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Perfect Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon

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This Perfect Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon is a quick and easy weeknight dinner that feels special enough for company. Tender, flaky salmon is baked with a rich garlic butter sauce and bright lemon, creating a dish that’s both comforting and impressive.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each (skin-on or skinless)
  • 1 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 8 thin lemon slices (for topping)
  • Fresh dill or extra parsley (for garnish)
  • Flaky sea salt, for finishing

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper, then drizzle with olive oil and rub it in gently. Let them sit at room temperature while you make the sauce (about 10 minutes).
  3. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes if using. Stir together with a fork.
  4. Arrange the salmon on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down, with about 2 inches of space between each piece. Spoon the garlic butter sauce evenly over each fillet.
  5. Top each fillet with 2 thin lemon slices. If desired, add a sprig of fresh dill on top.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. For fillets about 1 inch thick, 13 minutes is usually perfect. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork, but still look slightly translucent in the center. If using a thermometer, aim for 125°F to 130°F in the thickest part.
  7. Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes. Spoon any butter sauce from the pan over the top.
  8. Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Don’t skip patting the salmon dry—it’s essential for caramelized edges. Let the salmon rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking for even cooking. For dairy-free, substitute butter with 3 tablespoons olive oil. For a honey garlic glaze, add 1 tablespoon honey to the butter sauce. Leftovers keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes or in a skillet with a little butter.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, garlic butter salmon, lemon salmon, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy dinner, gluten-free, keto-friendly

Find it online: https://elaraeats.com/perfect-garlic-butter-baked-salmon-with-lemon/