Name: Baked Salmon Recipes with Garlic Lemon Butter
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 18 min
Total time: 28 min
Ingredients: 2 pounds salmon fillet (skin-on); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; Lemon slices, for garnish

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When I think of a dinner that looks fancy but secretly takes less time than scrolling through a takeout menu, this baked salmon recipe always comes to mind. Salmon, with its tender flaky texture, doesn’t ask for much, but when paired with garlic, butter, and a good squeeze of lemon, it becomes a meal that feels restaurant-level. And yet, all we did was throw it on a sheet pan and let the oven work its quiet magic. Cooking salmon like this feels like the kitchen equivalent of winning the lottery—you barely lift a finger and suddenly dinner is impressive. I still remember the first time I made it for family, and the silence at the table was only broken by forks tapping against plates. That’s always the best compliment, isn’t it? This recipe isn’t just quick. It’s forgiving, which makes it perfect for weeknights when you’re juggling a million things. You’ll appreciate how the butter melts into the salmon, how the garlic perfumes the whole kitchen, and how the lemon cuts through everything with just enough brightness. If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself making this again and again—because good salmon recipes should be easy, memorable, and a little bit indulgent.

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

1) Key Takeaways

Baked salmon recipes can be simple and still taste like fine dining.
Garlic, butter, and lemon work together to lift the natural richness of salmon.
This recipe is ready in under 30 minutes and uses one sheet pan.
It works well for weeknights but looks special enough for guests.

2) Easy Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon Recipe

I like recipes that don’t make me sweat in the kitchen. This one is as straightforward as it gets. Salmon, butter, garlic, and lemon sound simple, but when they come together on a sheet pan, the flavors feel like more than the sum of their parts. That’s the beauty of good baked salmon recipes.

Think of it this way. You’re tossing a few pantry staples into a quick sauce, brushing it over a salmon fillet, and letting the oven do the rest. There’s no juggling pans or trying to time three side dishes at once. Just one tray, one protein, and one stress-free dinner.

I remember making this on a night when I came home exhausted. The smell of garlic and lemon hit the kitchen while it baked, and by the time I sat down to eat, I felt like I had ordered from my favorite seafood spot without leaving home.

3) Ingredients for Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon

Salmon Fillet: Choose a two-pound piece with the skin still on. It keeps the salmon moist and adds flavor.

Butter: Melted unsalted butter is the base of the sauce. It soaks into the salmon and makes it tender.

Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the butter with flavor that carries through each bite.

Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens up the richness of the fish and butter.

Lemon Zest: The zest adds another layer of citrus flavor and a little fragrance to the whole dish.

Parsley: Freshly chopped parsley brings a bit of freshness and color on top.

Salt and Pepper: A sprinkle of seasoning balances everything without overpowering.

Lemon Slices: Add these on top before baking for flavor and a nice look at the table.

4) How to Make Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a sheet pan with foil or parchment for easy cleanup.

Step 2. Place the salmon fillet on the pan, skin side down, and pat it dry with a paper towel.

Step 3. Stir melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest in a small bowl until combined.

Step 4. Brush this mixture generously over the salmon so every bite has flavor.

Step 5. Sprinkle salt, pepper, and parsley across the top, then lay lemon slices over the fish.

Step 6. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. The salmon should flake easily with a fork.

Step 7. Remove from the oven, garnish with more fresh parsley if you’d like, and serve warm.

5) Tips for Making Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon

I learned over time that small choices change the outcome of baked salmon recipes. A thicker cut of salmon might need a couple of extra minutes in the oven. A thinner cut, on the other hand, cooks faster, so keep an eye on it.

Don’t skip the parchment or foil. Not only does it make cleanup easy, but it also prevents the salmon from sticking. Plus, nobody enjoys scraping fish off metal while hungry.

For a bolder taste, I sometimes toss a pinch of red pepper flakes into the butter mix. It adds a quiet heat without stealing the show from the garlic and lemon.

6) Making Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon Ahead of Time

There are nights when I don’t want to start from scratch after a long day. That’s when prepping this recipe ahead of time pays off. Mix the butter, garlic, and lemon a few hours earlier and keep it in the fridge. When you’re ready, just brush it on and bake.

If you’re hosting, this helps too. You can prepare the salmon on the sheet pan and store it covered in the fridge for a few hours. Then slide it into the oven just before serving. No rushing, no stress, just a smooth dinner service.

The flavors hold well when prepped in advance, which makes it one of my go-to salmon recipes for entertaining.

7) Storing Leftover Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon

Leftovers happen, and they’re welcome here. Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. The garlic and lemon keep their punch, so reheating doesn’t feel like a downgrade.

You can flake the salmon over a salad, stir it into pasta, or make a quick sandwich. I’ve even mixed it with rice and vegetables for a second dinner that felt brand new. Cold salmon with a squeeze of lemon works for lunch, too.

Keep the storage simple, and the salmon stays fresh and ready to use in many ways.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon