Oven-Roasted Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

This mouthwatering Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is flaky, tender, and enveloped in a luscious garlicky sauce featuring lemon and Dijon. This easy, healthy recipe comes together in under 20 minutes!

You all, this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon could be the simplest recipe you’ll ever whip up. Flaky salmon dressed in a decadent lemon garlic butter sauce that assembles in less than 20 minutes! The butter is enriched with lemon, garlic, and a hint of Dijon mustard, enhancing flavor while keeping the salmon moist and tender. Serve it over rice with fresh vegetables or your favorite sides for a full meal. This delightful salmon is uncomplicated enough for hectic weeknights and sophisticated enough for date nights!

Reasons You’ll Adore This

• Quick and easy – this baked salmon recipe comes together rapidly in under 20 minutes using basic pantry ingredients. One of our favorite go-to recipes for busy evenings.
• Nutritious – salmon is loaded with protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making this a wholesome meal that feels fancy while being a low-carb choice.
• Adaptable – this garlic butter salmon complements various sides including roasted vegetables, green beans, rice, mashed potatoes, pasta, or a side salad.
• Perfect for meal prep – leftovers reheat beautifully and can be enjoyed in salads, grain bowls, or wraps the following day.

Necessary Ingredients

• salmon – you’ll need four 6 oz fillets of wild salmon, skin-on. I prefer to buy my salmon fresh from the store, but frozen fillets work just as well. Just ensure the salmon is thawed if using frozen fillets.
• butter – I used unsalted butter as the base for this sauce. Butter adds richness and helps retain moisture as the salmon bakes. Olive oil is also an option.
• garlic – you can choose fresh chopped garlic or minced garlic from a jar.
• lemon – this brightens the dish and balances the buttery richness. Always opt for fresh lemon juice for optimal flavor.
• Dijon mustard – provides additional flavor and zest that enhances the butter sauce.
• fresh parsley – fresh herbs bring a splash of color and a fresh taste to the salmon dish.
• salt + pepper – essential for seasoning the salmon and enhancing flavor.

Instructions for Making Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

1. Prepare the salmon. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F and allow the salmon to reach room temperature. Pat it dry with paper towels and place it skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over the salmon.
2. Coat the salmon. In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Spoon or brush the mixture over each salmon fillet so that it’s fully covered. Place half a slice of lemon on top of each fillet.
3. Bake salmon. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Broil for a minute or two if you’d like a golden-brown crust. The internal temperature should reach 125-130 degrees F for medium and 140 degrees F for fully cooked salmon. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy!

Tips for Achieving the Best Baked Salmon

• Dry the salmon – drying the salmon’s surface allows the seasoning to adhere better and prevents excess moisture from watering down the sauce.
• Use uniform fillets – using fillets of similar thickness ensures even cooking. If one fillet is thinner, check it sooner.
• Cook at high temperature – baking the salmon at 400 degrees F is ideal as it allows for quick cooking without drying it out.
• Avoid overcooking – this is often the biggest error. Salmon will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the oven, so take it out when it’s just barely opaque in the center for optimum tenderness.
• Allow the salmon to rest – letting the moist salmon sit briefly maintains its juiciness and flavor.

Storing and Prepping

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

Beloved Salmon Recipes

Hope you all relish this Garlic Butter Salmon recipe! If you enjoy this straightforward recipe as much as we do, please drop a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and remember to tag me on Instagram with the hashtag #eatyourselfskinny!