Baked Lemon Herb Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

This baked lemon herb salmon is a quick and healthy weeknight dinner that tastes gourmet. Salmon fillets are seasoned with lemon, garlic, and herbs then roasted until flaky. A savory garlic butter sauce is drizzled over the top for incredible flavor. Read on for tips to make perfect baked salmon and this must-try garlic butter sauce recipe.

Benefits of Baking Salmon

Baking salmon has many advantages over other cooking methods:

Enhances Flavor

Baking condenses flavors as moisture evaporates.

Prevents Overcooking

The oven’s steady, even heat cooks salmon gently.

Easy Clean-Up

No need to clean a pan since it bakes on a sheet.

Healthy Technique

No need for added fat to prevent sticking.

Hands-Off Cooking

Simply season, pop into oven, and bake.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Salmon

Follow these tips for tender, flaky baked salmon fillets:

Preheat Properly

Fully preheat the oven for even cooking.

Pat Salmon Dry

Remove excess moisture from the fish's surface to help it brown.

Brush Neutral Oil

Coat salmon with a high smoke point oil like avocado oil to prevent sticking.

Season Generously

Salt, pepper, garlic powder, herbs, citrus and more.

Use Broil Setting

Broil for a crispy top then bake at 400°F until cooked through.

Rest Before Serving

Let salmon sit 5 minutes after baking so juices distribute evenly.

How to Make Lemon Herb Baked Salmon

This simple recipe delivers incredible flavor:

Ingredients

Salmon fillets, olive oil, salt, pepper, lemon juice and zest, garlic, fresh dill or parsley.

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment.

2. Pat salmon dry and place on prepared baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and season.

3. Bake 10-12 minutes until opaque and flakes easily.

4. Let rest 5 minutes then serve.

Seasoning Combos

- Lemon, garlic, dill

- Lime, cilantro, chili powder

- Orange, thyme, pepper

- Maple syrup, chili flakes, rosemary

How to Make Garlic Butter Sauce

Drizzle this savory garlic butter sauce over baked salmon for next-level flavor.

Ingredients

Butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt and pepper.

Directions

1. Melt butter in a small skillet over medium heat.

2. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant.

3. Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and parsley.

4. Season with salt and pepper.

5. Drizzle sauce over salmon before serving.

Variations

- Add capers, dill, or Dijon mustard to the sauce.

- Use lime juice instead of lemon for a tangy twist.

- Swap in basil, cilantro or chives instead of parsley.

More Delicious Baked Salmon Recipes

Experiment with endless flavor combinations like:

1. Everything Bagel Salmon

Top salmon with a mixture of toasted sesame seeds, dried garlic and onion, poppy seeds, and salt.

2. Baked Salmon Teriyaki

Brush salmon with a sweet and sticky teriyaki marinade before baking.

3. Baked Salmon with Avocado Salsa

Serve salmon baked with southwestern spices alongside a chunky avocado salsa.

4. Salmon with Creamy Dill Sauce

Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, and garlic into a quick sauce for baked salmon.

5. Sheet Pan Salmon and Potatoes

Bake salmon alongside seasoned roasted potatoes and vegetables.

Tips for Perfectly Baked Salmon Every Time

Refer to these tips for flawlessly cooked salmon fillets:

Use Fresh Salmon

Buy sushi grade or wild caught salmon and cook within 2 days.

Brush with Oil

Lightly coating the salmon helps it brown and not stick.

Season Under Skin

Sliding spices and herbs under the skin infuses maximum flavor.

Check Doneness Carefully

Salmon is done when opaque and just flakes with a fork.

Baked Lemon Herb Salmon is a Weeknight Winner

This easy baked salmon recipe packed with bright flavors is sure to become a regular rotation meal. Salmon fillets bake in under 15 minutes for a healthy main dish that tastes gourmet. Serve it alongside fresh veggies or a salad for a satisfying meal that will have the whole family asking for seconds.

5 FAQs about Baked Lemon Herb Salmon

1. What temperature do you bake salmon at?

400°F is ideal, or broil first then bake at 400°F.

2. How long does it take to cook salmon in the oven?

8-12 minutes generally, depending on thickness. Check for doneness at the minimum time.

3. What are the best herbs for salmon?

Dill, parsley, basil, thyme, rosemary, tarragon, cilantro all pair well with salmon.

4. How do you prevent overcooked baked salmon?

Brine salmon first to keep it moist. Don't overbake - check doneness early.

5. Can you freeze baked salmon?

Yes, freezer it in an airtight container up to 2-3 months.