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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Hi! This sounds delicious! I want to make this tonight, but I don’t have foil. Can I make it without? Thanks!!
Yes, you can. But the foil makes the fish tender and flaky.
Cooked it for my sister and I we loved it ! Easy steps to follow
Happy to know you and your sister enjoyed it 😉
I have 5 individual fillets. How should I adjust the cooking time?
It probably will be cooking for about 12-15 mins. Please check them after 12 minutes.
I don’t normally like salmon much but this was very good. I would recommend spooning some of the sauce left in the foil onto the salmon when plating. Excellent!
Exactly I normally do that as well. I have to give this tip on the post. Thanks for pointing it out.
We made this for company without planning. Once we found the recipe, decided it was easy enough, and we were delighted with the outcome. SO delicious and cooked just right!
Perfect!! 😉
Hi! I’m currently doing a “detox” cleanse and am trying to avoid butter. Do you think coconut oil, or olive oil would be a good substitution?
Olive oil works just fine too!
easy, yummy and the best part my husband (who hates salmon) loved it!!!!
Amazing! Happy to hear that 😉
Easy recipe, minimal clean up, ingredients that you always have in your kitchen,
Definitely a 5 star
Thank you 😉
The best salmon recipe I have ever done. Left out the peppers because we cannot have them. I have tried all means of cooking salmon, even sous vide and this is better. The salmon is cooked, has flavor and still tender.
Janet, thank you for your feedback. I’m happy to know you enjoyed it!
This was so easy and a huge hit with my picky family. Will definitely make again. Thank you!
Wow… That’s awesome!
I usually struggle with making salmon…either the flavor is off or it comes out too dry but this recipe came out so well! I wanted to make something special since it was the first meal I was making for my new husband. It was the most flavorful and moist salmon I have ever made! I left out the red pepper because my husband and I don’t really like spicy food and it was still phenomenal. I made yellow rice and sauteed asparagus to go with it and drizzled some of the sauce on the rice. I will always make my salmon in foil from now on. Fantastic – thanks so much for sharing.
Hi, mrs Martin. I am so excited to hear this! Your comment made my day 😉
Thank you so much for trying this salmon recipe and taking time to leave your positive review.
Easy and delicious. I was looking for an easy salmon recipe and I don’t think I’ve made salmon I have ever like this much. Thank you.
I’m so excited to hear you love the recipe!
I am usually not a fish person. I tried cooking this dish tonight, supposedly just for my husband and daughter. I took a small piece just to taste, but I ended eating a big portion of it. It was so delicious. I garnished it with an extra fried garlic and mixed herbs too. Thanks for sharing your recipe. I will definitely cook this again.
I’m so thrilled to hear you enjoyed this recipe 😉
I loved this recipe, i didn’t have crushed red pepper but I mixed a bit of chilli powder & paprika & fresh crushed red capsicum 🙂 Beautiful recipe with lots of flavours! Thank you for sharing!
I’m so excited to hear you love the recipe!
Delicious. Easy to adjust for just one person.
Thanks 😉
Yummy yummy! I never cook for myself… for a change I wanted to make my parents supper. I do however work at a restaurant so I put a little of my own flare into it. Very yummy! Also I grilled it instead of the oven!!
That’s awesome. I bet it was very good! Thanks for stopping by 😉
Great easy, delicious recipe, hubby loved it!, Will make again. Thanks for sharing🙂
Awesome! Happy to hear that 😉
This recipe is so simple yet delicious! I’m defenetly adding this to my routine thank you!
Perfect!
I made this with less salmon and no lemon and it was still really good! We had it with a side of white rice and it all went together nicely. I will definitely make this again.
Unsure if this is a salmon thing, but we had a bit of leftovers the next day and it was a lot more fishy than when it was freshly cooked. So be careful if that’s not your thing!
Glad you like it. Actually mine was very good the next day too.
I will definitely make this again! Easy to follow and very good! Everyone just loved it.
Great 😉
Awesome!