Easy Baked Garlic Butter Salmon

A simple recipe with bold flavor, this Baked Garlic Butter Salmon is a foolproof way to enjoy restaurant-worthy seafood at home. Flaky salmon meets rich lemon garlic butter sauce for a satisfying meal that’s as indulgent as it is effortless.

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Next to the air fryer, the oven is one of my favorite ways to cook up some delicious Salmon. My Best Damn Oven Baked Salmon, Best Damn Honey Garlic Salmon, and Sheet Pan Miso Salmon and Broccoli have been my go-to recipes for quick, flavorful and nutritious meals. 

But I’ve been on a garlic butter kick lately, and friends, this is up there with some of the best salmon recipes I’ve made to date! The easy garlic butter sauce is the key here, and it’s ridiculously simple to make. It enhances the salmon with a rich, decadent flavor, develops a perfectly crispy skin, and ensures the fish stays moist and tender.

If you’re in need of an easy salmon recipe, this garlic butter salmon is a foolproof way to get a restaurant quality meal in under 20 minutes. Serve it with your favorite sides, like roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a plateful of fresh, wholesome flavors.

Ingredients You Need

• Salmon filets: I recommend using wild salmon if you can find it for its superior flavor and nutritional profile. Skin-on filets work best in this recipe.
• Unsalted butter: This will form the base of our garlic butter sauce.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic cloves are best for flavor!
• Seasoning: I used a mix of kosher salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning for this lemon garlic salmon.
• Fresh lemon juice: The acidity from the lemon will cut through the richness of the butter and add a bright, tangy flavor to the dish.
• Fresh parsley: Fresh herbs like parsley add a freshness and color to the dish. 

Preparation

Start by preheating oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Then pat the salmon dry with paper towels. 

In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, paprika, and Italian seasoning. Rub the mixture onto the salmon fillets.

Cooking

In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter for about 20-30 seconds until fully melted. Stir in minced garlic and lemon juice, then let it sit for a minute to allow the flavors to infuse.

Place the salmon skin-side down on the sheet pan and evenly drizzle the garlic butter over the top.

Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 140°F. 

Optional: Broil the salmon for 2 minutes to get a golden, slightly crispy finish!

Serving

Once out of the oven, let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving. Sprinkle with fresh parsley to garnish. 

Serve and enjoy!

What Goes Well with Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?

Garlic butter salmon pairs well with a side of rice or crispy roast potatoes. My Instant Pot Brown Rice or Irresistible Air Fryer Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes are great recipes to try! 

Some other favorites of mine are my Garlic Parmesan Roasted Asparagus, Easy Stovetop Sauteed Spinach, and Best Damn Air Fryer Roasted Zucchini!

Storage & Reheating

Store your leftover garlic butter salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place it on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through.

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