Easy Oven Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon
This dish is a quick and elegant way to enjoy salmon — flaky, tender fillets baked in the oven with a zesty lemon-garlic butter sauce. The salmon absorbs the citrusy brightness of lemon and the rich aroma of garlic while staying moist and juicy. It’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels restaurant-worthy yet takes less than 30 minutes to prepare. Serve with roasted veggies, rice, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 15 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings:4
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each)
3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted (or olive oil)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped
Salt & black pepper, to taste
4 lemon slices (for baking)
Instructions
Preheat oven
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
Prepare garlic lemon butter
In a small bowl, whisk melted butter (or olive oil), garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Assemble salmon
Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down.
Brush generously with the lemon garlic butter mixture.
Place a lemon slice on top of each fillet.
Bake salmon
Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily with a fork (internal temp 145°F / 63°C).
Serve
Garnish with extra parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Serve hot with rice, potatoes, or steamed veggies.
Notes & Tips
For crispy edges, broil for the last 2 minutes.
Swap parsley with dill, thyme, or basil for different flavor profiles.
Add a drizzle of honey for a sweet-tangy glaze.
Use skin-on salmon to keep it moist while baking.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes — thaw overnight in the fridge before baking.
Q: How do I know when salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and look opaque, not translucent.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Yes — store leftovers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or skillet.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 310
Protein: 34 g
Carbs: 2 g
Fat: 18 g
Fiber: 0 g