Description
A foolproof, lightning-fast baked salmon recipe featuring a rich garlic butter baste and fresh herbs. Perfect for busy weeknights, this healthy and flavorful dish is ready in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6oz each / 1.2kg)
- 1 tablespoon neutral oil (avocado or light olive oil)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly cracked black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4–5 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking dish with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides generously with salt and pepper. Place skin-side down in the prepared dish.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Remove from heat and whisk in minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped dill, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
- Pour or brush half of the garlic butter mixture over the salmon fillets.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
- Remove from oven and spoon any remaining garlic butter from the pan over the top of the fish.
- Let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving immediately with pan juices.
Notes
Pat the salmon dry before seasoning to ensure it bakes rather than steams. Do not overcook; salmon continues to cook after removal from the oven. For extra crispiness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes. If using frozen salmon, thaw completely and pat very dry first.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet per serving
- Calories: 320
- Sodium: 350
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 8
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 34
Keywords: baked salmon, garlic butter salmon, quick dinner, healthy seafood, weeknight meals, gluten-free, paleo-friendly