Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon (Print Version)

Tender salmon fillets baked in a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce for an elegant dinner.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skinless or skin-on

→ Marinade & Sauce

02 - 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 teaspoon lemon zest
06 - 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
08 - ½ teaspoon salt
09 - ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ To Serve

10 - Lemon slices, for garnish

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray.
02 - Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if applicable.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, dill (if using), salt, and black pepper until well combined.
04 - Brush or spoon the lemon garlic butter mixture generously over each salmon fillet, ensuring even coverage.
05 - Arrange a couple of fresh lemon slices on top of each fillet for presentation and extra citrus flavor.
06 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F.
07 - Remove from the oven, sprinkle with additional fresh parsley, and serve immediately while hot.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The lemon butter sauce creates an incredibly silky finish that makes even basic salmon feel fancy
  • Everything comes together in twenty five minutes but tastes like you spent twice that long
  • This has saved more weeknight dinners than I can count when I forgot to plan anything
02 -
  • Dry salmon completely before adding the sauce or the butter will just slide right off
  • Watch the fish closely after 12 minutes because overcooked salmon becomes dry and disappointing
  • Letting the fish sit in the butter mixture for 15 minutes before baking adds incredible depth
03 -
  • Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly, so let it sit out for 15 minutes before baking
  • The garlic can burn if mixed into the butter too early, so add it right before you are ready to coat the fish

Go Back