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Perfect Baked Salmon with Garlic Herb Butter – Easy 20-Minute Dinner

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This perfect baked salmon with garlic herb butter is a quick and easy 20-minute dinner that looks impressive but requires minimal effort. Flaky salmon topped with a rich, garlicky herb butter makes for a delicious and healthy meal perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each, skin-on or skinless)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, snipped
  • 1 medium lemon (zest and juice)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional garnish: lemon wedges, extra fresh herbs, flaky sea salt

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
  2. Make the garlic herb butter: In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons softened unsalted butter, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons chopped parsley, 1 tablespoon chopped dill, 1 tablespoon snipped chives, and the zest of half a lemon. Mix with a fork until well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Prep the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if they have skin. Drizzle with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper on both sides.
  4. Top with the herb butter: Divide the garlic herb butter evenly among the fillets, spreading it over the top of each piece. Squeeze a little lemon juice over each fillet (about half a lemon total).
  5. Bake the salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. For 1-inch thick fillets, 13 minutes is usually perfect. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 125°F to 130°F at the thickest part.
  6. Let it rest: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest on the baking sheet for 2 to 3 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
  7. Serve immediately: Transfer the salmon to plates or a serving platter. Spoon any remaining melted butter from the pan over the top. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges, extra herbs, and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt if desired.

Notes

For best results, let salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking. Pat fillets dry to ensure a nice crust. Don’t overcook; salmon continues to cook after removal from oven. Leftover butter from the pan can be drizzled over vegetables or rice. Leftover salmon keeps in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, garlic herb butter, easy salmon recipe, quick dinner, healthy salmon, 20-minute meal, weeknight dinner

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