep its quality for about 1 month, though best enjoyed sooner for optimal texture.

Reheating

To reheat, place the salmon on a lined baking sheet and warm in the oven at 300 degrees F until just heated through. This keeps the flesh flaky and moist — if microwaving, use a low setting and cover to retain moisture. Squeeze a fresh lemon wedge over just before serving to perk up the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?

Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator and pat it dry before adding the garlic butter mixture. This extra step ensures the butter sticks and the salmon bakes evenly.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley?

No worries! Substitute with dried parsley, using about one-third the amount (around 1 teaspoon), or try fresh dill or chives for a different herbal twist in your Garlic Butter Baked Salmon.

How do I know if my salmon is cooked properly?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145 degrees F at the thickest part. The color will turn from translucent to a slightly opaque, pink finish, and the juices should run clear.

Can I make this recipe with salmon portions instead of a whole filet?

Definitely! Pat individual salmon portions dry and arrange them on your baking sheet, then divide the garlic butter mixture evenly among them. Decrease the baking time slightly, checking for doneness after 10-12 minutes.

Why use unsalted butter rather than salted?

Unsalted butter gives you full control over the saltiness of your Garlic Butter Baked Salmon, letting the other flavors shine through. If you only have salted butter, reduce the added salt a bit to avoid overpowering the dish.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something magical about how simple ingredients transform into a dish that feels utterly special, and Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is proof that anyone can make a restaurant-worthy meal at home. Give it a try — you’ll be amazed by how quickly it disappears from the table!

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 29 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe is a simple yet flavorful way to prepare salmon. The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs creates a delicious topping that enhances the natural richness of the salmon.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon:

1.5 lb salmon filet

Garlic Butter:

4 tbsp unsalted butter (softened)
4 Garlic cloves (minced)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)

Additional:

1 lemon (zested, then cut into wedges)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat oven to 425 degrees F.
Prepare Salmon: Arrange salmon on a baking sheet, pat salmon dry with a paper towel. Set aside (line baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup).
Make Garlic Butter: In a small bowl, mix together softened butter, garlic, salt, pepper, parsley, and lemon zest.
Coat Salmon: Spread the butter mixture over the salmon.
Bake Salmon: Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145 degrees F.
Finish and Serve: Squeeze lemon wedge over salmon before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American