Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon

Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon is a beautifully simple and flavorful dish made with fresh salmon fillets, zesty lemon, rich garlic butter, and herbs. It’s tender, flaky, and infused with bright, buttery goodness—perfect for a healthy dinner that feels indulgent but comes together in no time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love how this recipe is both elegant and effortless. The garlic butter sauce soaks into the salmon while it bakes, and the lemon adds the perfect tangy brightness to balance the richness. It’s fast, clean, and perfect for everything from weeknight dinners to a special meal.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)

• Unsalted butter

• Garlic (minced)

• Fresh lemon juice

• Lemon zest

• Salt and pepper

• Fresh parsley (chopped)

• Optional: red pepper flakes, dill, or thyme for extra flavor

Directions

1. I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking dish with parchment or lightly oil it.

2. I season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and place them skin-side down in the dish.

3. I melt the butter in a saucepan, then stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.

4. I remove it from heat and mix in the lemon juice and zest.

5. I spoon the garlic butter sauce over the salmon, making sure to coat each piece well.

6. I bake the salmon for 12–15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork.

7. I garnish with fresh parsley and a few extra lemon slices before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prep and 15 minutes to bake—ready in under 30 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a dash of white wine or Dijon mustard to the butter sauce for more complexity. I’ve also used lime and cilantro for a tropical twist. If I want a crisp top, I broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm the salmon gently in the oven at 300°F or in a skillet with a little butter to keep it moist. I avoid microwaving to preserve texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I thaw it fully in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before baking.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

I check that it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I cook this on the stovetop?

Yes, I sear the salmon in a hot skillet for 4–5 minutes per side and spoon the garlic butter over while it cooks.

What sides go well with this?

I serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

Can I make the sauce ahead?

Yes, I prepare the garlic butter sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge. I reheat gently before pouring over the salmon.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Lemon Salmon is one of those meals that always feels fresh and satisfying. With its quick prep, bold flavor, and tender texture, it’s a go-to recipe I rely on for both casual dinners and more elegant occasions. It’s simple, wholesome, and always delivers big flavor with very little effort.