Name: Bake Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons butter (melted); ½ tablespoon lemon juice; 3 garlic cloves (minced); Kosher salt (to taste); Freshly ground black pepper (to taste); 1 teaspoon finely chopped parsley; 1 teaspoon finely chopped dill; Lemon slices (for garnish)

There’s something truly comforting about the tangy zest of lemon paired with the rich, savory aroma of garlic in a salmon dish. This Bake Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon Recipe brings those flavors together in a simple, foolproof way that feels special any night of the week.

A white plate with a serving of cooked salmon fillet in the center, its pink-orange flesh flaking apart gently and topped with small pieces of garlic, black pepper, and green herbs, creating a fresh and textured look. To the right side of the plate, a bunch of bright green cooked asparagus spears is laid out neatly, sprinkled lightly with chopped garlic. A small wedge of lemon sits at the top edge of the plate. A silver fork is placed near the bottom center, with a piece of salmon pierced on its tines, resting on the plate. The plate sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Bake Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Bake Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Bake Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Bake Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon Recipe is my go-to whenever I want something impressive but stress-free. It’s all about layering fresh flavors with minimal effort—trust me, it’s a total game changer for busy weeknights or casual dinners with friends.

Effortless Elegance: A few simple ingredients come together to create a gourmet-quality dish without fuss.
Perfectly Moist & Flakey: The butter and lemon juice keep the salmon tender and bursting with flavor every time.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the herbs or add a kick of spice to match your mood or pantry.
Quick to Make: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and last-minute guests.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Bake Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon Recipe has a reason for being here — they balance richness and brightness perfectly. Here are the essentials you’ll want to know about before you shop:

Flat lay of four fresh raw salmon fillets with vivid orange-pink flesh and white marbling, a few bright yellow lemon slices arranged nearby, three whole uncracked white garlic cloves, a small white ceramic bowl of melted golden butter, a small white ceramic bowl of clear lemon juice, a small white ceramic bowl with finely chopped vibrant green parsley, a small white ceramic bowl with finely chopped fresh dill, a small white ceramic bowl containing coarse kosher salt, and a small white ceramic bowl with freshly ground black peppercorns, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon fillets: Choose fresh, firm fillets with the skin removed for even cooking and easy serving.
Butter: Melted butter adds richness and helps the lemon and garlic flavors soak into the fish.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the buttery texture.
Garlic cloves: Minced garlic lends an aromatic kick that complements the natural oils in the salmon.
Kosher salt and black pepper: Season generously to enhance all the flavors without overpowering.
Fresh parsley: Offers a mild, herbaceous touch that makes the salmon pop with freshness.
Fresh dill: Adds a delicate, slightly tangy edge that pairs beautifully with fish.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

I love how versatile this Bake Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon Recipe is—you can switch up the herbs or even add a splash of white wine for a slightly different vibe. Don’t be afraid to play with the flavors to make it truly yours!

Variation: Sometimes I like adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky warmth—it’s a favorite tweak for fall dinners.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Bake Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon Recipe

The image shows three thick fillets of cooked salmon placed side by side in a white rectangular baking dish on a white marbled surface. Each salmon fillet is orange-pink with a moist texture and is topped with small green herb leaves and finely minced garlic, creating a lightly textured layer. A few sprigs of dill are scattered on top of the fillets, adding feathery green details. Lemon wedges with a bright yellow color rest at the edges inside the baking dish, one near the top right corner and another near the bottom left corner. A light layer of melted butter and seasoning pools around the salmon, shining with a glossy finish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Bring the Salmon to Room Temperature and Prep the Butter Mixture

I always start by letting the salmon sit out for about 15 minutes to take the chill off—that little step helps it cook more evenly and keeps the texture beautifully tender. While you wait, I mix melted butter with freshly squeezed lemon juice (a little goes a long way here!) and get that buttery, lemony magic ready to brush on the fish.

Step 2: Brush, Season, and Get Ready to Bake

Next, lay your salmon fillets in a baking dish and generously brush on the garlic-lemon butter mixture. This is where the flavor starts soaking in—don’t be shy with the seasoning, especially salt and pepper. Then, sprinkle minced garlic right on top so the aroma fills your kitchen as it bakes.

Step 3: Bake and Dress with Fresh Herbs

Pop the baking dish into a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook—the salmon should flake easily with a fork but still feel juicy inside. Once it’s out, sprinkle finely chopped parsley and dill over the top to brighten everything up.

Top Tip

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that really make this Bake Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon Recipe sing. Trying these will help you get restaurant-worthy results from your own oven.

Room Temperature Salmon: Always let the fillets warm up before baking to avoid uneven cooking.
Butter & Lemon Ratio: The secret is a gentle balance—too much lemon can overpower; too little, and it’s dull. I trust about half a tablespoon of juice per batch.
Avoid Overbaking: Salmon cooks fast—sticking close to 12-15 minutes ensures moist, flaky perfection.
Fresh Herbs: Add parsley and dill right before serving for that fresh, vibrant finish.

How to Serve Bake Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon Recipe

garlic lemon salmon - Serving Suggestion

Garnishes

I’m quite loyal to fresh parsley and dill here—they add a pop of color and freshness that livens up the buttery richness. A few thin lemon slices or wedges on the side never hurt either, especially if you like an extra squeeze on your plate.

Side Dishes

My favorite sides are simple and clean: roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette. These let the salmon shine as the star of the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I like serving this salmon over a bed of lemony quinoa or wild rice with sprigs of dill tucked around. Sometimes I plate it alongside a vibrant beet and citrus salad for a pop of color and extra zing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, I recommend storing them in an airtight container in the fridge within two hours of cooking. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days—just make sure to keep the herbs separate or add fresh ones when reheating to maintain brightness.

Freezing

Freezing cooked salmon can be a bit tricky because of texture changes, but if you wrap it tightly in foil and then in a freezer bag, it can last up to 1 month. Thaw gently in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftover salmon in a low oven (around 275°F) wrapped loosely in foil to avoid drying out. A quick zap in the microwave on low power works too if you’re in a hurry, just watch closely so it doesn’t overcook.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What temperature should I bake salmon for the best results?

For this Bake Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon Recipe, 375°F (190°C) is ideal. It cooks the salmon evenly without drying it out, giving you tender, flakey fillets in about 12 to 15 minutes.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes! If you're using frozen salmon, be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before making this Bake Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon Recipe. Pat the fillets dry to ensure the butter and lemon mixture sticks well.

What’s the best way to know when the salmon is done baking?

Look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork but still has a moist, slightly translucent center. Overcooking will make it dry and tough, so check around 12 minutes and adjust depending on thickness.

Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

You can prepare the garlic-lemon butter mixture ahead of time and keep it refrigerated. Brush it on just before baking the salmon for the freshest flavor. However, it’s best to bake salmon just before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Bake Perfect Garlic Lemon Salmon Recipe has become a little kitchen secret of mine for turning simple ingredients into a genuinely satisfying meal. It hits all the right notes—fresh, flavorful, and easy—and I can’t wait for you to make it your own and enjoy it as much as I do.