Oven-Roasted Salmon with Garlic Butter Drizzle

This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is incredibly flavorful, tender, and flaky, generously coated in a delectable garlicky sauce with lemon and Dijon. This straightforward, healthy recipe comes together in less than 20 minutes!

This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon could be the simplest recipe you ever try. Flaky, tender salmon slathered in a rich lemony garlic butter sauce that can be made in under 20 minutes! The butter is enriched with lemon, garlic, and a hint of Dijon mustard, adding flavor while ensuring the salmon remains moist and flaky. Serve it over rice with fresh veggies for a complete meal!

Why This is a Favorite

• Quick and convenient – this baked salmon can be effortlessly prepared in under 20 minutes using common pantry staples.
• Nourishing – packed with protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fats, making this an uplifting and indulgent meal.
• Adaptable – this salmon complements a multitude of sides including roasted vegetables, rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a crisp salad.
• Perfect for meal prep – leftovers reheat splendidly and are excellent on salads, grain bowls, or wraps the following day.

Necessary Ingredients

• salmon – for best results, choose four 6 oz fillets of wild salmon, skin-on. Fresh is best, but frozen fillets can also work; just ensure they are thawed before use.
• butter – I used unsalted butter as the base for this sauce, contributing richness and keeping the salmon moist during baking.
• garlic – use fresh minced garlic or jarred minced garlic.
• lemon – this ingredient brightens the dish and cuts through the butter’s richness. Always opt for fresh lemon juice for optimal flavor.
• Dijon mustard – infuses extra flavor and a bit of zest into the butter sauce.
• fresh parsley – this garnish adds color and freshness to the salmon plate.
• salt + pepper – essential for seasoning the salmon and enhancing taste.

Making Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

1. Prep the salmon. Preheat the oven to 400°F and let the salmon reach room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels and place the fillets skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season generously with salt and pepper.
2. Coat the salmon. Melt the butter in a small bowl and mix in minced garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until well blended. Spoon or brush the mixture over each salmon fillet, ensuring full coverage. Top each piece with half a lemon slice.
3. Bake the salmon. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and flakes apart easily with a fork. Finish with a garnish of fresh parsley and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Baked Salmon

• Dry the salmon – ensuring the surface is dry helps the seasoning adhere and prevents excess moisture from diluting the sauce.
• Use fillets of equal thickness – similar sizes cook evenly. If one is thinner, check it earlier for doneness.
• Bake at high temperatures – a temperature of 400°F is ideal for quick cooking, keeping the salmon juicy.
• Avoid overcooking – this is a common mistake. Salmon continues cooking slightly out of the oven; remove it when it’s just opaque in the center for the best texture.
• Let the salmon rest – allowing a brief rest period keeps it juicy and flavorful.

Storage and Prep Tips

Leftover salmon can be stored in a sealed, airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. To reheat, warm in the oven at 300°F for 8 to 10 minutes or microwave until heated through. This leftover salmon is also delicious cold on a salad!

More Salmon Ideas

Hope you all love this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon! If this recipe delights you as much as it does us, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and remember to tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny!