You’ll love how simple and delicious this Baked Salmon Recipe is! I use fresh lemon juice, melted butter, and fresh garlic, along with a blend of spices to bring out the rich, delicate flavors of the salmon. The fish is then wrapped in foil and baked to perfection, ensuring it stays moist and tender. Ready in less than 30 minutes, this no-fuss, no-mess recipe is perfect for a busy weeknight. Plus, the foil makes cleanup a breeze! It’s a family-favorite that’s sure to become a regular at your dinner table.
I’ve been making this recipe for years, and every time I do, my family always asks for more. They’ve actually started calling me the Queen of Salmon Recipes and for good reason! I’m constantly testing and retesting new salmon dishes for both my family and my readers.
Here at Primavera Kitchen, you’ll find over 25 salmon recipes to suit every taste. From a simple Pan Seared Salmon, to sweet and tangy Honey Garlic Salmon, crispy Broiled Salmon, flavorful Air Fryer Salmon Bites, and even hearty Salmon Steaks—you name it, it’s here.
But one of my all-time favorites is this Baked Salmon recipe. Not only is it absolutely delicious, but it’s also flaky and packed with flavor from the garlic butter and lemon sauce. Plus, it’s a breeze to make since it’s cooked in foil. Easy cleanup included!
If you’re looking for delicious side dishes to go with this baked salmon, try it with some green beans, broccoli, mashed potatoes, roasted asparagus, and/or rice.
Recipe Ingredients
Salmon – After making this recipe so many times, I’ve found that high-quality salmon is essential for the best flavor and texture. Wild-caught salmon is my top choice for its superior taste and sustainability.
Lemon Juice and Garlic – I’ve tested this recipe with both fresh lemon juice and bottled, and I can confidently say that fresh lemon juice adds the brightest, zestiest flavor. Freshly minced garlic infuses the butter with an irresistible aroma that pairs perfectly with the salmon.
Melted Butter – After experimenting with different fats, I’ve found that melted butter gives the creamiest texture and enhances the natural flavor of the salmon, creating that luscious garlic butter sauce.
Seasoning (Spices) – I used kosher salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and crushed red pepper for a well-rounded flavor with a little heat. But after testing, I’ve found paprika, garlic powder, thyme, and Italian seasoning also work beautifully, so feel free to mix it up.
How to Choose the Best Salmon!
Fresh-ish Isn’t Always Fresh
Unless you’re snagging it straight off the boat or from a top-tier fish market, “fresh” salmon on ice might’ve traveled far and wide. Instead, go for frozen—it’s usually flash-frozen at sea, locking in peak freshness.
Pick Your Star Players
When it comes to flavor and quality, King, Sockeye, and Coho salmon steal the spotlight. Look for bright pink flesh and good marbling—they’re the real MVPs of the seafood counter.
Wild Is the Way to Go
Wild-caught salmon isn’t just tastier—it also has that beautiful vibrant color. Plus, it’s free from the antibiotics and pollutants that farmed salmon sometimes carries.
How To Make Baked Salmon
- Thaw salmon overnight in the fridge (place it on a plate to catch any drips). In a pinch, submerge it in a bowl of cold water—it should be ready in about an hour, depending on thickness.
- Preheat the oven to 400ºF and prepare a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
- In a small bowl, add lemon juice, garlic, and melted butter and whisk until combined.
- Remove the salmon from the fridge and pat it dry with a paper towel. Place the salmon (skin side down) on a baking sheet and pour the butter mixture over it.
- Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon to fully seal it.
- Place the sheet pan into the oven, and bake until cooked, about 12-16 minutes.
- Open the foil, and broil salmon for 2-3 minutes until the tops are golden. Be careful not to burn the fish by keeping a close eye on it.
- Remove the sheet pan from the oven when the salmon flakes easily with a fork. For perfect doneness, insert a thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon —it should read 145°F.
How long do you cook salmon in the oven at 400?
It will depend on the size and the thickness of your salmon filet. If your filet is very thick, I would say about 15 minutes in the oven at 400ºF. But it has a normal size, I would say about 12-13 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
How to Tell When Salmon Is Done
Use a thermometer: Insert it into the thickest part.
- 115–125°F: Medium-rare
- 125–140°F: Medium to well-done
- 140°F: Fully cooked—take it out!
No thermometer? Gently flake the salmon with a fork. It should separate easily and look cooked to your preference.
Know your preference: Like steak, salmon doneness is personal. Try a few levels to find what you like best.
Ways to use leftover salmon
- Salmon tacos: shred the salmon up and serve it in a taco and salad.
- Salmon pasta: roughly chop up the leftover and add it to a pasta
- Salmon salad: break up the salmon with a fork and toss it in a leafy salad or greek salad.
- You can make salmon meal-prep for your lunch week since it stays go in the fridge for up 4 days.
- You can also make this quick and easy salmon patties.
To Store — Transfer leftover to an airtight glass container and keep in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Or, portion it out into meal prep containers to have for lunches throughout the week.
To Freeze — I like to place it in an airtight freezer-friendly container or freezer bags. Keep in the freezer for up to 4 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
To Reheat — Heat the leftovers in the microwave or on the stovetop. Add some olive oil to a hot pan and add the salmon to it. Cook until heated through.
More Salmon Recipes to Know:
Garlic Butter Baked Salmon – Foil Packet & Full of Flavor
Video
Ingredients
- 1¼ pounds salmon fillet
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or melted ghee
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley to garnish
- lemon slices to garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet. The piece of foil should be large enough to fold over and seal the fish.
- In a small bowl, add lemon juice, garlic, and melted butter or melted ghee. Whisk everything together.
- Place the salmon on the prepared baking sheet. Pour the butter mixture over the salmon.
- Season with salt, pepper, oregano, and red pepper flakes.
- Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon. Make sure it is well sealed so that the sauce does not leak. Place the pan into the oven, and bake until cooked, about 12-16 minutes. The cooking time depends on the thickness of the fillet.*
- Open the foil, and broil the fish for 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to burn the fish!
- Remove from the oven. Using a spoon, pour some of the butter sauce left in the foil onto the salmon before serving. Then, garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon slices.
Notes
- Do not wrap the salmon too tightly as the tin foil can take off some of the salmon, making it less pretty when serving.
- Avoid using parchment paper when broiling salmon, as it can easily burn under high heat.
- And if you love salmon recipes, try these delicious salmon recipes.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Did You Make This?
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Look delicious !!! i love them 🙂
Thanks!
Can you still make this recipe if the broiler in your oven doesn’t work?
Yes for sure. The broiler is just to give a brown/golden look to the fish.
This is so easy and so wonderful. I kept the recipe to make it again and again. LOVE, Love, LOVE it!!!!!
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed this recipe 😉
Ah-maze-zing! First time I’ve ever successfully made salmon, and house doesn’t smell like fish because it’s cooked in a packet. Thank you!
That’s awesome to hear that! Thank you so much for trying this recipe and your feedback 😉
My family has never really been a huge fan of Salmon but this recipe looked good so I decided to give it a try. I’m only 20 years d and I’ve been trying really hard to teach myself how to cook. This was Without a doubt the best Salmon I’ve ever had! Everyone else loved it too. It also went very well with the lemon couscous I made.
Ashley, good for you for working hard to learn the skills involved in cooking delicious and healthy meals. You and your loved ones will benefit from your efforts for many decades. Pairing this salmon with lemon couscous was a yummy idea. Sounds like you’re going to be a great cook! Good luck!
Wasn’t cooked nearly enough. Longer and higher.
It depends on the oven. You have to check it every 5 mins after the cooking time!
Hello Olivia,
This was the perfect recipe! Even for someone like me who struggles in the kitchen…. I was able to make something healthy and yummy. Thank you for the inspiration to keep trying!
I’m so happy to hear that, Ximena. Hope you keep making it! This recipe is so easy, but yet very flavourful. I always make this recipe for my family and they love too 😉
This recipe is wonderful, and I used it several times already. I was wondering if it’s ok to make the fish in parchment paper? I read so much about the danger of using aluminum foil in cooking.
Yes, of course! It works just fine 😉
Hi! I was going to try and make this tonight, but was wondering what to do about the skin? I am also a novice in the kitchen!
You bake it with the skin. But if you don’t like it you can remove it after cooking!
The skin is where a lot of the nutrients are. We always eat it with the fish when fully cooked.
I made this tonight. Best Salmon ever! Thank you for the recipe.
Wow thank you! So happy to hear that 😉
This is a fantastic recipe. I’ve done salmon many different ways, but this is one of the easiest, best tasting ones anyone will find. I even used the grill rather than baking in the oven. It works just as well. I actually have already repeated it because it is so quick as well. Going for number three this weekend.
Jay, this makes me so happy to hear! I’m glad you loved it. Thanks so much for trying the recipe and stopping by to leave this lovely review.
Excellent flavor!!!!!!
Thank you so much for stopping by and giving me your review 😉
This was delish
I had my own fresh dill from the garden
Definitely will be using his recipe again!
Excellent! I’m very glad you liked this recipe and thanks a lot for stopping by 😉
Thank you for this recipe. I made baked salmon for the first time with this recipe for my partner and she loved it! It definitely gave me the confidence to keep learning new dishes. The best parts were the kick of flavor, the short cooking time, and the easy clean up. I really appreciated you sharing this.
Wow Karina what a lovely feedback. Thank you so much. Happy to know you and your partner enjoyed this recipe 😉
Great flavors! Easy to make. Next time I will remember to check the salmon every five minutes as I probably overcooked it by five minutes, but it still turned out flaky and delicious. The lemon-garlic-butter is so tasty!
Amazing! Yes, the best way to not overcook the salmon is to check it every five minutes. Glad to know all turned out well 😉
Can i do this with frozen salmon? The bag says not to defrost before cooking …
Sorry, Colleen I can’t answer your question because I’ve never tried making this recipe with a frozen salmon. But I don’t see why it wouldn’t work. Let me know if you try it and how it turns out 😉
Replaced lemon with lime. Still delightful.
Happy to know that 😉
I made this 3 times so far for my boyfriend and guests…followed the recipe exactly other than using a higher oven temp…was PERFECT! Absolutely delicious and my favorite salmon recipe!! Thank you!!!
Wow thank you. I’m so happy to know you, your boyfriend and your guests loved this recipe. That’s amazing 😉
This dish is delicious!!!!! Wow can’t believe how good this came out. The salmon is so rich that I was full after a few bites so I refrigerated the salmon. I then had leftover salmon the next day and it tasted even better since the seasoning got a chance to marinate. Highly recommend.
That’s amazing! So happy to hear that. And yes I agree with you I think it tastes even better the next day 😉
This was delicious! Whole family loved it.
Amazing! Happy your whole family enjoyed!
I was given some free Lake Michigan salmon. Never cooked salmon before and truthfully wasn’t a big fan. However this recipe has changed that! I will gladly make this again. Very easy but very flavorful. Eating the leftovers cold in my salad right now.
That’s great. So so so happy to know you enjoyed this recipe. I also love it the leftovers cold in the salad for lunch! Hope you make it more times 😉