I made this Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe In 15 Minutes on a busy weeknight, and I honestly couldn’t believe how quickly it came together. The salmon turned out perfectly tender, flaky, and full of rich garlic butter flavor. I love recipes that feel fancy but require almost no effort.
The fresh lemon and parsley make everything taste bright and fresh. If you need a fast, impressive dinner, this one is truly a winner.
If you enjoy trying different homemade treats after dinner, you might also like this dessert such as coconut-lime-cupcakes-recipe for a sweet and refreshing option.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 4 ounces each) – Fresh salmon gives the best texture and flavor. If using frozen, thaw completely and pat dry before cooking so it bakes evenly.
- 2 tablespoons butter, melted – Real butter creates a rich, silky sauce that keeps the salmon moist while baking.
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced – Lemon zest adds fragrant citrus oils, while the juice balances the richness of the butter.
- 4–5 garlic cloves, minced – Fresh garlic delivers bold flavor. Avoid jarred garlic for the best taste.
- ½ teaspoon salt – Enhances the natural flavor of the salmon without overpowering it.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper – Adds gentle heat and depth.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped – Fresh parsley brightens the dish and adds a clean finish.
Note: This recipe serves 4 people.
Variations
You can easily customize this garlic butter salmon depending on your preferences:
- Dairy-free option: Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter version.
- Extra spice: Add red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick.
- Herb swap: Try fresh dill or thyme instead of parsley.
- Citrus twist: Add a little orange zest along with lemon for a sweeter note.
- Garlic lovers: Roast the garlic first for a deeper, slightly sweet flavor. For those who love experimenting with fruity flavors in their kitchen, you may also enjoy mixed-berry-cobbler-with-biscuit-topping-recipe as another delicious homemade recipe idea.
Cooking Time
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 20 minutes
This recipe is ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
Equipment You Need
• Baking sheet – Holds the salmon while baking and allows even cooking.
• Aluminum foil – Creates a foil packet that keeps the salmon moist and flavorful.
• Mixing bowl – Used to combine the garlic butter sauce ingredients.
• Knife and cutting board – For mincing garlic and chopping parsley.
• Zester or grater – Helps extract flavorful lemon zest.
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe?
This recipe is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps for perfectly cooked salmon every time.
Preheat and Prepare
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Pat them dry so the sauce sticks better and the texture stays firm.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir everything together until well blended. The aroma at this stage is already amazing.
Coat the Salmon
Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet. Make sure the tops are fully coated so every bite is flavorful. Fold the foil around the salmon to create a sealed packet.
Bake to Perfection
Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. The foil traps steam, keeping the fish moist while allowing it to cook gently. The salmon should turn opaque and flake easily.
Check and Serve
Carefully open the foil packet to avoid hot steam. Test the salmon with a fork — if it flakes easily, it’s ready. Transfer to plates and spoon extra garlic butter from the foil over the top.
Additional Tips for Making This Recipe Better
After making this several times, here are a few personal tips I always follow:
- I always pat the salmon dry before seasoning — it helps the butter stick better.
- I zest the lemon before cutting it. It’s much easier and keeps the zest fine.
- I avoid overcooking; salmon continues cooking slightly after removing it from the oven.
- I sometimes broil it for 1–2 minutes at the end for a lightly golden top.
- I let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving so the juices settle nicely.
How to Serve Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe?
This salmon pairs beautifully with simple sides. I love serving it over steamed rice or fluffy mashed potatoes to soak up the garlic butter sauce. Roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans add freshness and color.
For a lighter option, serve it alongside a crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for a restaurant-style presentation. A small drizzle of the remaining butter sauce right before serving makes it look glossy and irresistible.
Nutritional Information
Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving:
• Calories: 305 kcal
• Protein: 34 g
• Carbohydrates: 4 g
• Fat: 17 g
This dish is high in protein and healthy fats while remaining low in carbohydrates.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
Wrap each portion tightly in foil or freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in the oven at 275°F wrapped in foil to prevent drying out. You can also microwave gently with a splash of water and cover it to keep it moist.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This garlic butter salmon is a recipe you’ll want to keep on repeat.
- Fast and convenient: Ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish, perfect for busy evenings.
- Simple ingredients: Uses everyday pantry staples without complicated steps.
- Rich yet balanced flavor: Garlic, butter, and lemon create a bold but fresh taste.
- Healthy and satisfying: Packed with protein and healthy fats to keep you full.
- Versatile: Pairs well with rice, vegetables, salads, or even pasta.
Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe In 15 Minutes
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Pat them dry so the sauce sticks better and the texture stays firm.
- In a small bowl, combine melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, and parsley. Stir everything together until well blended. The aroma at this stage is already amazing.
- Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet. Make sure the tops are fully coated so every bite is flavorful. Fold the foil around the salmon to create a sealed packet.
- Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. The foil traps steam, keeping the fish moist while allowing it to cook gently. The salmon should turn opaque and flake easily.
- Carefully open the foil packet to avoid hot steam. Test the salmon with a fork — if it flakes easily, it’s ready. Transfer to plates and spoon extra garlic butter from the foil over the top.
Notes
- I always pat the salmon dry before seasoning — it helps the butter stick better.
- I zest the lemon before cutting it. It’s much easier and keeps the zest fine.
- I avoid overcooking; salmon continues cooking slightly after removing it from the oven.
- I sometimes broil it for 1–2 minutes at the end for a lightly golden top.
- I let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving so the juices settle nicely.