Name: Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 150g each, skin on or off); 85 g unsalted butter; 4 large garlic cloves (finely minced or grated); 3 tbsp fresh parsley (finely chopped); 1 lemon (half juiced (about 2 tbsp) and half thinly sliced); 30 ml dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, optional); 1 tsp honey (optional, for balance); ½ tsp sea salt (or to taste); ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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There are some dinners that feel like a small, elegant treat, yet come together with very little fuss. This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is exactly that. It’s the recipe I turn to when I want something nourishing and deeply satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The salmon becomes incredibly tender and flaky in the oven, drenched in a rich, golden sauce of melted butter, sharp garlic, and bright lemon. It’s a dish that fills the whole house with the most wonderful, comforting aroma.

This was inspired by a dish I had at a little restaurant on the Amalfi Coast in Italy, where the seafood was impossibly fresh and the flavours were bold but respected the main ingredient. I’ve been making my own version of this for over 8 years, and it never disappoints. We make it for simple Tuesday night dinners and for special occasions alike. It’s a truly versatile salmon recipe that works beautifully for a quiet meal for two or for when you have friends over for a relaxed dinner party. The combination of simple ingredients creates something really special.

What we love most is how the sauce pools in the baking dish, just begging to be spooned over fluffy rice or mashed potatoes. It’s a healthy seafood dinner that feels indulgent, proving that wholesome food can also be exceptionally delicious. If you’re looking for a reliable and elegant way to cook salmon, this is the one you’ll return to again and again.

Recipe Overview

This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe delivers succulent, perfectly cooked salmon fillets bathed in a luscious sauce of garlic, fresh parsley, and lemon. The fish steams gently in the buttery sauce, ensuring it stays moist and tender. I’ve found that a final minute under the grill gives the top a lovely subtle colour, adding a touch more texture. It’s a straightforward method that yields consistently fantastic results.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Difficulty: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Genuine Flavour: The taste is rich yet balanced. The nutty melted butter, pungent fresh garlic, and a sharp squeeze of lemon create a classic sauce that enhances the natural, buttery flavour of the salmon without overpowering it.
Ready in Under 30 Minutes: From start to finish, this dish is on the table in about 25 minutes, making it an excellent choice for busy weeknights when you want a wholesome meal without the long wait.
Flexible Recipe: This recipe is wonderfully adaptable. You can swap the parsley for fresh dill or chives, add a splash of white wine to the sauce for acidity, or throw in some capers for a salty kick.
Great for Entertaining: It looks elegant on the plate and always gets compliments from guests. Because it’s hands-off once it’s in the oven, it frees you up to chat with your guests or prepare a simple side dish. If you enjoy salmon, you might also want to try my Salmon Cakes Canned Salmon Recipe for another occasion.
Family Tested: My whole family loves this meal. The flavour is sophisticated enough for adults but gentle enough that children enjoy it too. It’s one of those rare dishes that everyone at the table agrees on.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

⏱️ 10 min prep • 🍳 15 min cook • 👥 4 servings

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this garlic butter salmon recipe lies in its simple, high-quality ingredients. I always recommend using the best salmon you can find; it really makes a difference. Look for fillets that are vibrant in colour and have a firm texture. You can learn more about the different types of salmon as food to see which you prefer.

4 salmon fillets (about 150g each), skin on or off
85g unsalted butter
4 large garlic cloves, finely minced or grated
3 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
1 lemon, half juiced (about 2 tbsp) and half thinly sliced
30ml dry white wine (like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio), optional
1 tsp honey (optional, for balance)
½ tsp sea salt, or to taste
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Ashley’s Tip: Don’t be tempted to use bottled lemon juice or pre-minced garlic from a jar. The fresh ingredients are absolutely key here; their vibrant, potent flavours are what make the sauce so memorable.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

The process for this baked salmon is incredibly straightforward. We’re essentially creating a quick, flavour-packed butter sauce, pouring it over the fish, and letting the oven work its magic. Follow these simple steps for a perfect result every time.

Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish or line it with baking parchment for easier cleanup.
Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This is an important step to ensure the sauce clings to the fish and the surface gets a nice finish. Season both sides of the fillets lightly with salt and pepper and arrange them in your prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until it’s fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. Remove from the heat.
Combine the Sauce Ingredients: To the melted butter and garlic, stir in the fresh parsley, lemon juice, optional white wine, and optional honey. Stir everything together until well combined.
Assemble the Dish: Pour this beautiful garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets in the baking dish. What works best for me is using a spoon to ensure each fillet is generously coated. Arrange the thin lemon slices on top of or around the salmon fillets.
Bake the Salmon: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is cooked when it’s opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork.
Optional Grilling Step: For a slightly caramelised top, you can switch the oven to the grill setting for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a very close eye on it to prevent it from burning.
Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest in the dish for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle. Garnish with a little more fresh parsley and serve immediately, spooning extra sauce from the pan over each serving.

Tips From My Kitchen

Temperature Control is Key: The biggest mistake people make with salmon is overcooking it. A hot oven for a short amount of time is the secret. For a standard 2.5cm thick fillet, 12 minutes at 200°C is often the sweet spot. Check it early; you can always put it back in for another minute or two.
The Secret Step: I learned that adding a splash of dry white wine to the butter sauce really elevates it. It adds a layer of acidity and complexity that cuts through the richness of the butter beautifully. If you don’t use alcohol, an extra squeeze of lemon juice works well too.
Make-Ahead Sauce: The garlic butter sauce can be prepared up to 3 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, gently warm it on the hob or in the microwave until it’s liquid again before pouring it over the salmon.
Storage for Leftovers: Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s delicious cold, flaked into a salad or pasta the next day. To reheat, I recommend a short burst in the microwave or gently warming it in a covered pan over low heat.

Equipment You’ll Need

You don’t need any fancy gadgets for this recipe, just a few kitchen essentials.

9×13 inch baking dish (or a similar sized ceramic or glass dish)
Baking parchment or aluminium foil (for easy cleanup)
Small saucepan
Mixing bowl
Sharp knife and chopping board

Common Mistakes to Avoid

This garlic butter salmon is a forgiving recipe, but avoiding these common pitfalls will guarantee success.

Overcrowding the Pan: Give each salmon fillet its own space in the baking dish. If they are packed in too tightly, they will steam rather than bake, and you won’t get that lovely flaky texture. Use a larger dish if necessary.
Using a Cold Pan and Cold Ingredients: Don’t pour the sauce over the salmon and then place it in a cold oven. A properly preheated oven ensures the salmon starts cooking immediately and cooks through quickly and evenly, which is vital for keeping it moist.
Skipping the Resting Time: Just like with meat, letting the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after it comes out of the oven is crucial. It allows the juices to redistribute throughout the fillet, resulting in a more succulent and flavourful piece of fish.

Delicious Variations to Try

While this recipe is wonderful as is, it’s also a great starting point for your own creations.

Add Some Heat: For a spicy kick, add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce along with the garlic.
Herb Variations: Swap the parsley for other fresh herbs. Fresh dill is a classic pairing with salmon, and chopped chives or a little tarragon would also be delicious.
Try Different Proteins: This garlic butter sauce works wonderfully with other types of fish like cod or haddock, or even with large prawns. You will just need to adjust the cooking time accordingly. For another comforting meal idea, check out my Stuffed Peppers With Rice Recipe.

What to Serve With Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

This dish is versatile enough to pair with all sorts of side dishes. The rich garlic butter sauce is perfect for soaking up with something starchy or balancing with fresh greens.

Roasted Asparagus: Toss asparagus spears with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper, and roast them in the same oven for the last 10-12 minutes of the salmon’s cooking time.
Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The ultimate comfort pairing. The mash is perfect for soaking up every last drop of that incredible garlic butter sauce.
A Simple Green Salad: A crisp salad with a light lemon vinaigrette provides a fresh, acidic contrast that cuts through the richness of the salmon and butter.
Wine Pairing: A chilled glass of a dry, crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or an unoaked Chardonnay is an ideal companion for this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this ahead of time?

While the salmon is best baked just before serving, you can definitely prep ahead. The garlic butter sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept in the fridge. Just gently reheat it before pouring over the salmon. This makes assembly on the night incredibly fast.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

The best way to check for doneness is with a fork. Insert it into the thickest part of the fillet and gently twist. The salmon should flake apart easily. The centre should be slightly translucent but not raw. If you use a food thermometer, the UK’s Food Standards Agency guidance suggests cooking fish until it’s steaming hot and cooked through. For salmon, this is around 63°C (145°F).

How do I store leftovers?

Let the salmon cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. I find it’s delicious eaten cold the next day, perhaps flaked over a salad. If you prefer to reheat it, do so gently in the microwave in 30-second intervals to avoid drying it out.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

It is essential to thaw frozen salmon completely before using it in this recipe. Baking from frozen will result in uneven cooking and a watery texture. The best way to thaw it is overnight in the refrigerator. If you’re short on time, you can place the vacuum-sealed fillets in a bowl of cold water for about an hour.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, you absolutely can. Simply substitute the unsalted butter with a good quality dairy-free butter block or a high-quality olive oil. If using olive oil, you won’t need to melt it; just combine it with the other sauce ingredients and proceed with the recipe. The flavour will be slightly different but still delicious.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

A quick and delicious main course featuring tender salmon fillets baked in a rich and flavorful garlic butter sauce with lemon and fresh parsley.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 15

Total Time 25

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 480

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets about 150g each, skin on or off
85 g unsalted butter
4 large garlic cloves finely minced or grated
3 tbsp fresh parsley finely chopped
1 lemon half juiced (about 2 tbsp) and half thinly sliced
30 ml dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, optional
1 tsp honey optional, for balance
½ tsp sea salt or to taste
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Method

Preheat and Prepare: First, preheat your oven to 200°C (180°C fan). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish or line it with baking parchment for easier cleanup.
Prep the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel. This is an important step to ensure the sauce clings to the fish and the surface gets a nice finish. Season both sides of the fillets lightly with salt and pepper and arrange them in your prepared baking dish, leaving a little space between each one.
Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over medium-low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and cook for about 60 seconds, stirring constantly, until it's fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. Remove from the heat.
Combine the Sauce Ingredients: To the melted butter and garlic, stir in the fresh parsley, lemon juice, optional white wine, and optional honey. Stir everything together until well combined.
Assemble the Dish: Pour this beautiful garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets in the baking dish. What works best for me is using a spoon to ensure each fillet is generously coated. Arrange the thin lemon slices on top of or around the salmon fillets.
Bake the Salmon: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is cooked when it's opaque and flakes easily when gently pressed with a fork.
Optional Grilling Step: For a slightly caramelised top, you can switch the oven to the grill setting for the final 1-2 minutes of cooking. Keep a very close eye on it to prevent it from burning.
Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest in the dish for a few minutes. This allows the juices to settle. Garnish with a little more fresh parsley and serve immediately, spooning extra sauce from the pan over each serving.

Notes

Serve with roasted asparagus and rice pilaf to soak up the delicious sauce. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon has become such a staple in our home for a reason. It’s elegant, packed with flavour, and relies on simple, honest ingredients cooked well. I truly hope you enjoy making this dish as much as we do. It’s a wonderful way to enjoy a healthy seafood dinner that feels like a real treat. If you try it, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below – I love hearing from you!

Happy cooking,
Ashley

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