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Best Garlic Butter Baked Salmon with Lemon – Easy 20-Minute Dinner

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This garlic butter baked salmon with lemon is a quick, easy, and delicious weeknight dinner that comes together in just 20 minutes. The butter keeps the salmon tender, the garlic infuses every flake, and the lemon brightens everything up without overwhelming the fish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons of softened unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, the zest of 1 lemon, 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. If using red pepper flakes, add them now. Mix until well combined.
  3. Pat the 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if they have skin, leaving at least an inch of space between each fillet.
  4. Divide the garlic butter evenly among the fillets (about 1 tablespoon per fillet) and spread it in an even layer over the top of each fillet.
  5. Cut the zested lemon in half. Squeeze the juice from one half evenly over the fillets. Slice the remaining half into thin rounds and place a slice or two on top of each fillet.
  6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 125°F to 130°F in the thickest part.
  7. Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh chopped parsley if using, and serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side.

Notes

Don’t skip drying the salmon; pat fillets dry so the butter adheres. Let butter soften naturally for even spreading. Watch the garlic to prevent burning; if it darkens too much, tent with foil. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness (125°F for medium-rare, 130°F for medium). If fillets are different thicknesses, cut thinner ones into smaller portions or add them later.

Nutrition

Keywords: garlic butter salmon, baked salmon, lemon salmon, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy dinner, 20-minute meal

Find it online: https://twirltaste.com/best-garlic-butter-baked-salmon-with-lemon-easy-20-minute-dinner/