Name: Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets; Kosher salt (to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 2 tablespoons butter (melted); ½ tablespoon lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley; 1 teaspoon finely chopped dill; Lemon slices (for garnish)

That irresistible zing of lemon paired with rich, buttery garlic makes this Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe a standout dish that's surprisingly simple to prepare. It’s the perfect way to enjoy salmon that’s moist, flaky, and bursting with fresh flavors.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a thick, cooked piece of pink salmon on the right side. The salmon has a soft, flaky texture with small pieces taken from the left end, resting on a silver fork. The top of the salmon is sprinkled with small bits of garlic, black pepper, and chopped green herbs. On the upper right, there is a neat bunch of bright green cooked asparagus with tiny pieces of garlic scattered on it. A wedge of lemon sits behind the asparagus. The light in the image is soft and natural, highlighting the juicy and tender texture of the salmon and the fresh look of the asparagus. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I actually rely on this Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe when I want an impressive dinner that’s quick and fuss-free. The flavor combo is so fresh and vibrant, it feels special every time without making you work too hard.

Effortless Elegance: Minimal ingredients come together quickly for a dish that tastes gourmet but cooks in just 15 minutes.
Fresh, Bright Flavors: Garlic and lemon balance butteriness perfectly, giving the salmon a lively kick without overpowering it.
Perfectly Moist Salmon: This method locks in moisture for fillets that flake beautifully and stay tender.
Versatile & Customizable: You can easily swap herbs or add extras to suit your mood or what’s in your pantry.

Ingredients & Why They Work

The ingredients here are simple but thoughtfully paired to elevate the salmon’s natural flavors. If you pick fresh garlic and herbs, you’re already halfway to deliciousness. And hey—using melted butter makes the texture wonderfully rich and silky.

Flat lay of four fresh salmon fillets with vibrant pink flesh, a few thin lemon slices with bright yellow rind, three whole garlic cloves with papery white skin, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of pale yellow lemon juice, a few sprigs of fresh green parsley, a few sprigs of fresh green dill, small piles of coarse kosher salt crystals, and freshly ground black peppercorns arranged symmetrically, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon fillets: Look for fresh, high-quality cuts; wild-caught usually has a better flavor and texture.
Butter: Melted to coat the fish evenly and add a luxurious, moist finish.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness, plus lemon slices add a nice visual touch.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic gives that punchy bite—don’t skimp on it for this recipe.
Kosher salt & fresh black pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing natural flavors.
Parsley & dill: Fresh herbs lend a garden-fresh aroma and a pop of color on top.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love to play around with this recipe depending on the season or what’s in the fridge. Sometimes I swap dill for fresh basil or throw in chopped capers for a briny burst. Feel free to tailor it — this dish is easy to make your own.

Variation: For a spicy kick, I sometimes add a pinch of red pepper flakes before baking — it complements the lemon beautifully without overpowering.
Herb swap: Parsley and dill are classics here, but thyme or tarragon work wonderfully as well, offering a different herbal twist.
Go dairy-free: Use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter, dairy-free version that’s just as flavorful.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe

Four thick pieces of cooked salmon are laid side by side in a white baking dish, each with a light pink-orange color and slightly firm texture. On top of each salmon piece are small bits of finely chopped garlic and scattered green herbs, including parsley and dill, giving a fresh look. Around the salmon is a thin layer of golden melted butter mixed with juices. Two lemon wedges with bright yellow skin and pale yellow flesh rest on the top right and bottom left corners inside the dish. The dish is set on a white marbled surface photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

First, take the salmon out of the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes. This helps it cook more evenly. While it’s resting, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C)—right in the sweet spot for tender, flaky salmon that’s not overcooked.

Step 2: Brush with Lemon Butter

Melt the butter and stir in about half a tablespoon of lemon juice. I usually use juice from just a quarter slice of lemon to keep it gentle and fresh. Place your salmon fillets in a baking dish and lovingly brush the lemon butter all over each piece—it’s like giving every fillet a silky, flavorful hug.

Step 3: Add Garlic, Salt & Pepper

Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly on top, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy here; seasoning brings out the depth of flavor in your fish.

Step 4: Bake to Perfection

Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for around 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it so you can catch it the moment it's cooked through but still juicy — the flesh should flake easily when tested with a fork but shouldn’t be dry.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Before serving, sprinkle the salmon with freshly chopped parsley and dill. These herbs add a fresh pop of color and flavor that ties the whole dish together, making it look just as good as it tastes.

Top Tip

When I first started baking salmon, I used to overcook it all the time, ending up with dry, rubbery fillets. Over the years, I've learned these little tricks to get it perfect every single time:

Room Temperature First: Letting the salmon sit out for 15 minutes before baking helps it cook evenly and stay juicy.
Brush Don’t Pour: Brushing melted butter and lemon juice evenly ensures delicate flavor and moistness without sogginess.
Watch the Time: Keep an eye on that 12-to-15-minute window—each oven’s different, and salmon cooks quickly!
Fresh Herbs at the End: Add parsley and dill after baking to keep their bright color and fresh flavors.

How to Serve Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe

Garlic Lemon Salmon - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I often top my salmon with a few thin slices of fresh lemon and a handful of chopped fresh parsley and dill. The lemon adds a nice zesty contrast, and the herbs make it feel fresh and vibrant—plus, it looks gorgeous on the plate.

Side Dishes

Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon goes beautifully with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. I like to add some quinoa or wild rice on the side for a wholesome, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like to serve the salmon over a bed of sautéed spinach or alongside herby couscous. Drizzling a lemon butter sauce over the top at the table adds a touch of restaurant-style finesse that always impresses guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftovers (though honestly, it rarely happens), wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or foil and pop it into an airtight container. I store leftovers in the fridge and aim to eat them within 2 days to enjoy optimal freshness.

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon isn’t my first choice since it can lose some texture, but it’s doable. I recommend wrapping the fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before freezing. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

To reheat, I prefer warming the salmon gently in a low oven (about 275°F/135°C) covered with foil to keep it moist. Microwave reheating works in a pinch but can dry it out, so I go slow and check frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe?

Yes! Just thaw the salmon completely and pat it dry before proceeding. This helps ensure even cooking and the best texture.

How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Check for flakiness with a fork and an opaque appearance throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption, but I rely mostly on texture to avoid overcooking.

Can I substitute butter with olive oil?

Absolutely! Olive oil works well for a lighter or dairy-free version. Just brush it on the salmon in place of melted butter for a slightly different but equally delicious flavor.

What herbs work best in this Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe?

Parsley and dill are my favorites because they brighten the dish and complement salmon beautifully, but thyme or tarragon can also be lovely alternatives.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe has been my trusty go-to for years whenever I want something fast, fresh, and fancy-enough to impress. I hope you enjoy making and eating it as much as I do—it's one of those simple dishes that never disappoints and always earns compliments. Give it a try; your taste buds will thank you!