Can I prepare Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon in advance?

Yes. You can prepare the lemon garlic butter marinade up to three days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. When you're ready to cook, simply pour the marinade over the salmon and bake as directed. This makes meal preparation faster and more convenient on busy days.

What is the best type of salmon to use

Atlantic salmon, sockeye salmon, coho salmon, and king salmon all work well for Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon. Choose fresh, high-quality fillets whenever possible. Skin-on fillets are recommended because they help retain moisture during baking and are easier to handle.

Can I make Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon without butter?

Yes. You can replace the butter with additional olive oil or use a dairy-free butter substitute. While the flavor will be slightly different, the salmon will still be moist and delicious. Many people use plant-based butter alternatives to create a dairy-free version of this recipe.

How long can leftover salmon be stored

Leftover Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For the best texture, reheat gently in the oven rather than using high microwave heat. Leftovers are also excellent served cold in salads, sandwiches, wraps, or pasta dishes

Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Name: Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Modern
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on; 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 1 tsp garlic, freshly minced; 1 tsp honey; 1 tsp sweet paprika; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp sea salt flakes; 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper; 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional); 2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (for garnish); 1 lemon, sliced (for serving); 4 cups mashed potatoes (for serving, optional); 2 cups steamed greens or leafy salad (for serving, optional)

Description

Baked Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is a quick and flavorful seafood dinner featuring tender salmon fillets coated in a rich lemon garlic butter glaze. Baked until flaky and lightly caramelized, this easy recipe delivers restaurant-quality results in just 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

Ingredients

Scale

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp garlic, freshly minced
1 tsp honey
1 tsp sweet paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp sea salt flakes
1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
2 tbsp fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped (for garnish)
1 lemon, sliced (for serving)
4 cups mashed potatoes (for serving, optional)
2 cups steamed greens or leafy salad (for serving, optional)

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Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C), or 400°F (200°C) for a fan-forced oven. Allow the oven to preheat fully.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, honey, paprika, oregano, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes until combined.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in a roasting dish or baking pan.
Spoon the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, ensuring they are well coated.
Bake for 12 minutes, or until the salmon begins to flake easily with a fork.
Switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the top is lightly caramelized and golden.
Remove from the oven and garnish with chopped parsley and lemon slices.
Serve immediately with mashed potatoes, steamed greens, or your favorite side dishes.

Notes

Frozen salmon can be used; thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
For thinner fish fillets such as cod or snapper, reduce baking time to 8–10 minutes.
The lemon garlic butter marinade can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and refrigerated.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Leftover salmon is excellent in salads, wraps, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.
Do not overcook the salmon; it should remain moist and flaky.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Modern

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
Calories: 420
Sugar: 2 g
Sodium: 680 mg
Fat: 28 g
Saturated Fat: 8 g
Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 4 g
Fiber: 0 g
Protein: 39 g
Cholesterol: 115 mg