Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

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There’s something incredibly comforting about a beautifully baked salmon fillet that flakes apart with the touch of a fork. I’ve made this Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon more times than I can count, and every single time it’s a hit. The richness of the salmon paired with the velvety garlic butter sauce creates a restaurant-worthy meal in under 30 minutes.

This recipe is a lifesaver on busy weeknights when I want something wholesome but don’t have hours to cook. It’s also impressive enough for dinner guests — no one needs to know how effortless it actually is. Whether served with roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp salad, it always finds its way into my weekly rotation.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

This dish is the perfect blend of simplicity and flavor. The garlic butter infuses the salmon with a savory richness while keeping it moist and flaky. You’ll love how minimal the prep is, and how reliably delicious the results are. It’s low-carb, high in protein, and naturally gluten-free — a win on every level.

What Kind of Salmon Should I Use?

You can use either wild-caught or farm-raised salmon for this recipe, but I personally prefer wild-caught for its richer flavor and firmer texture. If using frozen fillets, make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before baking to ensure even cooking. Skin-on or skinless both work; the butter sauce will penetrate either way.

Options for Substitutions

• Butter: Swap with ghee for a slightly nuttier taste or use olive oil for a dairy-free version.
• Garlic: Fresh is best, but you can use garlic powder in a pinch — about 1/2 tsp per clove.
• Herbs: Try fresh dill, thyme, or tarragon in place of parsley for a different flavor profile.
• Lemon Juice: Lime juice or a splash of white wine can be substituted if you’re out of lemons.
• Salmon: This recipe also works well with trout or steelhead if salmon isn’t available.

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Ingredients for this Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

• Salmon Fillets – The star of the recipe. Choose thick, fresh fillets for the best texture and flavor.
• Unsalted Butter – Melted to create a rich, silky garlic sauce that coats the salmon.
• Garlic – Freshly minced garlic brings warmth and depth to the butter sauce.
• Lemon Juice – Adds brightness and balances the richness of the butter and salmon.
• Fresh Parsley – Chopped and sprinkled on top for freshness and a touch of color.
• Salt & Black Pepper – Essential for enhancing the natural flavors of the fish.

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Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Dish

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.

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Step 2: Arrange the Salmon

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin-on) in the prepared baking dish. Ensure there’s some space between each piece so the heat can circulate and cook them evenly.

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Step 3: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan or bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking.

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Step 4: Pour and Brush the Sauce

Evenly spoon or brush the garlic butter mixture over each salmon fillet, ensuring the tops are fully coated and some sauce pools in the bottom of the baking dish for extra moisture during cooking.

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Step 5: Bake the Salmon

Transfer the dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

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Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your choice of sides like steamed broccoli, roasted potatoes, or herbed rice.

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How Long to Prepare the Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Prep Time:

Prepping this dish takes just about 10 minutes. That includes patting the salmon dry, mixing the garlic butter sauce, and assembling everything in your baking dish. If you’re serving it with quick sides like steamed broccoli or rice, you can prep those while the salmon bakes.

Cooking Time:

The salmon bakes for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Thicker cuts might need up to 18 minutes, but thinner portions may be done as quickly as 10–12 minutes. Always check for doneness by testing if the salmon flakes easily or using a thermometer (145°F/63°C internally).

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Tips for Perfect Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

• Dry the salmon before baking to help the butter sauce stick and ensure even cooking.
• Use fresh garlic for a stronger, more aromatic flavor compared to pre-minced versions.
• Don’t overbake — salmon continues cooking slightly after it’s removed from the oven.
• Let it rest for a minute or two before serving to lock in the juices.
• Add lemon slices on top while baking for extra flavor and presentation.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the preheat: A cold oven will mess up the cooking time.
• Using cold salmon: Let it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking to avoid uneven cooking.
• Not checking doneness: Overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough. Use a thermometer if unsure.
• Drowning it in sauce: Balance is key — too much butter can overpower the salmon’s natural flavor.
• Not seasoning properly: Salmon needs a good hit of salt and pepper to bring out its best.

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What to Serve With Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon?

1. Steamed Broccoli with Garlic

Crisp-tender and lightly seasoned, broccoli pairs beautifully with buttery salmon.

2. Lemon Herb Rice

Light, fluffy rice with a citrusy kick adds a great balance to the richness of the dish.

3. Roasted Baby Potatoes

Crispy on the outside, soft on the inside — a perfect cozy pairing.

4. Quinoa Salad

A cold, crunchy quinoa salad with cucumbers and feta provides contrast and freshness.

5. Garlic Bread

Sop up every bit of that garlic butter sauce with warm, crusty garlic bread.

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Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or a covered skillet over low heat to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving for too long as it can dry the salmon.

Freezing:

You can freeze cooked salmon, though the texture may slightly change. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, and store in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

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Estimated Nutrition

(Per serving, assuming 4 servings total)

• Calories: ~360 kcal
• Protein: 34g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 250mg

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Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to reheat baked salmon?

Use a low oven (300°F) or gently reheat in a skillet with a bit of extra butter or olive oil.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the garlic butter and marinate the salmon a few hours in advance, but for best texture, bake it fresh.

Can I cook this in foil?

Yes! Wrapping the salmon in foil will lock in moisture. Just reduce the cooking time by a few minutes.

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

A splash of vinegar (white wine or apple cider) can offer a similar tanginess.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Absolutely. It’s low-carb, high-fat, and packed with protein — perfect for a keto lifestyle.

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Conclusion

This Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is everything I love in a dinner — fast, flavorful, and foolproof. Whether you’re feeding a family or cooking for one, it delivers on taste with minimal cleanup and effort. With its rich garlic butter sauce and tender, flaky texture, it’s a dish that never fails to satisfy. Try it once, and it just might become your new weeknight go-to.

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