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Easy Lemon Butter Salmon Bake – 30-Min Light & Flaky Dinner

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A quick and easy lemon butter salmon bake that delivers tender, flaky fish in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this simple recipe uses basic ingredients to create a bright, buttery sauce that makes every bite memorable.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170g each)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (60g)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • Lemon slices for garnish (optional)
  • Fresh dill or thyme sprigs for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Let the salmon fillets sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
  3. In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium-low heat. Add the minced garlic and lemon zest, cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and half of the chopped parsley.
  4. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down in a 9×13-inch baking dish, leaving space between each piece. Pour the lemon butter sauce over the fillets, ensuring even coating.
  5. Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Optionally, broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for a golden top.
  6. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with remaining parsley and garnish with lemon slices.

Notes

Don’t skip the resting time at room temperature for even cooking. Watch the garlic carefully to avoid burning. Use an instant-read thermometer for perfect doneness (125°F/52°C). Bake uncovered for best texture. Double the sauce if you want extra for drizzling.

Nutrition

Keywords: lemon butter salmon, salmon bake, easy salmon recipe, 30-minute dinner, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon, gluten-free salmon

Find it online: https://tinastirs.com/easy-lemon-butter-salmon-bake-30-min-light-and-flaky-dinner/