Description

A quick and easy 20-minute dinner featuring flaky salmon fillets baked with a rich, tangy lemon garlic butter sauce. This one-pan meal is restaurant-quality, healthy, and perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 lbs skin-on salmon fillets
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
4–5 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
Kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Lemon wedges for serving (optional)

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
Place fillets on the prepared baking sheet and season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
In a small microwave-safe bowl, combine the softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and Italian seasoning. Microwave for 30-45 seconds until melted, then whisk until smooth.
Brush the butter mixture generously over the top of each salmon fillet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Do not overcook the salmon as it continues to cook after being removed from the oven. For best results, pull the salmon when it is just barely opaque in the center. If using skin-on salmon, the skin helps keep the fish moist and can be removed easily after cooking. Leftovers can be flaked and tossed with extra lemon juice and olive oil for salads.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 320
Sodium: 280
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 10
Carbohydrates: 2
Protein: 34

Keywords: salmon, baked salmon, lemon garlic butter, quick dinner, healthy seafood, weeknight meals, keto friendly, low carb