Garlic butter baked salmon is the weeknight dinner that feels fancy but takes almost no effort. Tender salmon fillets bake in a bright, garlicky lemon butter sauce that doubles as a spoonable sauce for the fish and sides.
This easy baked salmon recipe is a healthy, flavorful dinner for busy nights. Learn how to bake salmon so it stays moist and flaky, with a simple garlic butter lemon sauce.
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a pan.
- Step 2: Pat the salmon dry and place it on the pan.
- Step 3: Whisk the butter, garlic, lemon juice and zest, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Step 4: Spoon most of the sauce over the salmon and add lemon slices.
- Step 5: Bake 12 to 15 minutes until the salmon reaches 145°F.
- Tip: Do not overbake.
- Step 6: Spoon on the remaining sauce, add parsley, and serve.
Notes
Choose even-thickness fillets for even cooking.
Recipe at a glance
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 4 servings |
| Category | Dinner / Seafood |
Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Ready in 25 minutes with simple ingredients
- Juicy, flaky salmon with a rich garlic butter sauce
- One pan and easy cleanup
- Healthy and high in protein and omega-3s
- Great with rice, potatoes, or roasted veggies
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Lemon slices, for baking and serving
How to Bake Salmon (Step by Step)
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet or dish with parchment paper or foil.
- Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and place it on the pan.
- Whisk the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.
- Spoon about two-thirds of the garlic butter over the salmon and arrange lemon slices on top.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily and the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C).
- Spoon the remaining garlic butter over the fish, sprinkle with parsley, and serve immediately.
Tips for the Best Juicy Baked Salmon
- Pat the salmon dry so the seasoning sticks.
- Choose fillets of even thickness for even cooking.
- Do not overbake; pull the salmon as soon as it flakes.
- Use a thermometer and cook to 145°F.
- Rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Variations to Try: Baked Salmon Ideas
- Add a splash of honey for a garlic honey butter salmon.
- Season with Cajun or lemon pepper for different flavors.
- Bake on a sheet pan with asparagus or broccoli.
- Top with grated Parmesan for the last 3 minutes.
How to Store It
Refrigerate leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or a low oven, or enjoy cold on salads and in sandwiches. Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do you bake salmon at 400°F?
Salmon fillets usually bake in 12 to 15 minutes at 400°F, depending on thickness.
What temperature should salmon be cooked to?
Salmon is done when the thickest part reaches 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
Should I bake salmon covered or uncovered?
Uncovered gives a lightly browned top, while covering with foil keeps it extra moist.
Can I use frozen salmon for baked salmon?
Yes. Thaw it completely in the fridge and pat it dry before cooking.