Name: Easy Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 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)

Nothing beats the simplicity and flavor of a well-made salmon dish, and this Easy Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Recipe really takes the cake. It’s rich, buttery, and infused with fresh garlic—perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests without fuss.

The dish shows a white plate holding three parts: a thick piece of cooked salmon at the front, showing pink and soft texture with small green herb bits and tiny light yellow garlic pieces on top; behind the salmon, there is a bunch of bright green asparagus spears with a shiny coat and sprinkled garlic; at the top right corner, a small pale yellow lemon wedge. A silver fork in front cuts a small piece of salmon, showing its tender inside. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. 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 Easy Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Easy Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Easy Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I can’t tell you how many times this recipe has saved dinner plans when I needed something quick yet totally satisfying. The balance of garlic butter and fresh herbs makes every bite a little celebration of flavor.

Effortlessly Delicious: Minimal prep and simple ingredients deliver maximum flavor.
Moist & Flaky Texture: The gentle oven bake with butter keeps the salmon perfectly tender.
Customizable Flavor: You can easily tweak the herbs or add spices to suit your taste.
Healthy & Balanced: High in protein and heart-healthy fats without any heavy sauces.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Easy Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Recipe plays an important role—from the richness of butter to the brightness of lemon juice, all bringing out the best in the salmon.

Flat lay of four fresh raw salmon fillets with vibrant pink-orange flesh, a small white ceramic bowl of melted butter, a small white ceramic bowl with pale yellow lemon juice, three peeled whole garlic cloves, a few sprigs of bright green parsley, a few sprigs of fresh dill, two lemon slices with bright yellow rind, coarse kosher salt crystals scattered neatly, and a small pile of freshly ground black peppercorns, all arranged symmetrically 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: Choose fresh, wild-caught if possible for the best flavor and texture.
Butter (melted): Adds luxurious moisture and richness that keeps the fish tender.
Lemon juice: Brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter.
Garlic cloves (minced): Infuses a wonderful aroma and savory kick throughout the fish.
Kosher salt & black pepper: Simple seasoning that enhances natural flavors without overpowering.
Parsley & dill (finely chopped): Fresh herbs add an herbal freshness that lifts the entire dish.

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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 love switching up the herbs based on what’s fresh or what mood I’m in. Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or a dash of chili flakes for a little heat—you can make this recipe as classic or as bold as you like.

Variation: Once, I tried topping the salmon with thinly sliced cherry tomatoes and capers before baking—turned out deliciously bright and tangy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Easy Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Recipe

Four cooked salmon pieces with a light pink orange color are arranged side by side in a white baking dish. Each salmon piece is topped with small bits of minced garlic and chopped green herbs, giving a fresh contrast. There are dollops of melted butter or oil around the fish, creating a shiny texture at the base of the dish. Two lemon wedges, one at the top right corner and one at the bottom right corner, add bright yellow accents. The dish is set on a white marbled surface with some green herbs placed around for decoration. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Salmon

First, I bring the salmon fillets out of the fridge to reach room temperature—it helps them cook evenly. While warming up, I mix melted butter with fresh lemon juice. Then, I give the salmon a generous brushing of this buttery lemon goodness, setting the stage for all those amazing flavors.

Step 2: Season and Bake

After buttering, sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the fillets, then season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. I pop the salmon into a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C) and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the goal is tender, flaky fish that’s just cooked through.

Step 3: Garnish and Serve

Right after baking, I sprinkle finely chopped parsley and dill across the fillets for a fresh, vibrant finish. Adding a few lemon slices alongside brightens the plate and gives an extra zing if you want more citrus flavor. Serve immediately and watch your family dive in!

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve found a few little tweaks that make this Easy Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Recipe foolproof and extra delicious. These tips help avoid common pitfalls and bring out the best in your salmon.

Room Temperature Salmon: Letting the salmon warm up before baking prevents uneven cooking and keeps it juicy.
Don’t Overcook: Check the fish around 12 minutes—overcooking dries it out, so go by texture, not just time.
Fresh Herbs Matter: Adding parsley and dill last preserves their bright flavors and aroma.
Butter & Lemon Combo: Switching to melted butter mixed with fresh lemon juice gives a beautiful balance of richness and zing.

How to Serve Easy Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I’m a big fan of finishing this salmon with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and dill—the herbal brightness is unbeatable. A few thin lemon slices on the side add a classic citrus edge that’s perfect for when guests want a little extra tang.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple quinoa salad. On busy nights, I love serving it alongside steamed green beans and a fresh cucumber salad for a light, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I sometimes plate the salmon over a bed of saffron-infused rice, topped with toasted almonds and microgreens. It looks elegant but doesn’t add much extra work—great for wowing family or friends.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge, and it usually stays good for up to two days. Keeping it chilled quickly after serving maintains that buttery texture without becoming too dry.

Freezing

If I know I want to freeze leftovers, I wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then foil before placing it in a freezer bag. When thawed slowly in the fridge, the texture remains surprisingly good because of the butter coating.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend gently warming the salmon in a low oven (around 275°F) wrapped in foil to avoid drying out. Microwave works but can sometimes toughen the fish, so oven warming is my go-to.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking to ensure even cooking and best texture.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

Look for the salmon to be opaque throughout and gently flake apart with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) if you want to be precise.

Can I add other herbs or spices?

Definitely! This recipe is very flexible. Try fresh thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of smoked paprika for different flavor profiles.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! The recipe is low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats, making it a great option for keto diets.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic Butter Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen repertoire because it’s reliable, fast, and absolutely delicious every single time. I hope it becomes your go-to too, whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a laid-back weekend treat—simple, flavorful, and always satisfying.