Name: Baked Salmon Recipes with Garlic Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; Lemon slices for serving

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When I think of comfort food that doesn’t feel heavy, this garlic butter salmon is always at the top of my list. It’s rich without being over the top, and it manages to look like something you’d get in a restaurant even though it’s just baked at home. Salmon has that magic ability to make you feel like you’ve cooked something fancy, even if you barely lifted a finger. The secret here is in the garlic butter—honestly, melted butter mixed with garlic could fix almost any problem. I once made this on a Tuesday night after a long day, and by the time I pulled the pan from the oven, the whole house smelled like a cozy seaside restaurant. My kids, who usually pick at fish, actually fought for the crispy edges. If you’ve been scrolling through salmon recipes, recipes salmon, or wondering which recipe salmon is worth your time, this one’s for you. It checks all the boxes: it’s quick, it’s delicious, and it feels like the easy salmon recipes we all need in our weeknight rotation. Plus, if you’ve been looking for the perfect recipe for baked salmon that doesn’t need a ton of ingredients, you’ve just found it.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
3) Ingredients for Garlic Butter Salmon
4) How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon
5) Tips for Making Garlic Butter Salmon
6) Making Garlic Butter Salmon Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Garlic Butter Salmon
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Garlic Butter Salmon
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This recipe is quick, flavorful, and feels like a restaurant dinner without the fuss. The garlic butter makes the salmon rich and fragrant, while the oven does most of the work for you.

The texture is tender, flaky, and packed with flavor in every bite. It’s a solid pick when you want a dish that looks polished but doesn’t steal your entire evening in the kitchen.

It’s also flexible. You can pair this baked salmon recipe with roasted vegetables, rice, or even a simple salad. It’s the kind of meal that invites you back again and again.

2) Easy Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

When we talk about baked salmon recipes, this one feels almost too easy to be true. You mix garlic with melted butter, pour it over the salmon, and let the oven handle the magic. The smell that fills the house is reason enough to make it.

I’ve made many salmon recipes over the years, but this one is the kind of recipe salmon fans come back to time after time. It’s forgiving, flavorful, and never boring. You get that golden edge, tender inside, and just enough garlic to make you want seconds.

It belongs in your list of easy salmon recipes because it ticks every box: speed, flavor, and zero intimidation. If you’re searching for a recipe for baked salmon that works every time, this is it.

3) Ingredients for Garlic Butter Salmon

Salmon Fillets: Use about four fillets, each weighing around six ounces. Fresh or thawed works best, and the skin helps keep the fish moist while cooking.

Butter: Melted unsalted butter is the base for the garlic mix. It coats the salmon and locks in flavor.

Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is key here. It adds warmth and richness to the butter sauce.

Lemon Juice: A splash of lemon cuts through the richness of the butter and balances the fish beautifully.

Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley brightens the dish and adds a fresh, herbal note.

Salt and Pepper: A teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of pepper keep the flavors balanced.

Lemon Slices: These finish the dish and make serving more appealing. They add color and a touch of freshness.

4) How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon

Step 1: Heat your oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil. This keeps cleanup simple and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Pat the salmon dry and lay the fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet. This helps the seasoning stick and ensures even cooking.

Step 3: Mix the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth.

Step 4: Brush or spoon the mixture over the salmon. Don’t be shy here—the more coverage, the better.

Step 5: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye out because fish cooks quickly.

Step 6: Serve hot with fresh lemon slices. The citrus brings out the richness of the garlic butter.

5) Tips for Making Garlic Butter Salmon

For better results, use salmon fillets that are similar in size so they cook evenly. Thick fillets may need a little more time in the oven than thinner ones.

Don’t skip drying the salmon with paper towels before seasoning. Wet salmon won’t hold flavor as well, and it can make the butter slide right off.

If you enjoy a little extra kick, sprinkle red pepper flakes or smoked paprika on the salmon before baking. It adds a layer of flavor that makes the dish even more interesting.

6) Making Garlic Butter Salmon Ahead of Time

You can prepare the garlic butter mixture earlier in the day and keep it in the fridge. When dinner time comes, spread it over the salmon and pop it in the oven.

Another option is to season the salmon in the morning, cover it, and refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. This gives the flavors more time to soak in.

If you’re planning a gathering, this baked salmon recipe is a stress-free choice. It frees you up to focus on side dishes and conversation.

7) Storing Leftover Garlic Butter Salmon

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. They will stay good for up to three days. To reheat, use a low oven to avoid drying out the fish.

Cold leftover salmon makes a fantastic salad topping. Flake it over mixed greens with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.

You can also use leftover salmon in wraps or sandwiches. It saves time the next day and keeps lunch interesting.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Garlic Butter Salmon