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Close-up of golden-brown baked salmon fillets seasoned with herbs, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Reda

Garlic Herb Butter Baked Salmon

Perfectly flaky and moist, this Garlic Herb Butter Baked Salmon is an elegant yet incredibly simple recipe. It's ready in under 30 minutes, making it the ideal healthy dinner for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 487
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 4 (6-oz) fillets Salmon skin-on or skinless
  • 1 tbsp Olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp Kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
For the Garlic Herb Butter
  • 4 tbsp Unsalted butter melted
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic finely minced
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp Fresh dill chopped (optional)
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp Lemon zest
  • 1 pinch Red pepper flakes optional, for a little heat

Equipment

  • Baking dish or rimmed baking sheet
  • Small microwave-safe bowl
  • Parchment Paper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish or a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This helps the skin get crispier (if using skin-on) and allows for better searing of the flesh. Place the fillets on the prepared baking dish, skin-side down if applicable.
Season the Salmon
  1. Drizzle the salmon fillets evenly with olive oil. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on all sides.
Make the Garlic Herb Butter
  1. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, chopped dill (if using), fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Stir well to combine.
  2. Spoon or brush the garlic herb butter mixture evenly over the top and sides of each salmon fillet.
Bake the Salmon
  1. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium. Be careful not to overcook.
  2. For a slightly browned top, you can switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it carefully to prevent burning.
  3. Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. Garnish with additional fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side.

Notes

To check for doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and gently twist. If the fish flakes apart easily, it's ready. For best results, use fresh, high-quality salmon. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This baked salmon is delicious served over a bed of quinoa, with roasted asparagus, or a fresh green salad.