Tender, flaky, and full of rich flavor, this Garlic Butter Salmon is one of my go-to recipes when I want something delicious and healthy on the table fast. The combination of melted butter, fresh garlic, lemon, and herbs infuses the salmon with incredible taste while keeping it moist and perfectly cooked. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a dinner party centerpiece, this dish never disappoints.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon slices, for garnish
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Directions
I start by preheating the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lining a baking tray with foil or parchment paper.
I place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the tray.
In a small bowl, I combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.
I spoon or brush this flavorful garlic butter mixture generously over the salmon fillets.
Then I top each fillet with a fresh lemon slice.
I bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
If I want a crispier top, I broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes at the end.
I garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Servings and timing
Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Calories: 370 kcal per serving
Variations
Spicy Kick: Sometimes I add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a little heat.
Citrus Twist: Swapping lemon for orange zest gives a subtle, sweet variation.
Herb Swap: I’ve used thyme or basil in place of dill and it still turns out delicious.
Grilled Version: I also love grilling the salmon instead of baking—just wrap it in foil and cook over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
Dairy-Free: For a dairy-free version, I substitute olive oil for butter.
Storage/Reheating
I store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat, I place the salmon in a baking dish, cover it with foil, and warm it in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes.
I avoid microwaving it if possible to prevent the fish from drying out.
If I want to enjoy it cold, I flake it into a salad the next day.
FAQs
How do I know when salmon is cooked?
I check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The flesh should be opaque and slightly firm.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, I thaw frozen fillets in the fridge overnight or under cold running water before using them in this recipe. Just make sure they’re fully defrosted for even cooking.
What sides go well with garlic butter salmon?
I often serve this with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, quinoa, or a fresh green salad. Rice pilaf and garlic bread are also great choices.
Can I make this ahead of time?
I can prepare the garlic butter mixture ahead and store it in the fridge. When I’m ready to cook, I just spread it over the salmon and bake as usual.
Is it okay to cook salmon with the skin on?
Absolutely. I often keep the skin on to help the fish hold together while cooking. It also adds flavor and helps lock in moisture.
Conclusion
This Garlic Butter Salmon is one of those recipes that’s both simple and elegant. With fresh herbs, a bright hit of lemon, and a rich garlic butter sauce, every bite is full of flavor. Whether I’m cooking for myself or for guests, this dish always earns compliments—and it’s so easy to make, it’s become a regular part of my dinner routine.
📖 Recipe:
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Garlic Butter Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Tender and flaky Garlic Butter Salmon infused with a rich blend of melted butter, garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs. This quick and easy recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, offering a healthy and flavorful meal in just 25 minutes.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Lemon slices, for garnish
Fresh parsley, for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking tray with foil or parchment paper.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared tray.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the salmon fillets.
- Top each fillet with a fresh lemon slice.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- For a crispier top, broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes at the end.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving hot.
Notes
Add red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a spicy kick.
Swap lemon zest for orange zest for a citrus twist.
Use thyme or basil instead of dill for a different herb flavor.
Grill the salmon wrapped in foil over medium heat for about 10 minutes as an alternative to baking.
Substitute olive oil for butter to make it dairy-free.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10 minutes, covered with foil.
Flake cold leftovers into salads for a quick meal the next day.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 370
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
