Name: Baked Salmon with Butter Garlic Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 fresh salmon fillets (skin on or off); 3 tablespoons unsalted butter; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Lemon slices (for garnish)

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

Baked Salmon with Butter Garlic Sauce is one of those go-to meals I rely on when I want something elegant, healthy, and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen. The tender salmon bakes to perfection, and the simple yet rich garlic butter sauce ties it all together beautifully.

Why I’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s quick, simple, and delivers restaurant-quality results. The garlic butter adds a luxurious, savory touch that pairs perfectly with the natural flavor of the salmon. It’s also a low-effort dish that always feels special, whether I’m cooking for myself or guests.

Ingredients

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

Fresh salmon fillets (skin on or off)
Unsalted butter
Fresh garlic, minced
Lemon juice
Fresh parsley, chopped
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil
Lemon slices (for garnish)

Directions

I preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
I place the salmon fillets on the prepared sheet, skin-side down if they have skin.
In a small saucepan, I melt the butter over medium heat, then add minced garlic and cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
I stir in lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley, then pour the sauce evenly over the salmon.
I drizzle a bit of olive oil on top and add lemon slices for garnish.
I bake the salmon for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness, until it flakes easily with a fork.
I remove it from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 people. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to bake, so it’s ready in 25 minutes total.

Variations

Sometimes I add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter for a bit of heat. If I’m feeling fancy, I mix in a tablespoon of white wine with the butter sauce. For an herbier profile, I swap parsley with dill or thyme.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, I gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or in the oven at 275°F (135°C) until heated through, to keep it from drying out.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, I just make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking to avoid excess moisture.

What sides go well with this dish?

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

Can I make the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often make it a few hours ahead and gently reheat it before pouring over the salmon.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

I check if it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.

Can I grill the salmon instead?

Yes, this recipe works beautifully on the grill. I brush the sauce on during the last few minutes of grilling to prevent burning.

Conclusion

Baked Salmon with Butter Garlic Sauce is my go-to dish when I want something easy yet impressive. It’s buttery, flavorful, and perfectly balanced with fresh herbs and lemon. I always find it satisfying, whether I serve it for a quick weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend meal.