Baked Garlic Butter Salmon

Jump to Recipe

My Baked Garlic Butter Salmon is the perfect dinner for busy weeknights. Savory garlic butter seeps into the salmon fillet, creating perfectly cooked, moist, flavorful salmon. And the aromatics of the rich garlic butter make this simple dish a culinary event.

garlic butter salmon with broccoli and potatoes on a white plate

This tender, flaky salmon takes very little prep and can be on your dinner table in less than 30 minutes. After one bite, I know you’ll agree that this is the best baked salmon recipe you’ve ever had.

garlic butter salmon with potatoes and broccoli on a white plate

Serve this easy salmon recipe bake in a delicious garlic butter sauce with your favorite veggies and my smashed potatoes. I promise this simple recipe will be a crowd-pleaser at your house.

Table of Contents:

Ingredients to make Garlic Butter Salmon

Let’s start by gathering the ingredients we need to make Garlic Butter Salmon. In Chef Speak, this is called the “Mise en Place,” which translates to “Everything in its Place.”

Not only does setting up your ingredients ahead of time speed up the cooking process, it also helps ensure you have everything you need to make the dish.

Simple Ingredients

salmon fillets
sea salt
black pepper
garlic
red pepper flakes
parsley
lemon juice
unsalted butter
white wine – optional
lemon slices

What type of salmon is best?

Any type of salmon available in your markets can be used for this recipe. My favorite salmon is salmon from the Pacific Northwest, including Sockeye Salmon, Coho Salmon, and King Salmon.

Atlantic Salmon is more plentiful and usually less expensive and can also be used for this recipe. I prefer wild-caught fish to farmed seafood.

How to make Garlic Butter Salmon

collage showing how to make garlic herb butter

Melt the butter in a saute pan.
Add the garlic to the melted butter.
Let the mixture cook for 30 seconds, then remove the pan from the heat.
Add the parsley, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes to the butter mixture.
Return the pan to the burner and let it cook for 30 – 60 seconds.
Add the white wine and lemon juice to the pan and continue to cook for 30 seconds to let the alcohol burn off. Then remove the pan from the heat.

Place the four skinless salmon fillets in a casserole or baking dish.
Pour the seasoned butter over the salmon filets. Make sure to get the seasoning on top of the salmon.

Place the baking dish on the center rack of the preheated 375-degree oven and bake for 12-14 minutes.

I love adding something green to the plate; broccoli, green beans, or asparagus are my great choices. Add crispy roast potatoes, rice, or your favorite grain, and you’ve got an easy-to-prepare restaurant-quality dinner in less time than picking up take-out.

Garnish the plate with lemon circles or add a little grated lemon zest with fresh chopped parsley for the finishing touch.

Recipe FAQ’s

Should I season the salmon before cooking?

Absolutely! Salmon and other fish should always be seasoned with salt and pepper before cooking. Seasoning will enhance the flavor of the fish and help the flesh stay firm and moist.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

Gently press down on the salmon with a fork or your finger. The salmon will flake when it’s fully cooked. I like to undercook the salmon just a little bit so it remains moist and tender. The internal temperature should be at least 145 degrees f before serving.
Using a meat thermometer is a good way to make sure you don’t over cook the salmon.

More Salmon Recipes You’ll Love!