Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Oh my gosh, have you ever tasted Garlic Butter Baked Salmon? It’s so tender, and the smell is just wow. I can’t wait to tell you more! I love how the garlic melts into the buttery sauce. It makes the salmon taste so rich. It’s like a warm hug for my tummy. I want to eat it again and again. The flavor is oh-so-delicious. I feel happy just thinking about it. You should totally try it right now. I promise you’ll love every bite. Let’s get cooking together!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Perfectly Tender: Baked salmon that stays juicy and flakes beautifully with a fork.
• Flavor-Packed: A combination of garlic, butter, herbs, and lemon makes every bite delicious.
• Family-Friendly: Great for all ages—simple flavors that please picky eaters too.
• Versatile: Serve it with veggies, rice, or pasta for a complete meal.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: About 30 minutes

Servings:

• This recipe serves 4 people. Need more? Simply double the ingredients and use a larger baking dish or two trays.

Difficulty:

• Easy. This recipe is perfect for beginners but elegant enough for experienced cooks to enjoy.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Baking dish or sheet pan (large enough to hold salmon fillets without crowding)
• Small saucepan (for melting butter and infusing garlic)
• Garlic press or knife for mincing garlic
• Measuring spoons
• Knife and cutting board (for lemon and herbs)
• Pastry brush or spoon (for spreading butter mixture)
• Oven mitts for safe handling of hot dishes

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious, buttery salmon (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Salmon Fillets: Skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each, preferably center-cut for even cooking.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps the garlic and herbs coat the salmon perfectly.
• Garlic: Freshly minced for bold flavor.
• Light Brown Sugar: Balances the savory garlic and herbs with a touch of sweetness.
• Dried Oregano, Thyme, and Rosemary: Classic herbs that complement salmon beautifully.
• Salt and Black Pepper: For seasoning.
• Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and slices add brightness and cut through the richness.
• Fresh Parsley: Chopped, for garnish and fresh flavor.
• Broccoli Florets (Optional): Tossed in olive oil and roasted alongside for a complete meal.

Variations for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

• Add Heat: Sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a spicy kick.
• Use Honey: Swap brown sugar for honey to create a different kind of sweetness.
• Try Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano, thyme, or rosemary, use them instead of dried—just double the amount.
• Add Parmesan: Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the top before baking for a cheesy twist.
• Citrus Swap: Use lime or orange zest/juice instead of lemon for a new flavor profile.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Preheat the Oven

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature allows the salmon to cook gently, keeping it moist and flaky.

2. Prepare the Garlic Butter Mixture

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute, just until fragrant (don’t let it brown).
Remove from heat and stir in:

• Light brown sugar
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme
• Dried rosemary
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh lemon juice (squeeze half a lemon)

Set this mixture aside—this will be brushed over the salmon.

3. Arrange the Salmon

Place your salmon fillets in a lightly greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined sheet pan. If using skin-on salmon, place them skin-side down.
If you’re adding broccoli florets, scatter them around the salmon. Drizzle broccoli with a little olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper.

4. Brush on the Garlic Butter

Using a pastry brush or spoon, generously coat the salmon fillets with the garlic butter mixture. Make sure to cover the tops and sides of each piece for maximum flavor.
If you like, place a thin slice of lemon on top of each fillet for extra citrus aroma while baking.

5. Bake the Salmon

Place the dish in the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon.

• Tip: Check for doneness by gently pressing the top of a fillet with a fork; it should flake easily and be opaque in the center.

If you prefer a crispier top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, but watch carefully to avoid burning the garlic.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

This salmon dish is wonderfully flexible and pairs well with many sides:

• With Roasted Broccoli: If you baked the broccoli alongside, serve them together for a simple, healthy plate.
• With Rice or Quinoa: A side of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up that garlic butter sauce.
• With Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make it hearty and comforting.
• With Salad: A light mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness.
• With Pasta: Try serving it over buttered noodles or garlic pasta for a fuller meal.

Garnish Ideas:

• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for color and freshness.
• Add a few extra lemon wedges on the side for squeezing at the table.
• A light drizzle of the remaining garlic butter from the pan over everything before serving enhances flavor.

Storing Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

How to Store:

• Refrigerate Leftovers: Place any leftover salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
• Avoid Freezing After Baking: Cooked salmon can be frozen, but its texture may change when reheated. If you prefer to freeze, store it tightly wrapped or in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat:

• In the Oven: Reheat at 300°F (150°C) until just warmed through—about 8-10 minutes.
• On the Stovetop: Warm in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist.
• Avoid Microwave if Possible: Microwaving can dry out salmon; if you must, heat gently and cover to trap moisture.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Use Even-Sized Fillets: Choose fillets that are about the same size and thickness to ensure even cooking.
• Pat Salmon Dry: Before adding garlic butter, gently pat salmon dry with paper towels. This helps the butter stick and creates better texture.
• Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best when just cooked through and still moist inside. Overcooking can make it dry and tough.
• Customize the Herbs: Feel free to adjust the herb mix based on what you have. Dill or basil can also pair beautifully with salmon.
• Broil for a Golden Finish: If you want a crisp, slightly caramelized top, don’t skip broiling for the last few minutes—just keep an eye on it.

Nutrition

Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings, without optional broccoli):

Nutrient	Amount per Serving
Calories	320
Protein	34g
Total Fat	18g
Saturated Fat	7g
Carbohydrates	3g
Fiber	0g
Sugar	2g
Sodium	200mg
Cholesterol	95mg

Note: Nutrition will vary based on the size of salmon fillets and exact ingredient amounts used.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon FAQs

How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?

Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center. An internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) is ideal.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, but make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before adding garlic butter.

What if I don’t like rosemary or thyme?

Feel free to swap them for other herbs like dill, parsley, or basil, depending on your taste preferences.

Can I cook this in foil?

Absolutely. You can wrap salmon and butter mixture in foil to lock in moisture and flavors—perfect for grilling or oven baking.

How can I make this dairy-free?

Replace butter with a good quality olive oil or dairy-free butter substitute.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is one of those meals that feels fancy but is incredibly simple to make. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a quiet evening, this recipe brings together rich, savory flavors in a way that highlights the natural goodness of salmon. Pair it with a fresh salad or your favorite grain for a balanced, delicious meal that’s sure to become a regular at your table.

Enjoy every flaky, buttery bite!