Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is my go—to recipe on evenings when I want something flavorful and healthy without much fuss. The combination of buttery garlic and bright lemon is simply irresistible. This salmon comes out succulent every time, earning rave reviews at my family table and making even weeknights feel a little special.

I remember making this for a spur—of—the—moment dinner with friends and everyone asked for the recipe by the end of the night. Now it is a regular at our gatherings for good reason.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: Select fillets that are bright in color and moist looking as these are signs of freshness
• Sea salt and black pepper: Adds depth and brings out the fish flavor use freshly cracked for best taste
• Unsalted butter: The foundation of the sauce choose a quality butter for richness
• Fresh garlic: Bright punchy aromatic that flavors every bite look for firm cloves with papery skins
• Fresh lemon juice and zest: Adds acidity and freshness try to use organic lemons for zesting
• Honey: Brings a subtle sweetness and balances the lemon select local honey if available
• Fresh parsley: Adds green color and a herbal pop always chop right before using for best flavor
• Lemon slices: Delicate citrus layers that roast alongside the fish slice them thin for even cooking
• Dried thyme: Optional but imparts earthiness use only if you enjoy herbal notes in your seafood

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Baking Sheet:

Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. This keeps the fish from sticking and makes cleanup as simple as tossing the liner.

Arrange the Salmon:

Place salmon fillets skin side down on the sheet. Pat them dry with a paper towel for the crispiest skin. Sprinkle each with a generous pinch of salt and freshly ground pepper. Seasoning at this stage helps the flavors seep in while baking.

Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:

In a small bowl combine melted butter minced garlic fresh lemon juice lemon zest honey and parsley. Whisk together until smooth. The honey helps emulsify the sauce so it clings to each fillet.

Coat the Salmon:

Pour the sauce evenly over the fillets letting it drape down the sides. Use a spoon to ensure every piece is bathed in that buttery mixture.

Add Lemon and Optional Thyme:

Lay lemon slices right on top of and around the fillets. If you enjoy more earthiness sprinkle dried thyme across everything at this point.

Bake to Perfection:

Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque. Thicker fillets might need an extra minute or two so keep an eye out.

Rest and Serve:

Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle so each bite stays moist and flavorful.

Save it

Parsley is my favorite touch here because it gives a burst of color and flavor right at the end. Years ago my daughter insisted on using extra parsley from the garden and it became our signature twist on this dish. The vivid green brings sunshine to the table even on winter nights.

Storage Tips

Let leftover salmon cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to two days and reheats gently in a low oven or even tastes fabulous tossed cold into a salad. If you want to freeze baked salmon wrap individual fillets tightly and store for up to a month. Be aware the texture will change slightly but the flavors will still shine.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap fresh dill for parsley if you love a more intense herbal note. For a dairy free version use olive oil or a quality vegan butter instead of regular butter. Maple syrup works as a substitute for honey if that is what you have on hand.

Serving Suggestions

This salmon pairs beautifully with steamed asparagus a bowl of fluffy rice or roasted potatoes. I also love serving it alongside a crisp green salad with a lemony vinaigrette. Add toasted bread for mopping up the buttery pan juices and you have a meal fit for a Sunday supper.

Cultural and Historical Context

Baking salmon with lemon and herbs is a classic approach cherished in many coastal cuisines especially in Mediterranean and Scandinavian homes. The blend of garlic butter and honey bridges those traditions with a modern sweetness making it feel both timeless and special. When I cook this recipe I always think of family get—togethers and moments spent around the table sharing good food and stories.

Save it

Enjoy this simple salmon recipe for your next weeknight dinner or special gathering—bright, buttery, and sure to impress every time.

Common Questions

→ How do I know when the salmon is done baking?

The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque throughout. Cooking time may vary with fillet thickness.

→ Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?

Fresh parsley adds the best flavor, but dried parsley can be substituted. Use half the amount if using dried herbs.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Popular sides include steamed vegetables, roasted potatoes, rice, or a simple green salad for a balanced meal.

→ Can I substitute a different fish for salmon?

Yes, similar oily fish like trout or arctic char work well with the same seasonings and baking method.

→ How should leftovers be stored and reheated?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish.

→ Is the honey required, or can it be left out?

Honey adds a subtle sweetness and balances acidity. If desired, you can omit it or replace it with maple syrup.