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Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon (20-Minute Dinner)

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This easy garlic butter baked salmon with lemon is a quick, 20-minute dinner that feels special but takes almost no effort. The butter gets all bubbly and fragrant, the garlic softens into little flavor bombs, and the lemon keeps everything bright and fresh.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 1 large fresh lemon (zest and juice)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small mixing bowl, combine 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, ½ teaspoon salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Mash together with a fork until well combined.
  3. Pat 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down in a lightly oiled 9×13 inch baking dish. Season the tops with the remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper.
  4. Divide the garlic butter mixture evenly among the 4 fillets and spread it over the tops in an even layer.
  5. Slice the lemon into thin rounds (about ¼ inch thick). Place 2 to 3 slices on top of each fillet. Squeeze any remaining lemon juice over the top.
  6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon should be opaque throughout and flake easily with a fork (internal temperature of 125°F to 130°F for medium).
  7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 to 3 minutes. Spoon pan sauce over each fillet before serving. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.

Notes

Don’t skip patting the salmon dry—it prevents steaming. Use room temperature butter for easy spreading. Start checking doneness at 10 minutes to avoid overcooking. Let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Make extra garlic butter for other uses.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, baked salmon, lemon salmon, easy salmon recipe, 20-minute dinner, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon

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