Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
This recipe yields tender, flaky salmon baked with a simple lemon garlic butter sauce, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 20 min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon the butter mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time depends on the thickness of your fillets.
- Remove from the oven. Garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired before serving.
Notes
- For extra moisture, you can create a foil packet around each fillet before baking.
- If you prefer a slightly crispier top, place the salmon under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Substitute dried parsley with 1 teaspoon of fresh chopped dill or thyme for a different flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 16
- Saturated Fat: 4
- Unsaturated Fat: 12
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 1
- Fiber: 0
- Protein: 31
- Cholesterol: 95