Name: Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons butter (melted); ½ tablespoon lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves (minced); Kosher salt (to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley; 1 teaspoon finely chopped dill; Lemon slices (for garnish)

There’s something truly satisfying about a simple yet flavorful fish dinner, and this Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Recipe hits all the right notes. It’s buttery, zesty, and perfectly tender every time — a real crowd-pleaser that’s surprisingly easy to pull off.

The image shows a white plate with a cooked piece of pink-orange salmon fillet in the lower left area. The salmon is topped with small bits of garlic, chopped green herbs, and black pepper, with a shiny, slightly moist texture. A silver fork is holding a small piece of the salmon near the front edge of the plate. On the upper right side of the plate, there are several bright green roasted asparagus spears with a slight gloss and bits of garlic sprinkled on top. A light yellow lemon wedge rests near the asparagus on the upper edge of the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface with a soft, diffused light creating gentle shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

I first tried this Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Recipe when I wanted a fuss-free dinner that still felt special—and I’ve been hooked ever since. It’s one of those recipes where the ingredients shine without any complicated steps.

Effortless Flavor: The garlic, lemon, and butter combo gives the salmon just enough punch without overpowering its natural taste.
Quick Cooking Time: It’s ready in about 35 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Consistently Moist Results: Baking at 375°F keeps the fillets tender and flaky — no dry salmon here.
Customizable and Versatile: You can easily swap herbs or add sides to tailor it to your mood or occasion.

Ingredients & Why They Work

This combination of ingredients creates a balance of richness, freshness, and subtle herbal notes that make the salmon sing. Plus, the ingredients are easy to find and keep your cooking straightforward.

Flat lay of four fresh salmon fillets with vibrant pink flesh, a few whole garlic cloves with smooth white skins, a small white ceramic bowl of melted butter, another small white bowl containing fresh lemon juice, a couple of bright yellow lemon slices, a small white bowl of finely chopped green parsley, a small white bowl of finely chopped dill, and two whole uncracked brown eggs placed symmetrically, all arranged neatly and balanced on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, wild-caught if possible for the best flavor and texture.
Butter: Adds that creamy richness that helps keep the salmon moist during baking.
Lemon juice: Brightens the dish and cuts through the richness for perfect balance.
Garlic cloves: Minced for a gentle, aromatic kick without overwhelming the fish.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance the natural taste of the salmon.
Fresh parsley: Adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that complements the lemon.
Fresh dill: Its slightly sweet, anise-like flavor pairs beautifully with fish, making the dish feel fresh.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One of the best parts about this Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Recipe is how flexible it is. I love making it as a base and then adjusting herbs or spices depending on the season or what’s in my fridge.

Variation: Sometimes, I add a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a bit of warmth and color, which adds a lovely smoky nuance to the buttery garlic sauce.
Dietary twist: If you prefer dairy-free, swapping the butter for olive oil works wonderfully and feels a bit lighter.
Fresh herbs switch-up: Try basil or tarragon instead of dill for a different herbal layer that pairs nicely with lemon.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Recipe

The image shows four cooked salmon fillets in a white baking dish on a white marbled surface. The salmon pieces are orange with a moist and tender texture, laid side by side in two rows. On top of each fillet, there are small bits of white garlic, green chopped herbs, and some dill sprigs, adding bright green color. There are also small black pepper specks scattered over the fish. Two lemon wedges, pale yellow with a juicy texture, are placed on the top right and bottom left corners inside the dish. The dish has a slight pool of light yellow butter or oil around the salmon that shines and adds a glossy finish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Prep the Salmon and Make Your Garlic Butter

I always start by letting the salmon sit out for 15 minutes to reach room temperature—it helps the fish cook evenly. Meanwhile, I gently melt the butter and mix in fresh lemon juice; it’s key to balance out the richness. Brush this mixture all over the salmon fillets in your baking dish, making sure every surface is covered so that buttery, lemony goodness soaks in.

Step 2: Season and Bake

Sprinkle that freshly minced garlic, kosher salt, and black pepper evenly over the top. Then pop it into a preheated 375°F oven. I set a timer for about 15 minutes but keep an eye on it—cooking time can vary based on your fillet thickness. You’re aiming for the salmon to flake easily with a fork and look just opaque.

Step 3: Garnish and Enjoy

Once out of the oven, I love sprinkling fresh parsley and dill over the top to bring bright color and fresh herbal notes. A few thin lemon slices on the side add a lovely finishing touch and a burst of citrus aroma at the table.

Top Tip

From my many attempts, I’ve learned a few things that really make this Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Recipe shine. These little tweaks will save you from dry fish or bland flavor, and help you look like a kitchen pro.

Room Temperature Fish: Letting the salmon sit for 15 minutes before baking avoids cold centers and uneven cooking.
Gentle Butter Application: Brushing the melted butter mixture evenly helps lock in moisture and flavor without overpowering.
Watch the Time: Start checking at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking—salmon continues to cook after you pull it from the oven.
Fresh Herbs Last: Add parsley and dill after baking to keep their flavor bright and prevent them from wilting.

How to Serve Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Recipe

Garnishes

I keep it simple here: a sprinkle of fresh parsley and dill, plus a few thin lemon slices. These not only make for a pretty presentation but also add bursts of fresh flavors right at the first bite.

Side Dishes

My favorite pairings are roasted asparagus or garlic butter green beans and a light quinoa or couscous salad. For cozy nights, creamy mashed potatoes or buttery rice pilaf are fantastic companions too.

Creative Ways to Present

For dinner parties, I serve the salmon on a large platter garnished with lemon wedges and extra herbs. Nestling the fillets on a bed of baby spinach adds color and texture, plus it’s easy to pass around.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I tightly wrap leftover salmon in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 2 days. It still tastes great cold or reheated gently.

Freezing

If I want to freeze leftovers, I wrap each piece in foil and then seal in a freezer bag. When thawed overnight in the fridge, the texture stays surprisingly good for a few weeks.

Reheating

To keep the salmon moist, I reheat it in a low 275°F oven, covered with foil, for about 10-15 minutes. Avoid the microwave unless you’re in a pinch—it tends to dry out the fish.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! You can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge before baking. This ensures even cooking and the best texture.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque throughout. Depending on thickness, baking for 15 minutes at 375°F should do the trick.

Can I prepare this recipe without butter?

Absolutely! Olive oil is a great substitute for butter if you want to keep it dairy-free or reduce saturated fat. It still provides a nice coating and helps keep salmon moist.

What sides go best with Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Recipe?

Roasted vegetables, like asparagus or green beans, light grains like quinoa or couscous, and fresh salads complement this dish beautifully and round out your meal.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked Salmon with Garlic and Lemon Recipe is one I always come back to because it’s a reliable, delicious way to enjoy salmon with minimal effort. Whether you’re cooking for family or just yourself, it delivers on flavor, ease, and that warm satisfaction of a home-cooked meal. Give it a try and you’ll see what I mean—salmon doesn’t have to be complicated to be incredible!