Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe for Tender, Flaky Fillets

Upgrade your next salmon dinner with this Garlic Butter Salmon recipe. Tender salmon fillets are finished with a rich garlic butter, fresh dill and lemon, then baked until perfectly flaky. It’s simple enough for a weeknight and elegant enough for guests—ready in about 20 minutes from start to finish.

This version recreates that restaurant-style, melt-in-your-mouth salmon by using butter to lock in moisture while baking. The butter forms a flavorful coating that keeps the fish juicy and helps the garlic, dill and lemon shine. Preparation is quick, the flavors are classic and balanced, and the method works with individual fillets or a single large fillet.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth salmon with bright lemon and herb notes.
• Minimal prep—about 5–10 minutes—and around 15 minutes to cook.
• High-protein, low-carb and naturally gluten-free.
• Versatile: pairs well with potatoes, rice, pasta salads or roasted vegetables.

Recipe ingredients

• Salmon fillets — use evenly sized fillets for uniform cooking; wild-caught salmon is recommended for flavor and quality.
• Unsalted butter — melts over the fish to add richness and prevent drying.
• Fresh garlic — minced for savory depth.
• Fresh dill — chopped; swap with thyme or rosemary if preferred.
• Lemon — sliced or juiced for bright acidity to balance the butter.
• Salt and black pepper to taste.

Quantities and full instructions are in the recipe card below.

How to make salmon with lemon garlic butter

This recipe is straightforward and forgiving. Prep takes only a few minutes, and the oven does the rest. Adjust bake times based on fillet thickness for best results.

Pro tip: Typical baking times by thickness: 1/2″ thick — 10–12 minutes; 1″ thick — 12–15 minutes; over 1″ — 15–18 minutes. A meat thermometer should read 145°F in the thickest part when done.

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line or lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet.
2. Pat salmon fillets dry, season with salt and pepper, and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Melt butter in a small bowl, then stir in minced garlic and chopped dill.
4. Drizzle the garlic-dill butter over each fillet and top with lemon slices.
5. Bake at 400°F for 10–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily and a thermometer reads 145°F at the thickest point. Serve with extra lemon if desired.

Recipe FAQs

Serving suggestions

This garlic butter baked salmon is adaptable—here are a few pairings that work especially well:

• Mashed potatoes or a rice pilaf for a hearty, family-style plate.
• Summer salads, grilled vegetables or a lemon orzo pasta for a bright seasonal meal.
• Roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli or a mixed green salad for a low-carb option.

Recipe notes

• Timing tip: Adjust baking time based on fillet thickness as noted above.
• Works well with one larger 1½–2 lb salmon fillet—cook until the center reaches the same internal temperature.
• If fresh herbs aren’t available, substitute 1 teaspoon of dried herbs.
• Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; reheat gently to preserve moisture.

More salmon recipes you’ll love

• Air fryer salmon
• Baked teriyaki salmon
• Blackened salmon with pineapple salsa and coconut rice
• Crispy salmon cakes with lemon-dill sauce
• Salmon Niçoise salad

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