Seafood

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Name: Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each); 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 lemons, sliced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

By Hannah Voss · June 18, 2026 · Seafood

Prep15 min

Cook12 min

Total27 min

Serves4

I still remember the first time I made garlic butter baked salmon for my family. The combination of the flaky fish, the aromatic garlic, and the richness of the butter was a game-changer. It's a dish that's both elegant and easy to make, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

As a home cook, I've always been passionate about creating recipes that are not only delicious but also accessible. This garlic butter baked salmon is a perfect example of that. With just a few ingredients and some basic cooking techniques, you can create a restaurant-quality dish in the comfort of your own home.

One of the things I love about this recipe is its versatility. You can serve it with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to quinoa or cauliflower rice. It's also a great dish to make ahead of time, as it reheats beautifully and can be stored in the fridge for up to three days.

In this recipe, I'll guide you through the process of making garlic butter baked salmon, from preparing the ingredients to cooking the fish to perfection. I'll also share some tips and variations to help you make the dish your own.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a great option for a low-carb keto diet, as it's high in protein and healthy fats.
The dish is perfect for a weeknight dinner, as it can be prepared and cooked in under 30 minutes.
It's also a great option for a special occasion, as it's elegant and impressive.
The recipe is versatile and can be served with a variety of sides.
It's a great way to get your daily dose of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health.

Why This Recipe Works

The key to making great garlic butter baked salmon is to cook the fish to the right temperature. The USDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C) to ensure food safety. To achieve this, it's essential to use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the fish.

Another important factor is the quality of the ingredients. Fresh salmon, high-quality butter, and fragrant garlic are essential to creating a rich and flavorful sauce. By using these ingredients and cooking the fish to the right temperature, you'll end up with a dish that's both moist and flavorful.

The garlic butter sauce is also a crucial component of the dish. By cooking the garlic in butter until it's fragrant and slightly caramelized, you'll create a deep and nutty flavor that complements the fish perfectly. This sauce is also a great way to add extra flavor to the dish, as you can adjust the amount of garlic and butter to your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making garlic butter baked salmon, the ingredients are just as important as the cooking technique. You'll need fresh salmon fillets, high-quality butter, fragrant garlic, and some basic seasonings. Make sure to choose wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture.

When shopping for salmon, look for fillets that are firm and have a pleasant smell. You can also ask your fishmonger for recommendations, as they can help you choose the freshest and highest-quality fish.

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)Wild-caught salmon is preferred for its better flavor and texture. Look for fillets that are firm and have a pleasant smell.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softenedHigh-quality butter is essential for creating a rich and flavorful sauce. Look for European-style or cultured butter for the best flavor.
4 cloves garlic, mincedFresh garlic is essential for creating a deep and nutty flavor. Make sure to mince the garlic finely to release its oils and flavor.
2 lemons, slicedLemons add a touch of brightness and acidity to the dish. Make sure to slice them thinly to release their oils and flavor.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyFresh parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish. Make sure to chop it finely to release its oils and flavor.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse high-quality salt and pepper to season the dish. You can also add other seasonings, such as paprika or dill, to taste.
2 tbsp olive oilOlive oil is used to grease the baking dish and prevent the fish from sticking. Make sure to use a high-quality oil for the best flavor.
1 tsp dried thymeThyme adds a savory and slightly earthy flavor to the dish. Make sure to use dried thyme, as it's more potent than fresh thyme.
1 tsp garlic powderGarlic powder adds a deep and nutty flavor to the dish. Make sure to use a high-quality powder that's free of additives and preservatives.
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheeseParmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish. Make sure to use a high-quality cheese that's freshly grated for the best flavor.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Equipment You’ll Need

Large baking dishInstant-read thermometerSharp chef's knifeCutting boardMeasuring cups and spoonsWhiskSpatula

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

1
Preheat your oven to 400 F (200 C).
2
Line a large baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving some overhang for easy removal.
3
Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish, leaving about 1 inch of space between each fillet.
4
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5
Spread the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, making sure to get it all the way to the edges.
6
Drizzle the olive oil over the garlic butter, then sprinkle the chopped parsley, thyme, and garlic powder over the top.
7
Place the sliced lemons on top of the parsley, then sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the lemons.
8
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C).
9
Use an instant-read thermometer to check the temperature of the thickest part of the fish.
10
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
11
Serve the garlic butter baked salmon hot, garnished with additional parsley and lemon slices if desired.

Expert Tips

Make sure to use fresh and high-quality ingredients for the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcook the salmon, as it can become dry and tough.
Use a thermometer to ensure the salmon is cooked to a safe internal temperature.
Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.
Serve the salmon with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or quinoa, for a well-rounded meal.
Experiment with different seasonings and herbs to find your favorite flavor combination.
Consider making the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and storing it in the fridge for up to a week.
Use the garlic butter sauce as a marinade for the salmon before baking for extra flavor.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the salmon, which can make it dry and tough.
Not using an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish.
Not letting the salmon rest before serving, which can cause it to lose its juices.
Using low-quality ingredients, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Not seasoning the salmon enough, which can make it bland and unappetizing.
Not using enough garlic butter sauce, which can make the dish dry and flavorless.

Variations and Substitutions

Add some diced onions or shallots to the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor.
Use different types of fish, such as cod or tilapia, for a different flavor and texture.
Add some chopped fresh herbs, such as dill or basil, to the garlic butter sauce for extra flavor.
Use a different type of cheese, such as cheddar or feta, for a different flavor profile.
Add some spicy peppers or red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce for an extra kick.
Use a different type of oil, such as avocado oil or grapeseed oil, for a different flavor and texture.
Add some lemon zest or juice to the garlic butter sauce for extra brightness and acidity.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Garlic butter baked salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular options include roasted vegetables, quinoa, cauliflower rice, and steamed broccoli.

You can also serve the salmon with a salad, such as a mixed green salad or a caprese salad, for a light and refreshing meal.

Roasted vegetablesQuinoaCauliflower riceSteamed broccoliMixed green saladCaprese salad

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

Garlic butter baked salmon can be stored in the fridge for up to three days. Simply wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate at 40 F (4 C) or below.

To freeze the salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and place it in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen salmon can be stored for up to six months at 0 F (-18 C) or below.

To reheat the salmon, simply bake it in the oven at 350 F (180 C) for 10-12 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145 F (63 C).

When reheating the salmon, make sure to use a low temperature and a short cooking time to prevent it from drying out. You can also add a little bit of liquid, such as water or lemon juice, to the baking dish to help keep the salmon moist.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the internal temperature of cooked salmon?

The internal temperature of cooked salmon should be at least 145 F (63 C) to ensure food safety.

How do I know if the salmon is cooked?

You can check the salmon for doneness by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the fish. You can also check for visual cues, such as the fish turning opaque and flaking easily with a fork.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Simply thaw the salmon according to the package instructions and pat it dry with paper towels before cooking.

How do I store leftover salmon?

You can store leftover salmon in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to six months. Make sure to wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate or freeze at the recommended temperature.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time. Simply prepare the garlic butter sauce and store it in the fridge for up to a week. You can also cook the salmon and store it in the fridge for up to three days or freeze it for up to six months.

What are some variations of this recipe?

Some variations of this recipe include adding different herbs or spices to the garlic butter sauce, using different types of fish, or serving the salmon with different sides. You can also add some lemon zest or juice to the garlic butter sauce for extra brightness and acidity.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly. The salmon is a good source of protein and healthy fats, and the garlic butter sauce is low in carbs and rich in flavor. However, make sure to check the ingredients and portion sizes to ensure that the dish fits within your daily keto macros.

Can I use this recipe for a special occasion?

Yes, this recipe is perfect for a special occasion. The garlic butter baked salmon is an elegant and impressive dish that's sure to impress your guests. You can serve it with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables or quinoa, for a well-rounded meal.

The Full Recipe

Recipe Card