SaveGarlic Butter Baked Salmon
Flaky salmon glazed with garlic herb butter. Elegant enough for guests, easy enough for Tuesday.
Edited by Brian Kaplan·Last updated April 12, 2026
Servings
Est. total: $20.00 · $5.00/serving
Cost estimates are approximate and vary by location, store, season, and brand. Actual prices may differ.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on)
- 4 tbsp unsalted butter (melted)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 medium lemon (sliced, for garnish)
- 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat salmon fillets dry and place skin-side down.
4 pieces salmon fillets - 2
Mix melted butter with garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, pepper, and paprika. Spoon garlic butter evenly over each fillet.
4 tbsp unsalted butter4 cloves garlic2 tbsp lemon juice2 tbsp fresh dill1 tsp salt1/2 tsp black pepper1/2 tsp smoked paprika - 3
Bake 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temperature. Salmon should be opaque on the outside and still slightly translucent in the very center.
Salmon continues to cook after you remove it. Pull it at 140°F and it'll coast to 145°F.
- 4
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately.
2 tbsp fresh parsley1 medium lemon
Pairs With
Lightly oaked Burgundy or Sonoma Chardonnay
Buttery wine with buttery fish is a match made in heaven
Bavarian wheat beer with lemon notes
Light citrus character complements the lemon-herb butter
London dry gin, tonic, cucumber
Botanical notes enhance the dill and herb flavors
Make It Yours
Tap a dietary need to see exactly what to swap.
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Cooking Soundtrack
Easy-going rock, country, and the kind of music that pairs with burgers and cold beer.
Nutrition
Per serving. Estimated values. Not a substitute for professional dietary advice.
Tips
- •Take salmon out of the fridge 15 minutes before cooking for more even results.
- •Check the thickest part of the fillet with a thermometer for accuracy.
Substitutions
- salmon fillets → arctic char or steelhead trout
- unsalted butter → olive oil for dairy-free
- fresh dill → fresh tarragon
Leftovers
Refrigerate up to 2 days. Great cold on salads. Reheat gently at 275°F for 10 minutes.
Leftover Ideas
Nutrition values are estimates calculated per serving and may vary based on brand, preparation method, and serving size. Not a substitute for professional dietary or medical advice. Consult a registered dietitian for specific nutritional needs.
Allergen Notice: Recipes may contain or come into contact with major allergens including milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soy, and sesame. Always verify ingredient labels for allergen information specific to the brands you use.
Drink pairing suggestions are for adults of legal drinking age only. Please drink responsibly.
Food Safety: Follow USDA safe minimum internal temperatures: Poultry 165°F (74°C), Ground meats 165°F (74°C), Beef/pork/lamb steaks 145°F (63°C) with 3-min rest, Fish 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer — do not rely on visual cues alone. Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours.
