Easy Lemon Butter Salmon Bake: Ready in 20 Minutes
This Easy Lemon Butter Salmon Bake is a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. With simple ingredients like salmon, butter, lemon, and garlic, it’s a low-effort, high-reward meal that’s perfect for busy nights.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 2 lemons (zest and juice of 1, the other sliced thin)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Fresh dill or parsley for garnish (optional)
- Red pepper flakes for heat (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Let salmon fillets sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest (from one lemon), and a pinch of red pepper flakes if using. Mash together with a fork until well combined.
- Arrange salmon fillets in a 9×13 inch baking dish, skin-side down if they have skin. Leave space between each fillet.
- Spread the garlic-lemon butter mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
- Slice the second lemon into thin rounds and place 2-3 slices on top of each fillet.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and internal temperature reaches 125°F to 130°F (52°C to 54°C) for medium.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Spoon some of the buttery pan sauce over the top of each fillet.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Don’t skip patting the salmon dry to avoid steaming. Let salmon sit at room temperature before baking for even cooking. Use an instant-read thermometer to prevent overcooking. Make extra butter sauce for serving over rice or vegetables. Line the dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 28
- Saturated Fat: 12
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 28
Keywords: salmon, lemon butter, easy dinner, weeknight meal, baked salmon, quick recipe