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Quick Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon in 20 Minutes

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This quick garlic butter baked salmon with lemon is a foolproof, 20-minute recipe that delivers perfectly flaky, moist salmon with a rich garlic butter crust and bright lemon flavor. It’s the perfect weeknight dinner that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 whole fresh lemon (juice and zest)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
  4. Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Drizzle with olive oil and rub all over. Season generously with salt and pepper.
  5. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well.
  6. Divide the garlic butter mixture evenly among the salmon fillets and spread on top.
  7. Slice the zested lemon into thin rounds and place 2-3 slices on each fillet.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
  9. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes.
  10. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and squeeze extra lemon juice on top if desired. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, let salmon sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking. Pat fillets very dry to ensure a good crust. If fillets are different thicknesses, check thinner ones first. Salmon continues to cook after removal, so pull it at 140°F if using a thermometer. Garlic can burn easily; if your oven runs hot, reduce temperature to 375°F or cover loosely with foil for first 8 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, garlic butter salmon, lemon salmon, quick salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon, easy salmon

Find it online: https://zorbmeal.com/quick-garlic-butter-baked-salmon-with-lemon-in-20-minutes/