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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Can this be cooked in an air fryer? How long for defrosted and also for frozen salmon?
I’m sorry I wish I could help you but I don’t have an air fryer so I don’t know if it would work. I’m planing to buy an air fryer soon to start to try some of my popular recipe and see how they go!
In the description you say to preheat the oven to 400. In the recipe itself, it says 375. Which is correct? Also, you caution to avoid using parchment paper if we’re going to boil the salmon. I don’t see anything that mentioned that we should boil at any point. Could you mean broil (with an r)?
Thanks for pointing it out. It’s 400F and yes I meant broil. It was a typo. Sorry about that.
Made this a second time this evening. I used ghee this time instead of the butter. Came out perfect again. My new go to salmon recipe . We all just love this. Thank you so much for another great recipe!
That’s so amazing. Happy to hear that 😉
I am curious about modifying this recipe for the air fryer? If you have suggestions that would be wonderful. Thanks!
You can make this recipe in an air fryer like this one HERE. Then make the sauce in a skillet and pour on top of the salmon.
Quick, easy and delicious! What more could you ask for?
Exactly!!
A little too much garlic but the rest was a delicious blend of flavors. The broil idea really solidified the cooking process.
You can reduce the amount of garlic according to your taste.
I have baked salmon using this recipe several times. Simple and proven, this recipe is a go-to when you don’t want to ruin your expensive salmon by experimenting. Any left-over salmon becomes a part of a salad next day (the salad recipe also from this website.
Thanks for this awesome feedback 😉
I did it with parchment paper and used a thermometer as you suggested 147 degrees, it came out delicious! Thank you for a simple recipe.
Awesome!
I made this for my boyfriend since he had a long day at work and he absolutely loved it!! It was my first time cooking salmon and I’m so happy with how it turned out. It was juicy and flavorful but not too rich. I personally love lemon so I added extra!
Wow I’m so happy to hear that! Your feedback made my day! Thank you so much 😉
My kids request this meal all the time! Soo delicious.
Wow that’s amazing. Happy to hear that!
So delicious! I actually used the recipe but made it from a frozen filet on a grill. Added some time since it was a big piece and it came out delicious! Was a little bit dry but that was my fault as I think I added a little too much time but kids loved the flavors.
Took pictures because it looked amazing!
That’s amazing. Happy you liked it!
this is a keeper. haven’t eaten salmon in awhile but now I will eat salmon again. Both my husband and myself thought the seasoning was perfect and the salmon was so tender. thank you
You’re very welcome! I’m so thrilled to hear you and your husband love this recipe.
Literally reviewing this as I eat it! It is so delicious. I’ve never made salmon before and this was absolutely fantastic! I can’t wait to make this for my boyfriend so he thinks I can cook. LOL!!! Thank you for sharing this recipe! The flavor is delicious and the salmon was tender. DON’T DELAY- MAKE TODAY!
I am so excited to hear this! Thank you so much for trying the recipe and taking time to leave your positive review.
Boyfriend and roommate said it was soo good! Boyfriend hates fish gives it 8/10 thumbs up!
MUST TRY
That’s awesome to hear!
i’ve made this recipe several times love it, but you need to be careful when you broil.
Absolutely! You need to be careful.
Just beautiful mouth watering salmon
Indeed!
I made this recipe tonight with a couple of changes. I didn’t have any crushed red pepper flakes so I used a dash of cayenne pepper and a sprinkle of anise in with the garlic butter. I cooked as directed and probably too conservative under the broiler. I just didn’t want to burn the salmon and ruin the entire dish. It could have stayed under the broiler for 3 minutes, I only have it 2. It was delicious! Served with green beans. I was going to make roasted potatoes but this recipe goes so fast I didn’t have time for the potatoes. I do have leftovers and will make the potatoes before reheating the salmon.
Simple to make and delicious.
Oh yes!
This recipe was great — since I didn’t put on the red pepper flakes. That would have absolutely ruined this dish. Instead, I baked it with two sprigs of fresh rosemary and several sprigs of fresh lemon thyme, and it was delicious.
Glad you made some changes according to your preference. I love red pepper flakes but if you don’t enjoy it, it’s good that you removed it.
This was delicious, and the best part was having all the ingredients on hand.
Thank you for a wonderfully delightful recipe!
You’re very welcome!
Super easy and so yummy
So glad you enjoyed this recipe!