This Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe is a flaky and moist recipe, which is made with fresh garlic and lemon juice. It’s a straightforward recipe, ready in about 30 minutes.
Jump to RecipeGarlic Butter Baked Salmon Ingredients
- 1 ½ – 2 lbs salmon fillet (or about six (4oz) portions)
- salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Garlic Butter:
- 3 Tablespoons butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices, for garnish, optional
How To Make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
- Let the salmon rest: Take the salmon out of the refrigerator and let it rest on the counter for 20-30 minutes to come closer to room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Prep the oven and pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a sheet pan with a piece of aluminum foil and lightly spray it with non-stick cooking spray. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and place it on the foil, skin side down.
- Make the garlic butter: In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Bake until flaky: Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the flesh of the salmon. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices, if desired, and serve immediately.
Recipe Tips
- How do you keep salmon from drying out? The number one rule is do not overcook it. Salmon is best when it’s cooked to medium, about 125-130°F on an instant-read thermometer. It will continue to cook slightly after you remove it from the oven.
- Should I bake salmon covered or uncovered in foil? For this recipe, baking the salmon uncovered is best. It allows the garlic butter on top to roast slightly and develop flavor. If you prefer a more steamed, extra-moist texture, you can loosely tent the foil over the salmon.
- What’s the best salmon to use? Any type of salmon fillet works well, such as Atlantic, King, or Sockeye. Keeping the skin on during baking is a great way to help keep the fish moist and tender.
- How do I know when salmon is done? Besides using a thermometer, the visual test is very reliable. Gently press on the thickest part of the fillet with a fork. If the flesh easily separates into flakes, it’s ready.
What To Serve With Baked Salmon
This simple and elegant main course pairs well with a wide variety of side dishes. Some classic options include:
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- A fluffy rice pilaf or quinoa
- Lemon-herb roasted potatoes
- A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette
How To Store Baked Salmon
- Refrigerate: Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s delicious enjoyed cold the next day on top of a salad or gently reheated.
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 360kcal
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Protein: 23g
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Cholesterol: 118mg
- Sodium: 240mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Yes, the recipe notes suggest this is a great method. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F and cook the seasoned salmon for 8-10 minutes, until it’s cooked to your desired doneness.
It’s not a mandatory step, but it is highly recommended. Letting the cold salmon sit at room temperature for 20 minutes helps it cook much more evenly from edge to center.
Yes, but you must thaw it completely first. For the best results, let the salmon thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Before cooking, pat it very dry with paper towels to ensure you get a good texture.
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Salmon Burger Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels Recipe
- Trader Joe’s BBQ Cut Salmon Recipe
Trader Joe’s Salmon Recipe (Easy Garlic Butter Baked Salmon)
Course: DinnerCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy6
servings10
minutes15
minutes360
kcalA perfectly flaky and moist baked salmon fillet brushed with a simple, flavorful garlic butter sauce, ready in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
1 ½ – 2 lbs salmon fillet
Salt and black pepper
3 Tbsp butter, melted
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp lemon juice
Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
Directions
- Fresh parsley and lemon slices for garnish (optional)
- Pat the salmon dry and place it skin-side down on a foil-lined, greased baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, minced garlic, and lemon juice.
- Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices before serving.
Notes
- The most important tip for great salmon is not to overcook it. Check for doneness early, especially if your fillet is thin.
- Allowing the salmon to sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before baking helps ensure it cooks evenly.
- For easy cleanup, use a piece of aluminum foil on your baking sheet that is large enough to fold over the salmon if you prefer a more steamed texture.
