Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon (Print Version)

Tender salmon with lemon, garlic, and butter for a bright and flavorful main course.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skinless, pin bones removed

→ Sauce

02 - 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
05 - 1 tsp lemon zest
06 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
09 - 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes

→ Garnish

10 - Lemon wedges, for serving
11 - Extra chopped parsley

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.
02 - Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, spaced evenly apart.
03 - In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
04 - Spoon or brush the lemon-garlic butter mixture generously over each salmon fillet.
05 - Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
06 - Remove from the oven. Garnish with additional parsley and serve with lemon wedges.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The lemon butter sauce creates an incredibly moist and tender fish every single time
  • Ready in under 30 minutes making it perfect for busy weeknights
  • The bright flavors make an ordinary dinner feel like something from a restaurant
02 -
  • Overcooking salmon is the biggest mistake most home cooks make so check it a minute early
  • The fish continues cooking slightly after leaving the oven so remove when still slightly pink in center
  • Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly than cold straight from the fridge
03 -
  • Pat salmon completely dry before adding sauce for better browning and flavor absorption
  • Let the fish rest for 2 minutes after baking to lock in all those delicious juices

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