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This Lemon Garlic Salmon is tender, flaky, and packed with fresh lemon and garlic flavor. This easy recipe uses simple, budget friendly ingredients and has been family-tested to make sure it’s worth making again.
Why You’ll Love Lemon Garlic Salmon!
Lemon Garlic Salmon is one of those recipes I turn to again and again when I want something that feels light, fresh, and satisfying without a lot of effort.
The combination of zesty lemon and savory garlic enhances the salmon without overpowering it, making this dish feel both simple and elegant. It’s perfect for busy nights but also impressive enough to serve to guests.
Cooking Salmon in the oven is a simple way to cook our favorite seafood recipe because it is healthy and packed with fatty acids and omega-3! It cooks tender and flaky everytime with this simple recipe. If you love this salmon recipe try our Grilled Salmon Tacos or Slow Cooker Salmon.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets – We cooked skin-on salmon fillet
- Melted butter – We used unsalted butter but use what you prefer
- Olive Oil – Avocado oil is a great substitute
- Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon gives so much flavor
- Minced Cloves Garlic – Learn How to Mince Garlic Cloves
- Simple Spices – All you need is kosher salt and pepper
- Chopped fresh parsley – For serving
Scroll to the recipe card for the full recipe details.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Salmon
Step 1 – Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and spray with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
Step 2 – Place salmon fillets in the dish, pat them dry with paper towels, and let them sit for about 15 minutes to come to room temperature.
Step 3 – In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
Step 4 – Brush the lemon garlic butter glaze evenly over the top of the salmon and the sides, making sure they are fully coated.
Step 5 – Bake for 12–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. (My fillets took 17 minutes.) The salmon should flake easily with a fork or reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Step 6 – Allow it to rest for 3 minutes after removing from the oven.
Step 7 – Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley or chives and fresh lemon slices over the juicy salmon if desired. Enjoy!
Lemon Garlic Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets skin on (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1.5 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- Ground black pepper to taste
- Chopped fresh parsley for serving
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F. Line a 9×13-inch baking dish with foil and spray with cooking spray for easy cleanup.
- Place the salmon fillets in the dish, pat them dry with paper towels, and let them sit for about 15 minutes to come to room temperature.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- Brush the garlic-lemon mixture evenly over the tops and sides of each salmon fillet, making sure they are fully coated.
- Bake for 12–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. (My fillets took 17 minutes.) The salmon should flake easily with a fork or reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
- Allow it to rest for 3 minutes after removing from the oven.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and fresh lemon wedges if desired. Enjoy!
Recipe Video
Recipe Notes
Simple Tips for the Best Flavor
- Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
- Let salmon rest a few minutes before serving.
- Add lemon zest for extra citrus punch.
- Finish with fresh chopped parsley for color and freshness.
- For a golden brown finish, turn your oven to the broiler option at 450 degrees and continue cooking for 3 minutes.
Variations Ideas
- Lemon Herb Salmon – Add ½ teaspoon of fresh herbs such as thyme or dill for added flavor.
- Spicy Lemon Salmon – Add ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick of flavor.
- Honey Lemon Salmon – Add a drizzle of honey for a hint of sweetness.
Nutrition Facts
What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Salmon?
Salmon is healthy and delicious seafood recipe that we make often. We love to pair it with a side of Microwave Brown Rice and Air Fryer Broccoli but it also pairs perfectly with a side of Steamed Asparagus Recipe, Yukon Gold Mashed Potatoes or Parmesan Roasted Zucchini or any vegetables for a complete meal idea.
For even more ideas, check out these Best Side Dishes for Salmon.
How to Know When Salmon is Cooked Through
Cooking time will vary depending on your oven and the size of the salmon. It is important to check the internal temperature of the salmon to see if it is fully cooked.
We recommend using a instant-read thermometer to check to make sure internal temperature is 145 degrees before removing from the oven.
Lemon Garlic Salmon FAQ
Yes! You can use frozen salmon in this recipe if you prefer, just make sure to defrost the salmon out fully before cooking.
To keep lemon garlic salmon moist, cook it just until it flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Using olive oil or butter and avoiding overcooking are the keys to juicy salmon.
Yes! This is a great protein to have in the fridge when you need something quick to reheat.
Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days. Reheat in the microwave, oven, stove top or air fryer.
More Easy Salmon Recipes
Easy Seafood
Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
Recipe By Cuisine
Blackened Salmon
Easy Grilling
Herb Grilled Salmon Olive Garden Recipe
We love hearing from our readers! If you make this Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe, don’t forget to leave a comment or star review and share your thoughts.
I made this twice already. My daughter loved it. She wants me to make it 3 times a week..I’m going to try because I’m on a budget. She eats the salmon only with broccoli. As long as she eats I’m happy because she’s a very picky eater..Ma’am there are alot of recipes that she enjoys… especially the crockpot recipes..I wanted to say thank you so much for making me a happy mom. Keep the recipes coming…lol…I would really want a recipe with shrimps.. she also enjoys eating shrimps… thank you!
Hey Sunshine! You made our day! Thank you for sharing such a sweet comment. I am so happy that your daughter is enjoying the salmon. I will leave a link below to our seafood recipes that include lots of shrimp recipes too. Please let me know what you think once you try them! Hope you have a great day!
https://www.eatingonadime.com/category/recipe-by-protein/seafood/