Description
This garlic butter baked salmon is flaky, tender, and bursting with lemony flavor. A simple one-pan dinner ready in just 25 minutes. Rich butter and garlic melt together with bright lemon and herbs for a flavorful and tender bite.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, about 1 inch thick)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- Lemon slices (to serve)
- Extra chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Pat salmon fillets dry and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and season with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and smoked paprika.
- Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, letting it coat the sides slightly.
- Bake for 12 to 14 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Remove from oven and rest for 3 minutes.
- Garnish with lemon slices and parsley. Serve warm with roasted vegetables, rice, or a simple salad.
Notes
- For a crispier top, broil the salmon for 1 minute after baking, watching closely to prevent over-browning.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American