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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Super saudável
Haven’t cooked yet, but tonight is the night. Just needing to no how long to cook the salmon if it weighs 2.22 pounds.
Not sure. I would check it after 12 minutes and check again every 5 minutes.
I’m so excited to try this! Salmon can be a little expensive so I love that all the other ingredients are things I already keep on hand. I’ll be making this over the weekend – I can’t wait!
Great. Please, let me know who it turned out 😉
It was fabulous! We make this every other Friday now, it’s tradition. Thank you so much for this recipe!
That’s absolutely awesome! You’re comment made me so happy. Thank you 😉
Made this today for my newly wedded husband. He enjoyed it. Very easy recipe. Cheers!
That’s awesome. Thank you for your comment 😉
Sorry I’m kind of confused ! Lol So cook the fish at 375 for 16 minutes then 400-500 for 2-3 minutes??
You bake the salmon for about 16 minutes (the time will depend on the thickness of your salmon) and then you broil it for more 2-3 minutes.
The Salmon I just bought doesn’t have skin on it, will this make a difference?
Not at all 😉
Must say, this recipe was delicious the first time I made it! I did add some Dill weed to it this time and u can still taste the original recipe very well. The only thing different I tried was letting it marinade n the butter n garlic and other ingredients for more intense flavor! Thanks!!! Can’t wait to try others recipes u post!!
That’s absolutely awesome. Let it marinade for a little bit is a great idea 😉
I do not do fish, at all!! My doctor told me that I had to get over that. She started me out on Salmon. I have been trying all sorts of recipes and this is the best. I actually enjoyed it. Best part, it is so easy. Question..if I take it to work for lunch tomorrow how do I heat it up with just a microwave??
I’m so glad you loved it! Thanks so much for taking the time to share this review. And yes just heat it up in the microwave. I actually like it cold with salad too.
Did you cook it with the skin on?
Yes I did!
I would this recipe work well with flounder?
I believe so, but I’m not sure about the baking time. It should be less than 20 minutes depending on the thickness of your fish.
I love the recipe!! Thank you…but it’s not very clear to me the instructions for broiling then baking..can you explian it please.
You bake it for about 15 minutes and then you set your oven to broil and broil for 5 minutes or less.
Amazing! First time I cooked salmon and wondering now why I waited so long. Recipe was easy and spot on❤️
Awesome!!!
Absolutely loved it. My husband is such a picky eater and he hates fish. It this dish he absolutely enjoyed! Thanks so much. So easy to prepare too!!
How awesome!!! Thanks for leaving this great feedback 😉
I made this dish earlier this year and I give it a solid 4 2/4 of a star
happy you liked it 😉
Yum, I’m going to try it. Usually, we have salmon once a week. Typically we’re going to barbecue, but now that summer is over, I’m going to try this recipe.
Hope you liked it!
Quite possibly the worst recipe I have ever followed. Maybe all of the butter was too rich for us, but between the cooking time taking three times as long, the tin foil catching on fire, and the food tasting less than desirable – nothing worked.
Sorry to hear that, Amy. I’ve made this recipe about a thousand times and it always turns out well. Do you think your salmon fillet was too thick and that’s why you increased the cooking time? Also, you can reduce the amount of butter if you don’t like it much.
I have made this recipe about a dozen times and it is always beautiful. One of my *go to* recipes now!!
This is amazing! Happy to hear that!
This is literally the best salmon recipe out there! It has become a staple in my house, and I look forward to making it any time we purchase fresh salmon from the grocery store. Thank you so much for sharing this recipe!!
I’m so happy to hear it’s a hit, Sydney! Thanks so much for taking the time to leave this wonderful review!
Great recipe that I have made for others multiple times, but I find it has to cook for nearly three times as long as you recommend. Any suggestions for why that could be?
It could be the size of your salmon!
I love salmon and have made it several times using this recipe. I don’t get home from work until around 7:00 p.m. and love that this takes no time to prep and bake. I cook it for 15 minutes and broil it for 2 minutes and it always comes out perfect. Thanks for this quick and easy and tasty recipe.
So happy to hear that!! Thanks for stopping by and leaving your feedback.