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The Best 20-Minute Garlic Butter Salmon: Juicy and Flaky

A perfectly cooked, glazed salmon fillet topped with fresh parsley, resting in a rich brown sauce.
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You will make restaurant-quality Garlic Butter Salmon in just 20 minutes. This recipe guarantees juicy, flaky salmon coated in a rich, simple lemon garlic butter sauce. It is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressive meals.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 (6 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels. This step helps achieve a better sear or crust. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper.
  3. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter over low heat or in 20-second intervals.
  5. Add the minced garlic to the melted butter and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Do not let the garlic brown.
  6. Remove the butter mixture from the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice.
  7. Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
  8. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. For thicker fillets, you may need up to 18 minutes.
  9. Remove the salmon from the oven. Drizzle any remaining pan juices over the fish and garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving immediately.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, you can sear the salmon in a hot, oven-safe skillet for 2 minutes per side before transferring the skillet to the oven to finish cooking.
  • If you want a Texas Roadhouse style flavor, add 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika to the butter mixture.
  • This recipe works well for meal prep; store cooled salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://tastetaught.com/easy-garlic-butter-salmon-recipe/