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Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

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This Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter is a quick, 25-minute weeknight dinner that turns out flaky and tender every time. The buttery, garlicky sauce bastes the fish as it bakes, creating a moist and flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170g each)
  • 1/2 cup (1 stick / 113g) unsalted butter
  • 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice, plus thin slices for garnish)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
  • Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste
  • Optional garnish: fresh parsley or fresh dill, lemon slices, red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Let the salmon fillets sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Pat them dry with paper towels on both sides.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, stirring constantly, until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat.
  3. Stir in the lemon zest, lemon juice (about 2-3 tablespoons), Dijon mustard, and dried dill. Whisk until smooth and glossy.
  4. Place the salmon fillets in a 9×13-inch baking dish, skin-side down. Season the tops generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
  5. Pour the warm lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets. Optionally, tuck thin lemon slices under or on top of the fillets.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 125-130°F (52-54°C) for medium. Do not overbake.
  7. Let the salmon rest in the dish for 2-3 minutes. Spoon pan sauce over the fillets, garnish with fresh herbs and red pepper flakes if desired, and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, let salmon sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking. Do not crowd the pan; give each fillet space. The butter sauce is key—do not reduce it. Watch the garlic carefully to avoid burning. Leftover sauce is great on vegetables or rice. Reheat gently in a low oven or skillet to avoid drying out.

Nutrition

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

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