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Four baked salmon fillets drenched in garlic butter sauce and fresh dill on a white platter

Restaurant-Style Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Tender, flaky salmon fillets drenched in a rich, aromatic garlic-herb butter sauce with a splash of fresh lemon. This foolproof, 25-minute recipe delivers restaurant-quality results, making it the perfect healthy and elegant dinner for busy weeknights or special occasions
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, seafood
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
  • 6 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh Dill (for garnish)
  • Lemon Wedges (for serving)

Method
 

  1. Preheat: Set oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly grease.
  2. Prep Salmon: Pat fillets dry. Check for pin bones. Place on the baking sheet.
  3. Mix Glaze: Whisk melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, parsley, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a small bowl.
  4. Season: Season salmon lightly with salt and pepper, then generously brush the garlic butter mixture over each fillet
  5. Bake: Bake for 12–15 minutes. Halfway through, baste the salmon with the juices from the pan.
  6. Rest & Serve: Let rest for 2–3 minutes. Garnish with fresh dill and serve with lemon wedges.

Notes

Don’t Overcook: The biggest mistake with salmon is leaving it in too long. Take it out when it’s just slightly translucent in the center; the "carry-over cooking" while it rests will finish it perfectly.
Room Temperature: Try to take your salmon out of the fridge 15–20 minutes before cooking. This ensures the fillets cook evenly from edge to center.
Skin-on vs. Skinless: If using skin-on fillets, bake them skin-side down. The skin acts as a safety barrier between the hot pan and the delicate flesh, keeping it moist.
Fresh Garlic is Key: Avoid the pre-minced garlic in jars for this recipe. Freshly minced garlic provides a much stronger, sweeter aroma when mixed with melted butter.