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Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe 5-Minute Quick Flavorful Dinner

garlic butter baked salmon - featured image

A quick and easy garlic butter baked salmon recipe that delivers rich, comforting flavor with minimal prep, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, fresh or thawed frozen)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced finely
  • Juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: red pepper flakes
  • Optional: paprika
  • Optional: olive oil (for coating baking dish instead of butter)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, melt 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter in the microwave for about 20 seconds. Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, juice of half a lemon, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down (if skin-on) in your baking dish. Season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, covering every nook.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily but remains moist inside.
  6. Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer aiming for 125°F (52°C) or by gently pressing the fish with a fork.
  7. Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Add a fresh lemon wedge on the side if desired.
  8. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Pat salmon dry before seasoning to help garlic butter stick and prevent steaming. Use fresh garlic for best flavor. Let salmon rest a few minutes after baking for juicier results. Garlic butter sauce can be prepared ahead and refrigerated. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan buttery spread.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, baked salmon, quick salmon recipe, easy dinner, healthy seafood, weeknight dinner, garlic butter sauce