A Symphony of Flavors

Imagine the gentle sizzle of salmon fillets roasting in the oven, their aroma mingling with the citrusy zest of lemon and the warm, comforting fragrance of garlic butter. This roasted salmon with lemon garlic butter is a dish that marries simplicity with sophistication, creating a centerpiece for your table that’s both visually stunning and irresistibly delicious.

Cooking is an art, but baking is pure chemistry. – Sandra Lee

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple yet elegant: With just a few ingredients, you can create a restaurant-quality dish.
• Perfect for any occasion: A quick weekday meal or an impressive dinner party highlight.
• Healthy and delicious: Packed with omega-3s, this salmon dish is as nutritious as it is tasty.
• Customizable: Adjust the flavors to suit your taste with ease.

Ingredients: The Essentials for Lemon Garlic Butter Roasted Salmon

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)

Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or roasting pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Small mixing bowl
• Brush for spreading butter sauce
• Lemon zester

Step-by-Step Guide to Roasted Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Tip: Lining the pan ensures easy cleanup and prevents sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper on both sides. Drizzle with olive oil, ensuring they’re evenly coated.
Tip: Drying the salmon helps it roast evenly and enhances the crispy edges.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small bowl, combine melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest. Mix well.
Tip: Use freshly squeezed lemon juice for the brightest flavor.

Step 4: Apply the Sauce

Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Brush the butter sauce generously over each fillet, reserving some for serving.
Tip: Brushing rather than pouring ensures even coverage and prevents sauce pooling.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

Roast the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
Tip: For a caramelized finish, broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Transfer the salmon to a serving plate, drizzle with the reserved sauce, and sprinkle with parsley.

Cooking is like painting or writing a song. Just as there are only so many notes or colors, there are only so many flavors—it’s how you combine them that sets you apart.  – Wolfgang Puck

Pro Tips for Roasting Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

• Choose fresh salmon: Fresh, high-quality salmon makes all the difference. Look for fillets with bright, firm flesh and no fishy odor.
• Room temperature salmon: Allow the salmon to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even roasting.
• Don’t overcook: Salmon continues to cook even after it’s removed from the oven. Aim for an internal temperature of 135°F (57°C) for perfect doneness.
• Use clarified butter: Clarified butter or ghee gives a deeper, richer flavor to the sauce without burning.
• Add extra lemon slices: Place thin lemon slices on top of the salmon before roasting for a decorative and flavorful touch.
• Season generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper—they bring out the natural flavors of the salmon and butter sauce.
• Serve immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh out of the oven, when the butter sauce is warm and fragrant.

Serving Suggestions

Complete your meal with these perfect pairings:

• A light, crisp green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.
• Steamed asparagus or green beans for a fresh vegetable side.
• Garlic mashed potatoes or quinoa for a hearty accompaniment.
• Crusty bread to mop up every drop of the butter sauce.

Great cooking is about being inspired by the simple things around you. – Gordan Ramsay

Creative Variations: Add a Personal Touch to Your Salmon

Honey-Lemon Garlic Salmon

Swap out some butter for a tablespoon of honey, adding a sweet note that pairs beautifully with the tangy lemon.
Tip: Brush the honey mixture during the last 5 minutes of roasting to avoid burning.

Spicy Lemon Garlic Salmon

Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a spicy kick.
Tip: Garnish with extra red pepper flakes for visual appeal and flavor.

Herb-Crusted Salmon

Mix fresh dill, thyme, and chives into the butter sauce for an herby twist.
Tip: Press extra herbs on top of the fillets before roasting for a vibrant look.

Parmesan-Crusted Salmon

Top the fillets with a mixture of grated Parmesan and breadcrumbs before baking.
Tip: Broil for 2 minutes at the end to get a crispy, golden crust.

Mediterranean-Inspired Salmon

Include chopped olives, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes in the butter sauce.
Tip: Serve with a side of tzatziki for an authentic touch.

Cooking is at once child’s play and adult joy. And cooking done with care is an act of love. – Craig Claiborne

Storage and Reheating: Keep It Fresh and Delicious

• Refrigeration: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Wrap tightly in foil or plastic wrap and store in the freezer for up to 2 months.
• Reheating: Warm in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or until heated through. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry out the fish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Overcooking the Salmon

Salmon becomes dry and rubbery when overcooked.
Tip: Use a meat thermometer and remove it from the oven as soon as it hits 135°F (57°C).

Skipping the Skin

The skin protects the flesh during cooking and adds flavor.
Tip: If you don’t eat the skin, remove it after roasting.

Using Bottled Lemon Juice

Freshly squeezed lemon juice delivers unmatched brightness.
Tip: Always zest the lemon before juicing to get maximum flavor.

Forgetting to Pat Dry

Excess moisture prevents proper roasting.
Tip: Blot the fillets with a paper towel before seasoning.

Overloading the Baking Sheet

Crowding the pan can lead to uneven cooking.
Tip: Arrange the fillets with enough space for air circulation.

The Bright and Flavorful Joy of Roasted Salmon

This roasted salmon with lemon garlic butter is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of fresh, vibrant flavors brought together with love and care. Perfectly tender salmon, fragrant butter sauce, and the tang of lemon combine to create a dish that’s comforting yet sophisticated. Gather your loved ones, savor the aromas, and enjoy every bite of this culinary masterpiece.

Roasted Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

This roasted salmon recipe combines tender, flaky fillets with a vibrant lemon garlic butter sauce, perfect for any occasion. Ready in just 25 minutes!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Baking sheet or roasting pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Small mixing bowl
• Brush for spreading butter sauce
• Lemon zester

Ingredients

  

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets 6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter melted
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• Juice and zest of 1 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped (plus more for garnish)

Instructions

 

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

• Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, season with salt and pepper, and drizzle with olive oil, ensuring an even coat.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

• In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and zest until well combined.

Step 4: Apply the Sauce

• Arrange salmon fillets on the baking sheet, skin-side down. Brush generously with the butter sauce, reserving some for serving.

Step 5: Roast to Perfection

• Roast salmon in the oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a caramelized finish if desired.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Drizzle reserved butter sauce over the salmon, garnish with parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

For a richer flavor, substitute clarified butter or ghee.
Salmon is best served fresh but can be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Keyword easy salmon dinner, lemon garlic butter salmon, quick salmon recipe, roasted salmon recipe