Garlic butter salmon brings a delightful aroma that fills your kitchen, teasing your taste buds and promising a meal that’s both comforting and indulgent. Each flaky bite melts in your mouth, offering a perfect blend of rich butter, fragrant garlic, and tender salmon that makes even the pickiest eaters swoon.

This dish is not just dinner; it’s a culinary hug you can share with family or friends on a cozy weeknight or at a weekend gathering. Imagine serving this to your loved ones and watching them fight over the last piece while you bask in the glory of being the kitchen hero.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Garlic butter salmon is easy to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights
- The flavor profile is rich and satisfying, tantalizing your senses with each bite
- Its beautiful presentation makes it an eye-catching dish for any occasion
- Versatile enough to pair with sides like veggies or rice, it suits any palate
I remember the first time I made garlic butter salmon; my friend took one bite and declared it “life-changing,” which was pretty high praise considering we were just trying to avoid takeout again.

Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Fresh Salmon Fillets: Look for bright pink fillets with no dark spots; they should feel firm yet tender.
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Unsalted Butter: Use unsalted so you can control the saltiness; plus, who doesn’t love extra butter?
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic cloves will give the best flavor; avoid pre-minced versions if possible.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness; bottled juice just doesn’t cut it for this dish.
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Fresh Parsley: Chopped parsley adds color and freshness; substitute with dried if necessary but fresh is best.
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Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings elevate the flavors; kosher salt works wonders here.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when your salmon hits the heat, it cooks evenly and beautifully.
Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. You want your salmon sliding out effortlessly like it’s auditioning for “Dancing with the Stars.”
Create the Garlic Butter Mixture: In a small saucepan over low heat, combine unsalted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice until melted and fragrant. Stir continuously to keep that buttery goodness from burning.
Add Seasonings to Salmon: Place your salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish skin-side down. Drizzle with half of the garlic butter mixture and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper—go ahead, don’t be shy!
Bake Until Flaky: Bake the salmon in your preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork but remains juicy inside. The smell alone will have everyone gathering around like moths to a flame.
Garnish & Serve!: Once out of the oven, drizzle the remaining garlic butter over your salmon fillets and sprinkle chopped parsley on top for a pop of color. Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side for that extra zing!
With these steps, you’ll have perfectly cooked garlic butter salmon that will impress anyone lucky enough to sit at your table. Enjoy!
You Must Know
- Garlic butter salmon is not just a meal; it’s an experience
- The buttery aroma mingles with the garlic, creating a mouthwatering scent that fills your kitchen
- This dish is quick to prepare, making it perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Sear the salmon skin-side down in garlic butter for five minutes before transferring it to the oven for another ten. This method locks in flavors and ensures crispy skin.

Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap the salmon for trout or even chicken! Add lemon zest for brightness or fresh herbs like dill or parsley to elevate those flavors even further. Be adventurous with your choices.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover garlic butter salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on low heat on the stovetop to preserve its moisture and flavor.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly flaky garlic butter salmon, don’t overcook it!
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness at 145°F
- Allow it to rest before serving to let those flavors settle
- Always use fresh garlic versus powdered for a robust taste
Cooking garlic butter salmon brings back memories of family gatherings where everyone would gather around the table, eager for seconds, as I tried not to take all the credit.

FAQ
What sides go well with garlic butter salmon?
Garlic butter salmon pairs beautifully with asparagus, rice, or a fresh garden salad.
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just thaw it thoroughly before cooking for even results and optimal flavor.
How do I know when my salmon is cooked?
The salmon should easily flake with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.

Garlic Butter Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Garlic butter salmon offers a mouthwatering blend of rich flavors and tender texture that will elevate any meal. This easy-to-make dish features flaky salmon fillets drizzled with a fragrant garlic butter sauce, perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy family dinner. With just a few simple ingredients and straightforward steps, you can create a culinary masterpiece that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas.
Ingredients
- 4 fresh salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Grease a baking dish with nonstick spray or olive oil.
- In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter with minced garlic and lemon juice, stirring continuously.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the prepared dish. Drizzle half of the garlic butter mixture over them and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Drizzle remaining garlic butter over the cooked salmon and garnish with parsley before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
- Calories: 366
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 72mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 100mg



