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Ultimate Easy Baked Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter (Juicy & Flaky Weeknight Winner)

Close-up of a perfectly cooked baked salmon recipe fillet topped with bright green herbs and butter sauce.

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A simple recipe for baking salmon fillets with a rich lemon garlic butter sauce, resulting in tender and flaky fish perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.
  4. Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
  5. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  6. Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For extra flavor and moisture, you can create a foil packet around each fillet before baking.
  • If you prefer a slightly crispier top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • This recipe works well with asparagus or broccoli roasted on the same sheet pan.

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