Salmon

Baked Lemon Butter Salmon

Name: Baked Lemon Butter Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each); 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened; 2 lemons, juiced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley; 1 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tsp onion powder

By Sofia Marlowe · June 18, 2026 · Salmon

Prep10 min

Cook12 min

Total22 min

Serves4

Baked Lemon Butter Salmon — Tender salmon with a zesty lemon butter sauce

I still remember the first time I cooked salmon for my family. I was nervous, but my fishmonger father had given me some great tips, and it turned out perfectly. Since then, I've been hooked on cooking salmon, and this baked lemon butter salmon recipe is one of my favorites. It's easy to make, flavorful, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.

One of the things I love about this recipe is that it's incredibly versatile. You can serve it with a variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to quinoa or rice, and it's also a great option for a special occasion. The lemon butter sauce adds a nice brightness and flavor to the dish, and it's made with just a few simple ingredients.

If you're new to cooking salmon, don't worry – this recipe is foolproof. I'll walk you through every step, from preparing the salmon to making the lemon butter sauce. And the best part is that it's ready in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for a busy weeknight dinner.

This recipe is perfect for anyone who loves seafood, but is looking for a simple and delicious way to cook it. The salmon is baked to perfection, with a nice golden crust on the outside and a tender, flaky interior. And the lemon butter sauce adds a nice tanginess and flavor to the dish. So whether you're a seafood lover or just looking for a new recipe to try, this baked lemon butter salmon is sure to please.

In this recipe, I'll show you how to make a delicious and flavorful baked lemon butter salmon that's perfect for any occasion. From the initial preparation to the final presentation, I'll guide you through every step of the way. So let's get started and make this amazing dish!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and requires minimal ingredients.
It's a healthy and flavorful option for a weeknight dinner.
The lemon butter sauce adds a nice brightness and flavor to the dish.
It's perfect for anyone who loves seafood, but is looking for a simple way to cook it.
It's ready in just 20 minutes, making it a great option for a busy weeknight dinner.
The salmon is baked to perfection, with a nice golden crust on the outside and a tender, flaky interior.

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it uses a combination of high heat and a short cooking time to cook the salmon to perfection. The lemon butter sauce adds a nice flavor and moisture to the dish, and it's made with just a few simple ingredients. By using a hot oven and a short cooking time, we can achieve a nice golden crust on the outside of the salmon, while keeping the inside tender and flaky.

The key to this recipe is to not overcook the salmon. We want to cook it until it's just done, with a nice golden crust on the outside and a tender, flaky interior. To achieve this, we'll be using a thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon, and we'll be cooking it for a short amount of time to prevent it from drying out.

Another important aspect of this recipe is the lemon butter sauce. This sauce is made with just a few simple ingredients, including lemon juice, butter, garlic, and parsley. It's easy to make and adds a nice flavor and moisture to the dish. By making the sauce from scratch, we can control the amount of salt and sugar that goes into it, and we can also add our own twist to the recipe.

Overall, this recipe is a great option for anyone who loves seafood, but is looking for a simple and delicious way to cook it. The combination of high heat, short cooking time, and a flavorful lemon butter sauce makes for a dish that's both healthy and flavorful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this recipe, you'll need a few simple ingredients, including salmon fillets, lemon juice, butter, garlic, and parsley. You'll also need some salt, pepper, and paprika to season the salmon. Make sure to choose fresh and high-quality ingredients, especially the salmon, to get the best flavor and texture.

When shopping for salmon, look for fillets that are fresh and have a nice pink color. You can also use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it first before using it. For the lemon juice, you can use freshly squeezed juice or bottled juice, whichever is more convenient for you.

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)Look for fresh and high-quality salmon fillets with a nice pink color. You can also use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it first before using it.
1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, softenedUse high-quality butter for the best flavor. You can also use salted butter if you prefer, but omit the salt in the recipe.
2 lemons, juicedUse freshly squeezed lemon juice for the best flavor. You can also use bottled juice, but make sure it's 100% lemon juice without any added sugars or preservatives.
4 cloves garlic, mincedUse fresh garlic for the best flavor. You can also use jarred garlic, but make sure it's not too old or stale.
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsleyUse fresh parsley for the best flavor and texture. You can also use dried parsley, but make sure to rehydrate it first by soaking it in water or lemon juice.
1 tsp paprikaUse sweet or smoked paprika for a nice flavor and color. You can also omit the paprika if you prefer, or substitute it with other spices like cumin or coriander.
Salt and pepper to tasteUse high-quality salt and pepper for the best flavor. You can also use other seasonings like garlic powder or onion powder to add more flavor to the dish.
2 tbsp olive oilUse high-quality olive oil for the best flavor. You can also use other oils like avocado oil or grapeseed oil, but make sure they have a high smoke point to prevent burning.
1 tsp lemon zestUse fresh lemon zest for the best flavor and texture. You can also use dried lemon zest, but make sure to rehydrate it first by soaking it in water or lemon juice.
1 tsp dried thymeUse high-quality dried thyme for the best flavor. You can also use fresh thyme, but make sure to chop it finely before using it.
1 tsp garlic powderUse high-quality garlic powder for the best flavor. You can also omit the garlic powder if you prefer, or substitute it with other spices like onion powder or paprika.
1 tsp onion powderUse high-quality onion powder for the best flavor. You can also omit the onion powder if you prefer, or substitute it with other spices like garlic powder or paprika.

Ingredients for Baked Lemon Butter Salmon

Equipment You’ll Need

Large baking sheet lined with parchment paperOven thermometerSharp knife for chopping garlic and parsleyCutting board for preparing ingredientsMeasuring cups and spoons for accurate measurementsWhisk for mixing the lemon butter sauceSpatula for flipping the salmon fillets

How to Make Baked Lemon Butter Salmon

1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure to use an oven thermometer to ensure the accurate temperature.
2
Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil, leaving enough room for the salmon fillets to fit in a single layer.
3
Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps remove any excess moisture and prevents the salmon from steaming instead of baking.
4
Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and paprika. Make sure to sprinkle the seasonings evenly over both sides of the fillets.
5
Heat the olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant.
6
Add the softened butter to the saucepan and stir until melted. Then, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, thyme, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir until well combined.
7
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 1 inch of space between each fillet.
8
Brush the lemon butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets, making sure they're fully coated.
9
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until cooked through. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare.
10
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and the salmon to retain its moisture.
11
Serve the salmon hot, garnished with chopped parsley and a squeeze of lemon juice. You can also serve it with your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or quinoa.
12
To make the dish more flavorful, you can also add some sliced lemons on top of the salmon fillets before baking. This adds a nice burst of citrus flavor and aroma to the dish.

Expert Tips

Make sure to not overcook the salmon, as it can become dry and tough.
Use high-quality ingredients, especially the salmon, to get the best flavor and texture.
Don't overcrowd the baking sheet, as this can cause the salmon to steam instead of bake.
Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving, as this allows the juices to redistribute and the salmon to retain its moisture.
You can also add some chopped herbs like parsley or dill to the lemon butter sauce for extra flavor.
To make the dish more substantial, you can serve it with some roasted vegetables or a side salad.
You can also use other types of fish like cod or tilapia, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
To make the lemon butter sauce ahead of time, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the salmon, which can make it dry and tough.
Not patting the salmon dry before baking, which can cause it to steam instead of bake.
Not using high-quality ingredients, especially the salmon, which can affect the flavor and texture of the dish.
Overcrowding the baking sheet, which can cause the salmon to steam instead of bake.
Not letting the salmon rest before serving, which can cause it to lose its moisture and flavor.
Not using enough lemon juice or butter in the sauce, which can make it too bland or dry.

Variations and Substitutions

You can add some diced onions or bell peppers to the lemon butter sauce for extra flavor.
You can use other types of fish like cod or tilapia, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
You can add some chopped herbs like parsley or dill to the lemon butter sauce for extra flavor.
You can serve the salmon with a side of quinoa or rice for a more substantial meal.
You can add some sliced lemons on top of the salmon fillets before baking for a nice burst of citrus flavor and aroma.
You can use other types of citrus like lime or orange for a different flavor profile.
You can add some grated ginger or garlic to the lemon butter sauce for extra flavor.

What to Serve With Baked Lemon Butter Salmon

This baked lemon butter salmon is perfect for serving with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a side salad. You can also serve it with some steamed broccoli or asparagus for a healthy and balanced meal.

For a more substantial meal, you can serve the salmon with a side of roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes. You can also add some chopped herbs like parsley or dill to the lemon butter sauce for extra flavor.

Roasted vegetables like asparagus or Brussels sproutsQuinoa or brown riceSteamed broccoli or green beansSide salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigretteRoasted potatoes or sweet potatoesGrilled or sautéed spinach

Make-Ahead, Storage, Freezing and Reheating

To store the baked lemon butter salmon, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, but make sure to thaw it first before reheating.

To reheat the salmon, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but make sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid to prevent drying out.

When reheating the salmon, make sure to add some extra lemon juice or butter to the dish to keep it moist and flavorful. You can also add some chopped herbs like parsley or dill to the lemon butter sauce for extra flavor.

To make the dish ahead of time, you can prepare the lemon butter sauce and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also prepare the salmon fillets and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of salmon is best for this recipe?

You can use any type of salmon for this recipe, but wild-caught Alaskan or Pacific salmon is recommended for its rich flavor and firm texture.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe, but make sure to thaw it first before using it. Frozen salmon can be just as flavorful and nutritious as fresh salmon, but it may have a slightly different texture.

How do I know if the salmon is cooked through?

You can check the internal temperature of the salmon by inserting a food thermometer into the thickest part of the fillet. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for medium-rare. You can also check the salmon for doneness by cutting into it and looking for a flaky texture and a slightly pink color in the center.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time by preparing the lemon butter sauce and storing it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. You can also prepare the salmon fillets and store them in the fridge for up to 24 hours before baking.

How do I reheat the salmon without drying it out?

To reheat the salmon without drying it out, you can bake it in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but make sure to cover it with a microwave-safe lid to prevent drying out. Add some extra lemon juice or butter to the dish to keep it moist and flavorful.

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Yes, you can use other types of fish for this recipe, but make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly. Other types of fish like cod or tilapia may have a slightly different cooking time than salmon, so make sure to check the internal temperature and texture to ensure doneness.

How do I store the salmon after it's been baked?

To store the salmon after it's been baked, you can wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months, but make sure to thaw it first before reheating.

Can I make this recipe for a large group of people?

Yes, you can make this recipe for a large group of people by simply multiplying the ingredients. Make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as a larger batch of salmon may take longer to cook through.

The Full Recipe

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