Pan-Seared Garlic Butter Salmon with Lemon

Upgrade your next salmon dinner with this Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe. Salmon fillets are topped with a rich garlic butter, fresh dill and lemon, then baked until tender. This restaurant-quality meal is simple to prepare and ready in about 20 minutes.

We enjoy salmon regularly; it’s one of our favorite fish. While baked lemon-dijon and broiled preparations are longtime favorites, this garlic butter version has quickly become a top pick. The secret to the irresistibly tender texture you get in restaurants is simple: butter. It forms a protective coating that keeps the fish moist while adding rich flavor that pairs perfectly with garlic, dill and a squeeze of lemon.

This recipe is fast to prep, elegant enough for guests, and versatile enough for weeknight dinners.

Why you’ll love this recipe

• Melt-in-your-mouth tender salmon with vibrant lemon and herb flavor.
• Minimal prep—about 5–10 minutes—and just 10–15 minutes in the oven.
• High protein, low carb and naturally gluten-free.
• Works with individual fillets or a single large fillet for ease and flexibility.

Recipe ingredients

• Salmon fillets: Four 6-ounce fillets or one large 1½–2 lb. fillet. Wild-caught is recommended for flavor and nutrition.
• Unsalted butter: 4 tablespoons. Unsalted butter lets you control the final salt level.
• Garlic: 3 cloves, minced for bright savory flavor.
• Fresh dill: 1 tablespoon, chopped. Substitute fresh thyme or rosemary if preferred.
• Lemon: ½ lemon, sliced, plus extra for serving if desired.
• Salt & pepper: To taste—about ½ teaspoon sea salt and ¼ teaspoon black pepper for four fillets.

See the recipe card below for exact quantities and step-by-step instructions.

How to make salmon with lemon garlic butter

This lemon garlic butter salmon comes together quickly. Allow about 5 minutes to prepare and 10–15 minutes to bake, depending on fillet thickness.

Pro tip: Estimated bake times by thickness—1/2″ thick: 10–12 minutes; 1″ thick: 12–15 minutes; over 1″ thick: 15–18 minutes. Use a meat thermometer for the most reliable result: salmon is done at 145°F (63°C).

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly oil a rimmed baking sheet or line it with parchment paper or foil.
2. Pat salmon fillets dry, then season both sides with salt and pepper. Arrange fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet.
3. Melt the butter in a small bowl, stir in minced garlic and chopped dill, then drizzle the mixture evenly over the fillets. Top with lemon slices.
4. Bake in the preheated oven until the salmon is opaque, flakes easily, and an internal thermometer reads 145°F in the thickest part—about 10–15 minutes depending on thickness. Serve with additional lemon if you like.

Recipe FAQs

Serving suggestions

Garlic butter baked salmon pairs well with many sides. Some favorite pairings:

• Mashed Yukon Gold potatoes or a simple rice pilaf for a comforting meal.
• Light summer salads such as grilled zucchini & corn or lemon orzo pasta salad.
• Low-carb sides like oven-roasted asparagus, air-fried broccoli, or a fresh spring mix salad.

Recipe notes

• Timing: Adjust baking time to fillet thickness—see the pro tip above.
• This method works well for a single large fillet (1½–2 lb) as well as individual portions.
• Sub 1 teaspoon dried herbs if you don’t have fresh herbs available.
• Store leftovers refrigerated for up to 3 days; reheat gently to avoid drying the fish.

Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Did you make this recipe? Leave a review and share your experience — it helps others find a great weeknight salmon dinner.