Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon

Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon is one of those recipes that feels fancy yet comes together with hardly any effort and a handful of everyday ingredients. I love how it fills my kitchen with a warm, garlicky aroma that instantly makes everyone hungry and happy.

I’m always drawn to recipes that deliver both flavor and simplicity, and this one checks all the boxes. It’s quick to prepare, easy to clean up since it’s baked on foil, and the result is beautifully flaky salmon coated in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce.

What I like most about this dish is that it’s versatile enough for a weekday dinner yet elegant enough for guests. The tang of lemon balances the richness of the salmon, and the garlic butter soaks right into every bite, making it irresistibly moist.

If you’ve ever felt nervous about baking fish, this is your sign to give it a try. It’s nearly impossible to mess up, and once you see how juicy and flavorful the salmon turns out, you’ll never go back to dry or bland fillets again.

Let’s dive in because this baked lemon garlic salmon deserves a spot on your dinner table tonight!

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe, and you can always adjust to your taste!

• Salmon fillet – The star of the dish, rich and full of omega-3s.
• Garlic – Brings bold, savory depth to the flavor.
• Lemon – Adds brightness and freshness that balances the buttery sauce.
• Olive oil – Helps the salmon cook evenly and stay tender.
• Butter – Creates a velvety sauce that enhances the garlic and lemon.
• Paprika – Adds a warm color and a gentle smoky note.
• Salt and black pepper – Essential for seasoning.
• Fresh parsley – For garnish and a pop of herbal freshness.

Tools You’ll Need

• Baking sheet – To hold the salmon and catch the sauce.
• Aluminum foil – For easy cleanup and even cooking.
• Small bowl – To mix the lemon-garlic sauce.
• Whisk or spoon – For stirring the sauce ingredients together.
• Oven mitts – Safety first when handling hot pans!

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

I start by preheating my oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot and ready when the salmon goes in.

Step 2: Prepare the Baking Sheet

I line a baking sheet with aluminum foil to make cleanup a breeze, then place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the foil.

Step 3: Mix the Lemon Garlic Sauce

In a small bowl, I whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, and black pepper until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Coat the Salmon

I pour the sauce over the salmon, making sure it’s evenly covered. I also like to place thin lemon slices on top for extra citrus aroma as it bakes.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon

I bake the salmon for about 15–20 minutes, depending on its thickness, until it flakes easily with a fork.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Once baked, I sprinkle fresh parsley over the top and drizzle a bit of the pan sauce before serving.

Tips

If you want to add a little heat, I sometimes mix in a pinch of red pepper flakes with the sauce. For extra richness, try using half butter and half olive oil. You can also add a few capers or a splash of white wine to the sauce for a restaurant-style finish.

Ways to Serve

I love serving baked lemon garlic salmon with roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light couscous salad. It’s also great on a bed of rice or with a fresh green salad for a lighter meal. If you have leftovers, they make an amazing salmon sandwich or salad topper the next day.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I bake lemon garlic salmon?
It usually takes 15–20 minutes at 400°F, depending on the thickness of the fillet.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning.

Should I cover the salmon with foil while baking?
I prefer baking it uncovered so the edges get a light golden color, but you can cover it halfway through if you want a softer texture.

What sides go best with baked lemon garlic salmon?
Steamed asparagus, rice pilaf, or roasted potatoes pair beautifully with this dish.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try this baked lemon garlic salmon soon! It’s one of those dishes that never fails to impress, and it’s so simple that it quickly becomes a weeknight favorite. Don’t forget to share how yours turns out or save it for your next dinner gathering.

Print