Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just thaw it completely in the fridge overnight first. Pat it super dry with paper towels—any extra moisture will make the garlic butter slide right off. I actually keep a few frozen fillets in my freezer for last-minute dinners. Pro tip: if you're in a hurry, seal the frozen salmon in a ziplock bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker thawing (change the water every 30 minutes).

How do I know when the salmon is done?

This was my biggest struggle when I first started making salmon! Here's my foolproof method: gently press the top with your finger—it should feel slightly firm but still give a little, like the fleshy part of your palm below your thumb. The flesh will flake easily with a fork, and look opaque but still slightly translucent in the very center (it keeps cooking after you take it out!). For perfect doneness every time, I use an instant-read thermometer—145°F at the thickest part is ideal.

Why does my garlic sometimes burn?

Oh man, I've been there—nothing worse than bitter, burnt garlic ruining your beautiful salmon! The key is to make sure your oven temp doesn't creep too high (375°F is perfect) and to mince the garlic finely so it cooks evenly. If you're really worried, you can sauté the minced garlic in the butter for just 30 seconds before mixing in the other ingredients—this takes the raw edge off without risking burnt bits.

Can I make this ahead of time?

You can prep the garlic butter mixture up to 2 days in advance—just store it in the fridge and gently rewarm before using. But the salmon itself? Best baked fresh. That said, if you must prep ahead, you can assemble everything on the baking sheet and refrigerate for up to 1 hour before baking—just add an extra minute or two to the cooking time since it'll be going in cold.

What if I don't have fresh lemons?

No fresh lemons? No problem! You can use 1/2 tsp lemon zest + 1 tsp bottled lemon juice in a pinch. Or get creative—orange juice adds a lovely sweetness, or white wine vinegar gives that same bright acidity. I've even used capers with their brine when I was completely out of citrus—it gave a delicious salty-tangy kick that worked surprisingly well!

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon: 25 Minutes to Flaky Perfection

Name: Garlic Butter Baked Salmon: 25 Minutes to Flaky Perfection
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each); 4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tsp dried parsley; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; Lemon slices (for garnish)

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon: 25 Minutes to Flaky Perfection

Print Recipe

A simple and delicious garlic butter baked salmon recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. This dish is rich in flavor and easy to prepare, making it a great choice for weeknight dinners or special gatherings.

Author: Sophia Collins
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Calorie

Ingredients

Scale

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
4 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Lemon slices (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a small bowl, mix melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper.
Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Brush the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish with lemon slices and serve immediately.

Notes

Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet
Calories: 320
Sugar: 0.5g
Sodium: 350mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Protein: 34g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: garlic butter baked salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy dinner

Find it online: https://kitchenuser.net/garlic-butter-baked-salmon-recipe/