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Quick Garlic Butter Baked Salmon in 15 Minutes

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This quick garlic butter baked salmon is a weeknight secret weapon—fancy enough for guests but simple enough for busy evenings. With tender, flaky salmon and a rich garlic butter sauce, it’s ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 cloves fresh garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (from 1 lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Position the rack in the center. Let salmon sit at room temperature for 5 minutes.
  2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and Dijon mustard (if using). Add red pepper flakes if desired.
  4. Place salmon fillets in a baking dish, skin-side down if they have skin. Pour garlic butter mixture evenly over the top.
  5. Bake for 10-12 minutes, depending on thickness. Salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork (internal temperature 125-130°F).
  6. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes for a golden top. Watch closely.
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Spoon pan butter over the top.
  8. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use fillets of similar thickness. If using frozen salmon, thaw completely in the fridge overnight and pat dry. Double the butter sauce for extra to spoon over sides. Leftovers keep in the fridge for up to 3 days; reheat in a 300°F oven for 5-7 minutes.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://sparklespoon.com/quick-garlic-butter-baked-salmon-in-15-minutes/