Quick & Easy Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe
This quick and easy baked lemon garlic salmon recipe delivers a flavorful, tender dish that can be prepared in just 25 minutes. Enhanced with fresh herbs and a zesty lemon butter sauce, this salmon can be baked alongside vegetables for a complete meal. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets, skin removed (about 24oz or 680g total)
Sauce
- 2 Tablespoons (28g) unsalted butter
- 2 Tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/4 cup (60ml) freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 Tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (or 2 teaspoons dried)
- 1 Tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1/2 teaspoon flaky sea salt
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Optional
- 4 lemon slices
- Extra herbs for topping
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, aluminum foil, or a silicone baking mat. If using aluminum foil, lightly brush it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Arrange Salmon and Vegetables: Place the salmon fillets evenly spaced in the center of the prepared baking sheet. If roasting vegetables along with the salmon, arrange them around the edges of the pan to cook simultaneously.
- Make Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan or skillet over medium heat, melt the butter together with the olive oil. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Remove from heat and stir in the freshly squeezed lemon juice, chopped parsley and dill, flaky sea salt, and black pepper.
- Brush Sauce Over Salmon: Spoon the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet and any vegetables you’re roasting. For extra flavor and presentation, place a lemon slice on top of each fillet if desired.
- Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon for 15 to 20 minutes depending on thickness (approximately 10 minutes per 1-inch thickness measured from the thickest part). The salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For precise doneness, check that the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) with an instant-read thermometer.
- Serve and Store: Serve the salmon warm, garnished with extra herbs if desired. Store any leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Notes
- You can roast vegetables simultaneously on the same baking sheet by placing them around the salmon.
- If using aluminum foil to line your baking sheet, brushing lightly with olive oil will help prevent sticking.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor but dried herbs work well in a pinch—just adjust quantities accordingly.
- Cooking time varies by thickness; thinner fillets may need less time.
- Check doneness with a fork or instant-read thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked salmon.
