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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Delicious, moist. I did use about 8 cloves of garlic. Will definitely make again.
That’s great 😉
Was suppose to be 5 stars
Delicious!
Thank you 😉
Thanks for the recipe, teaching myself to cook and this was a simple and delicious way to cook salmon. Adding to my menu recipe file.
I’m so excited to hear you enjoy this recipe!
I enjoyed the taste it was amazing
Awesome!
This was fantastic and perfect for a busy weeknight! Thank you for sharing. Both my little ones (five and two) ate it all, and the husband said it was a definite keeper.
Happy to hear that 😉
Great recipe! My six year old son loved it!!! I was nervous cooking salmon, this is a fantastic recipe!
Awesome!
Giant word of caution. Do not under any circumstances use parchment. You will burn your house down when doing the broiler step. Use foul and this recipe is delicious
You’re totally right. Thanks for pointing it out. I already added a note about it on the recipe box.
This was my first time to try salmon,used your recipe and may I say it was so delicious… I loved it and will definitely be making it again and again!! Thanks for a great recipe ! I also made your roasted asparagus to go with….Very Delicious!!!
This makes me so happy to hear! Thanks so much for trying the recipe and stopping by to leave this lovely review.
Just made this and it was amazing! I did add sliced lemon to the top. Highly recommend!
Awesome!
first i will try and taste it at my home then will like to give a review but i will must say it’s looking yUMMY!
You definitely should try it!
This is becoming a family fave. They want me to make it again and again. I do add cream cheese on the salmon and put the asparagus in with fish and sauce. It’s so good!
Sounds delicious!
Oh WOW. This looks incredible. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks! You’re very welcome 😉
My mom is a lover of a healthy meal and my dad loves seafood so this dish was such a great idea for dinner! So easy to make and DELICIOUS !
So happy to hear that 😉
Awesome recipe! Quick, tastes delicious, easy clean up 😁
Happy to hear that 😉
Absolutely loved this recipe. Made it for Christmas Eve dinner and it was so easy to make and absolutely amazing!! Will definitely be making it again. Thank you for sharing!
Wow that’s great! Happy to hear you had it for Christmas Eve dinner 🙂
Excellent!
So happy to hear that 😉
Tried this for New Year’s Day. Sorry, but we were disappointed. I had wild sockeye salmon. It surprisingly came out dry. I don’t think the broiling helped. I added capers, also, which salvaged it a little. Not sure what would have helped more.
Sorry about that, but maybe it was the size of the salmon. If it is not a big salmon you should reduce the amount of time you bake it.
There is no way to describe this other than OMG just awesomely tasty and so so simple to cook. So conclusion…. it’s a simple recipe, easy to do, deliciously tasty = result! Recommend if it be week night in, dinner party, whatever… it’s going to go down well. Thank you for this recipe, you have brought pleasure and a smile which …………..is what it’s all about x
I’m so thrilled to hear you enjoyed this recipe!
This was an incredibly simple recipe that resulted to multiple compliments from our guests! Thank you for sharing. My only recommendation is to add a layer of parchment paper inside so that the food is not directly touching the aluminum (as a health-conscious tip).
Also – for salmon skin fans like me – consider making the separated moister salmon skin skin crispy by baking it in high temperature after!
Happy you like this salmon recipe. Also thanks a lot for your tips 😉