Name: Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons butter (melted); ½ tablespoon lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves (minced); kosher salt (to taste); freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley; 1 teaspoon finely chopped dill; lemon slices (for garnish)

The moment you bite into this Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe, you’ll get that perfect balance of bright citrus, rich butter, and robust garlic that just makes your taste buds sing. It’s simple, fresh, and honestly, one of those dishes that feels special without any fuss.

A white plate with a gray speckled rim holds a cooked salmon fillet on the right side, its light orange flesh soft and flaky, topped with small pieces of minced garlic and sprinkled with chopped green herbs and black pepper. To the back and right of the salmon, a bunch of bright green asparagus spears lay side by side with visible texture and some minced garlic scattered over them. A wedge of yellow lemon sits at the top right corner of the plate. A silver fork rests on the bottom left, with a piece of salmon pierced and slightly pulled away from the fillet. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I've made this Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe more times than I can count, and each time it reminds me why it’s my kitchen go-to whenever I want something healthy but utterly delicious. It’s the kind of recipe you can rely on to impress without stress.

Effortless Prep: Just a quick brush of garlic butter and lemon juice before popping it in the oven.
Perfectly Moist Salmon: The baking time is short enough to keep the fish tender and juicy every time.
Flavor-Packed: Garlic, lemon, and fresh herbs combine to give each bite a fresh, vibrant punch.
Versatile Serving: It pairs beautifully with veggies, grains, or a crisp salad — making meal planning easy.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe features simple, fresh ingredients that come together for a clean yet indulgent flavor. Each component complements the delicate salmon without overpowering it.

Flat lay of four fresh salmon fillets with bright pink flesh, a few glossy lemon slices arranged neatly, three whole uncracked garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl with pale yellow lemon juice, a pinch of coarse kosher salt crystals, freshly ground black peppercorns in small piles, a small mound of finely chopped bright green parsley, a small mound of finely chopped fresh dill, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon Fillets: Look for fresh, skin-on fillets if you can — the skin helps keep the fish moist and adds texture if you want to crisp it up.
Butter: Melting it releases richness that coats the fish beautifully and carries the lemon and garlic flavors.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon gives a bright zing that lifts the whole dish, balancing the richness of the butter.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic is essential here—it infuses every bite with bold, aromatic flavor.
Kosher Salt & Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the salmon.
Parsley & Dill: Fresh herbs sprinkled on top add color and a touch of freshness that’s just magic on seafood.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I like to play around with this Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe depending on the season and my mood. It’s a forgiving recipe, so you can easily add or swap ingredients based on what’s on hand.

Variation: Sometimes I swap out the parsley and dill for basil or cilantro, which gives it a fresh, herbaceous twist that’s also delicious with a bit of chili flakes for heat.
Dietary Modifications: If you prefer olive oil over butter, it works perfectly too — just drizzle and brush it on the salmon for a lighter option.
Seasonal Changes: In the summer, adding thinly sliced cherry tomatoes around the salmon before baking adds a burst of sweetness and color.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe

The image shows four pieces of cooked salmon fillets placed side by side in a white rectangular baking dish. Each salmon piece has a light orange color with a tender texture and is topped with small bits of chopped green herbs and light garlic bits. The fillets rest in a glossy layer of melted butter or oil that pools at the bottom. There are two lemon wedges positioned diagonally in opposite corners of the dish, adding a touch of bright yellow. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with a few green herbs placed casually nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Preparing Your Salmon

First, bring your salmon fillets out of the fridge about 15 minutes before baking so they come to room temperature. I’ve found this step really helps with even cooking. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Then, mix your melted butter with the fresh lemon juice — I squeeze about ¼ of a lemon here for just the right brightness. Place the salmon skin-side down in your baking dish and brush the butter-lemon mixture all over the fillets. This coating not only adds flavor but also helps keep the fish moist.

Step 2: Season and Bake

Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly on top of each fillet, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Pop the dish right into your preheated oven. The magic number here is about 12 to 15 minutes — not too short or long, just enough to have the salmon cooked through and flakey but still tender. Keep an eye on it, especially if your fillets are thinner or thicker than usual.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Once the salmon’s out of the oven, sprinkle the chopped parsley and dill on top. I love how the fresh herbs not only add a pop of color but brighten the whole dish with subtle freshness. Serve immediately — and maybe with an extra lemon slice on the side for squeezing.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks to get this Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe just right — tips that make the whole process smoother and the final dish tastier.

Room Temperature Fish: Don’t skip letting your salmon sit out before baking — it helps the fillets cook evenly, avoiding those dry edges.
Butter Over Olive Oil: Butter gives a richer flavor and helps the garlic stick better, creating a lovely crust in the oven.
Watch the Clock: Baking too long is the most common mistake I see — keep the timer close so your salmon stays tender and juicy.
Fresh Herbs at the End: Adding herbs after baking really preserves their flavor and vibrancy, giving the dish a fresh finish.

How to Serve Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe

garlic lemon salmon - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m a sucker for a handful of fresh herbs sprinkled right before serving — parsley and dill are my top picks. Sometimes I also add lemon zest or a wedge for that extra citrus kick. They brighten the plate visually and in flavor.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs beautifully with simple roasted vegetables like asparagus or green beans, creamy mashed potatoes, or even a light quinoa salad. For a no-fuss meal, I often do steamed broccoli and a squeeze of lemon right on the side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe on a bed of herbed couscous, garnished with edible flowers and extra lemon slices. It’s a stunning presentation that impresses guests while keeping all the comforting flavors intact.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge and try to eat it within 2 days for best flavor. It keeps surprisingly well and can easily become a next-day lunch hero with a simple salad or sandwich.

Freezing

I usually freeze any extra uncooked salmon fillets before baking to keep them fresh longer. Cooked salmon can be frozen too, but I recommend eating it within a month for best texture and taste.

Reheating

When reheating, I gently warm the salmon in a low oven (around 275°F) wrapped loosely in foil to prevent drying out. Microwave is quick, but be careful to stop before it overheats, or the fish can get rubbery.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the salmon completely in the fridge overnight before baking for best texture and even cooking.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Usually 12 to 15 minutes at 375°F does the trick, but thinner pieces may cook faster, so keep an eye on it.

Can I replace butter with olive oil in this recipe?

Yes, olive oil makes a great substitution if you want a lighter version. Just brush it on with the lemon juice and garlic as usual, and expect a slightly different flavor profile that's still delicious.

What herbs work best with baked salmon?

Parsley and dill are classic choices because they complement salmon beautifully without overwhelming its flavor. You can also experiment with basil, tarragon, or chives for different herbal notes.

Final Thoughts

This Garlic Lemon Baked Salmon Recipe is definitely one of my favorites because it hits that sweet spot between straightforward and impressive. It’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner but flavorful enough to serve guests without worry. I hope you’ll give it a try and see just how easy it is to make a restaurant-worthy salmon at home. Trust me, once you nail this, it’ll become your go-to recipe too!