Name: Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets; kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons butter (melted); ½ tablespoon lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley; 1 teaspoon finely chopped dill; lemon slices for garnish

There’s just something irresistibly cozy about salmon bathed in a buttery garlic sauce, isn’t there? This Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe has been one of my absolute favorite go-to meals when I want something fuss-free but still feel like I’m treating myself. It’s moist, flaky, and bursting with flavor—all baked effortlessly in under 20 minutes.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a cooked salmon fillet as the main layer, with a light pink and moist texture, topped with small bits of minced garlic and chopped green herbs scattered on it. Next to the salmon, on the right, is a serving of bright green asparagus spears arranged in a neat bunch, sprinkled with tiny pieces of garlic and black pepper. A lemon wedge sits behind the asparagus, adding a touch of yellow. A silver fork pierces a small piece of the salmon at the front, lifting it slightly. The edges of the plate have a subtle textured gray border. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe checks all the boxes for a quick, delicious dinner without any stress. Every time I make it, I’m amazed at how such simple ingredients turn out something so satisfying. Trust me, once you try it, it’ll be in your weekly lineup too.

Super Simple Prep: Brushing salmon with a quick garlic butter mixture means minimal hands-on time.
Perfectly Moist & Flaky: Baking at 375°F for just 12-15 minutes ensures your salmon stays tender and juicy.
Fresh Herbs Boost Flavor: A sprinkle of parsley and dill lifts this dish beyond the ordinary.
Fits Into Any Meal Plan: Low in carbs and high in protein, it’s great for a healthy lifestyle.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, coming together to create a rich, vibrant flavor without overpowering salmon’s natural deliciousness. Using fresh herbs and lemon juice isn’t just for aesthetics—they brighten the buttery richness and keep everything balanced.

Flat lay of four fresh salmon fillets with vibrant orange-pink flesh, a small pat of butter melted in a pristine white ceramic bowl, a small white bowl with bright yellow lemon juice, thin lemon slices arranged neatly on a white plate, three plump whole garlic cloves with papery skin intact, a small white bowl filled with coarse kosher salt, a small white bowl holding freshly ground black pepper, a small white bowl with finely chopped bright green parsley, and another small white bowl with finely chopped fresh dill, all ingredients arranged in perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh, wild-caught if possible; the quality of salmon makes a huge difference here.
Butter: Melted butter adds that luscious mouthfeel and carries the garlic flavor throughout.
Lemon Juice: A splash of acidity cuts through the richness and adds freshness.
Garlic Cloves: Minced garlic infuses a robust, savory punch.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
Parsley & Dill: Finely chopped fresh herbs lend color and a subtle herbal brightness that I just adore.

📝

Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe is—you can easily tweak it to suit your mood or what you have in your pantry. Don’t be shy to experiment slightly to make it your own!

Variation: Sometimes, I swap the parsley and dill for fresh basil and thyme, which gives it a Mediterranean twist that’s especially great in summertime.
Spicy Kick: If you’re like me and enjoy a little heat, adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the butter mixture amps up the flavor wonderfully.
Diet-Friendly: For a dairy-free option, swap butter with olive oil—it still yields a fantastic result.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

The image shows four cooked salmon pieces in a white rectangular baking dish. Each salmon piece is light orange with a smooth texture and topped with small bits of garlic and chopped green herbs. There are two lemon wedges placed in the baking dish, one at the top right corner and one near the bottom left. The salmon rests in a shallow layer of golden butter or oil. The background shows a white marbled texture with some green herb leaves partially visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Let Salmon Warm to Room Temp

Before anything else, I pull my salmon out of the fridge and let it sit on the counter for about 15 minutes. This simple step ensures even cooking—you don’t want cold salmon going straight into a hot oven. Trust me, it makes a difference in getting that perfectly flaky texture without overcooking.

Step 2: Mix Up Your Garlic Butter Sauce

While the salmon is warming, I melt the butter and stir in fresh lemon juice. I like to keep my lemon juice fresh because it brightens everything beautifully. Then, adding that minced garlic into the mix gives the sauce its signature punch. Keep that sauce close—you’ll be brushing it all over those fillets soon!

Step 3: Brush and Season the Salmon

I place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a baking dish, then brush the garlic butter generously over the surface. Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, and scatter the minced garlic on top so it roasts along with the salmon. This step packs the flavor right into the fish for every bite.

Step 4: Bake It to Perfection

Pop the baking dish into your preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for about 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it around the 12-minute mark—the fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Overcooked salmon is the true enemy here, so this timing is your best friend.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Herbs and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle your finely chopped parsley and dill over the top. It not only adds a fresh pop of green but brightens the whole dish’s flavor. Then, serve immediately and enjoy that gorgeous, garlicky buttery salmon while it’s warm and tender.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found a few little tricks that help this Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe shine every single time. It’s all about timing, temperature, and treating the salmon gently.

Room Temperature Fish: Letting the salmon warm before baking means it cooks evenly and stays juicy inside.
Don’t Skip the Butter Brush: The garlic butter not only flavors but protects the fish from drying out in the oven.
Watch the Oven Clock: Salmon goes from perfectly cooked to overdone really quickly—set a timer and check at 12 minutes.
Fresh Herbs Last: Add herbs after baking to keep their fresh brightness and color vibrant.

How to Serve Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

garlic butter salmon - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I usually keep garnishes simple—fresh lemon slices on the side that people can squeeze for an extra zing. Plus, I love a light sprinkle of extra chopped parsley and dill for color and that lovely herbal aroma that fills the air as you eat.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus or steamed green beans tossed with a touch of olive oil and sea salt. On colder days, I also love creamy mashed potatoes or a simple rice pilaf to soak up the garlicky butter sauce. Seriously, don’t forget the crusty bread!

Creative Ways to Present

For a special occasion, I’ve plated the salmon fillet over a bed of quinoa mixed with roasted cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, drizzled with a lemon vinaigrette. It looks stunning and feels celebratory, without being complicated. Perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salmon keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I recommend storing it with a little of the garlic butter sauce so it doesn’t dry out. When I reheat, it tastes almost as good as freshly baked!

Freezing

If you want to freeze this salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently in the oven.

Reheating

I usually reheat salmon in a low oven (around 275°F) for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to lock in moisture. This method keeps the fish flaky and buttery without turning dry or rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge before baking. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture for the best texture.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Look for the salmon to be opaque and flaky when tested with a fork. It should reach an internal temperature of about 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking to keep it juicy.

Can I prepare this recipe without butter?

Absolutely! Melted olive oil works as a great substitute if you want to keep it dairy-free, though the flavor and richness will be slightly different.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Definitely. Cook the salmon as directed and portion it out with your favorite sides. Store in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days—reheat gently before eating.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to because it’s so dependable and satisfying. It’s perfect for any night when you want a meal that feels special but doesn’t demand hours in the kitchen. I hope you enjoy making and sharing it as much as I do—once you nail this, I bet it’ll become a favorite in your home too.