Lemon Butter Baked Salmon

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lemon Butter Baked Salmon is a simple yet elegant dish that’s perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The salmon is tender and flaky, infused with the bright flavor of lemon and the richness of melted butter. This recipe enhances the natural taste of the fish while keeping it moist and delicious.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

salmon filletsunsalted buttergarlic clovesfresh lemon juicelemon zestsaltblack pepperfresh parsley (optional for garnish)lemon slices (for baking)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish.

Place the salmon fillets in the baking dish, skin-side down if applicable.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then remove from heat.

Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.

Season the fillets with salt and black pepper to taste.

Top each fillet with lemon slices for extra flavor.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people.Preparation time: 10 minutesBaking time: 15-18 minutesTotal time: 25-28 minutes

Variations

Add a sprinkle of paprika or cayenne for a touch of heat.

Use dill or thyme instead of parsley for a different herb profile.

Include a drizzle of honey in the butter mixture for a hint of sweetness.

Bake with asparagus or green beans in the same dish for a one-pan meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-12 minutes or in the microwave at low power to avoid drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before baking.

What can I serve with Lemon Butter Baked Salmon?

It pairs well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a light salad.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is ideal.

Can I make this dish ahead?

Yes, you can prepare the lemon butter and marinate the salmon up to 4 hours in advance.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, it’s low in carbs and fits well into a keto diet.

Can I grill instead of bake?

Absolutely—grill on medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side.

Does the butter burn in the oven?

No, it’s mixed with lemon juice and salmon juices, so it stays moist.

Should I cover the salmon while baking?

It’s not necessary, but you can cover it loosely with foil to retain moisture if preferred.

Can I use other fish?

Yes, this method works well with trout, cod, or halibut.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just use a larger baking dish and adjust the butter and lemon quantities accordingly.

Conclusion

Lemon Butter Baked Salmon is a go-to recipe that’s both healthy and indulgent. With minimal ingredients and quick preparation, it’s a dependable dish that delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your oven. Perfect for busy nights or impressive dinner parties, it’s a versatile favorite worth adding to your meal rotation.

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