Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Flaky, tender, and bursting with fresh flavor, this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is the perfect easy dinner. With a rich, buttery sauce and a zesty citrus kick, it’s a simple yet elegant dish you’ll want to make again and again!
If you’re looking for an easy, flavor-packed dinner that feels fancy but takes minimal effort, this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is it!
Who doesn’t love butter? Combine that with the freshness of lemon and the bold kick of garlic, and you’ve got yourself a dish that’s practically begging to be devoured.
But that’s not all— this recipe is all about ease. You won’t need to juggle a bunch of pots and pans.
You’ll just sauté the garlic, melt the butter, and bake it all in one dish. Less mess, less stress, and more time to actually enjoy your dinner.
It’s just the right balance between comfort food and gourmet dining. It’s the kind of dish that works for a quick weeknight meal but is impressive enough for guests.
Serve it with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or some buttery mashed potatoes, and you’ve got a restaurant-worthy meal in no time.
Trust me, once you try it, this one’s going straight into your dinner rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
✔ Super Simple – Minimal ingredients, minimal effort. Just melt, mix, and bake.
✔ Tasty as Heck – Butter, garlic, lemon – the flavour combo is pure magic.
✔ Quick – On the table in 30 minutes or less.
✔ One Pan Wonder – Less cleanup, more time to relax.
✔ Impressive – Looks and tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.
✔ Customisable – Easy to swap ingredients if needed.
What You’ll Need:
● 4 salmon fillets (go for skinless, unless you’re feeling fancy and want the crispy skin)
● 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
● 4 cloves garlic, minced
● Juice of 1 lemon (fresh, none of that bottled nonsense)
● Zest of 1 lemon
● Salt and pepper, to taste
● Chilli flakes (optional, for a bit of kick, if you’re feeling adventurous)
● Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to make:
1. Preheat the oven
Let’s start by getting that oven nice and warm at 375°F (190°C).
This is the perfect temperature to cook the salmon evenly without drying it out.
2. Sauté the garlic
Grab a skillet (I use a medium-sized one) and melt the butter over medium heat.
Once it’s nice and melted, toss in the minced garlic.
You’ll want to cook that garlic for about a minute until it’s fragrant—don’t let it brown, though!
We’re aiming for a garlicky fragrance that fills your kitchen like a warm, comforting hug.
3. Add the lemon
Now, it’s time for the lemon. Stir in the juice and the zest.
That citrusy burst will cut through the richness of the butter, giving you that perfect balance.
Season it with a pinch of salt and pepper to bring it all together.
If you’re feeling a little daring, add a sprinkle of chilli flakes here to give it a subtle, spicy kick.
4. Prepare the salmon
Place your salmon fillets in a baking dish.
Don’t overcrowd them— you want them to have enough space to cook properly.
Then, pour that glorious garlic lemon butter sauce over the fillets. Generously, if you ask me.
5. Bake it
Pop the baking dish in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes.
The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork.
But keep an eye on it because no one wants dry salmon—this dish is meant to be tender, not overdone.
6. Garnish and serve
Once you’re done baking, sprinkle a little fresh parsley on top.
Not only will it make your salmon look all fancy and Instagram-worthy, but it adds a fresh, herbal note that ties everything together. Boom. Dinner is served.
Final Thoughts
And just like that, you have Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon that’s ready to wow your taste buds.
It’s the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a kitchen pro with minimal effort. Seriously, this dish is a showstopper.
It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner, a special occasion, or even if you’re just looking to treat yourself (because you totally deserve it).
Plus, the beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. You don’t need any complicated ingredients or fancy techniques.
Just butter, garlic, lemon, and salmon—magic happens every time.
If you’re in a rush, this recipe’s a godsend. If you’ve got a bit of time to spare, it’s an opportunity to make your kitchen smell like heaven. Either way, it’s a win.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it thoroughly in the fridge before cooking. You’ll still get that gorgeous buttery flavour, and no one will know the difference.
Can I substitute the butter?
You can use olive oil if you’re looking for a lighter version, but I’d suggest sticking with the butter for that rich, creamy flavour.
If you really want to play around, a little drizzle of honey could add a sweet contrast that’s surprisingly good.
How do I know when my salmon is cooked?
You’ll know it’s done when it flakes easily with a fork. If you’re unsure, you can always stick a meat thermometer in the thickest part of the fillet; it should read 145°F (63°C) when it’s perfectly cooked.
What can I serve this with?
Anything! Rice, roasted veggies, a simple salad—it’s super versatile. I personally love it with some garlic butter roasted potatoes, because, well, why not?
Can I make this ahead?
I’d recommend making it fresh, but you can prepare the garlic butter sauce a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
Then, just heat it up and pour it over the salmon when you’re ready to bake.
So there you have it. Your new favourite way to cook salmon. It’s easy, it’s delicious, and it’s everything you’ve been craving.
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