Easy Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

This baked lemon garlic salmon is a weeknight dinner superhero – ready in just 30 minutes but impressive enough for special occasions. The combination of fresh lemon, honey, and garlic creates a perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and savory flavors that complement the rich salmon beautifully. The foil-baking method ensures the fish stays moist and flaky while the final broil adds a gorgeous golden finish.

I've made this recipe countless times when I need a reliable dinner that feels special without hours in the kitchen. My family requests it regularly, and I've even converted a few "I don't like fish" friends with this dish.

Ingredients:

• Salmon fillets (1½ pounds, skin-on): The skin helps protect the delicate flesh during cooking and adds flavor. Look for fillets with bright, firm flesh and a clean ocean scent.
• Fresh lemon: Both sliced and juiced, providing brightness and acidity. Choose heavy, fragrant lemons with thin skins for maximum juice.
• Butter (½ cup): Creates a rich sauce base. Use unsalted to control the seasoning yourself.
• Honey (3 tablespoons): Balances the acidity with subtle sweetness. Local honey adds wonderful complexity.
• Minced garlic (2½ teaspoons): Provides aromatic depth. Fresh garlic offers better flavor than pre-minced.
• Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all flavors. Flaky sea salt works beautifully here.
• Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds subtle warmth and complexity.
• Fresh parsley (2 teaspoons): Adds color and a fresh herbal note to finish the dish.

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Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Preheat and Prepare

Create a cooking environment by preheating your oven to exactly 375°F – don't be tempted to rush this step as proper temperature ensures even cooking. Take a large sheet of foil and place it on your baking sheet, creating a foundation for your salmon. Position the salmon skin-side down directly on the foil, then carefully fold up the edges of the foil about 2 inches all around to create a shallow boat that will contain all those flavorful juices during cooking.

2. Add Lemon Layer

Take your freshly sliced lemon rounds and arrange them in a single layer underneath the salmon fillet. This creates a fragrant bed that infuses the fish with citrus notes while preventing the skin from sticking to the foil. The heat will release the essential oils from the lemon, creating an aromatic steam bath for your salmon.

3. Prepare Butter Mixture

Place your butter in a microwave-safe bowl or measuring cup with a spout for easy pouring. Microwave on high for about 60 seconds, watching carefully to prevent overflowing. The butter should be completely melted but not sputtering hot. This becomes your flavor base for the incredible sauce.

4. Combine and Coat

To your melted butter, add the fresh lemon juice, honey, and minced garlic, stirring thoroughly to combine these complementary flavors. The honey will help the mixture caramelize beautifully during the final broil. Using a spoon, drizzle about three-quarters of this aromatic mixture evenly over your salmon, making sure to coat the entire surface. Reserve the remaining quarter for later use.

5. Season

Evenly distribute the sea salt and freshly ground black pepper over the salmon. Be mindful to season thoroughly but not excessively – you want to enhance the salmon's natural flavor, not overpower it. The salt helps draw out moisture during cooking, creating a more concentrated flavor.

6. Seal and Marinate

Cover your salmon creation with another sheet of foil, carefully crimping the edges together with the bottom sheet to create a completely sealed packet. If possible, allow this package to rest at room temperature for 10-15 minutes, giving the flavors time to penetrate the fish before cooking begins.

7. Initial Bake

Place your foil packet on a baking sheet (to catch any potential leaks) and slide it into your preheated oven. Bake for approximately 17 minutes – this gentle, enclosed cooking method allows the salmon to poach in the flavorful butter sauce while remaining tender and moist.

8. Uncover

Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and, using oven mitts, open the top layer of foil – be cautious as hot steam will escape. Peel back the top foil completely while maintaining the sides of your foil boat to keep all the delicious sauce contained around the salmon.

9. Prepare for Broiling

Switch your oven setting from bake to high broil, allowing it a minute to reach temperature. This high heat will create a beautiful caramelized finish on your salmon.

10. Add Remaining Sauce

Pour or spoon the reserved butter mixture over any parts of the salmon that look dry, being careful not to let it overflow the foil edges. This fresh application of sauce adds another layer of flavor and moisture before the final cooking stage.

11. Broil to Perfection

Return the uncovered salmon to the oven, positioning it about 6 inches from the broiler. Broil for 5-10 minutes, watching carefully to achieve your preferred level of caramelization – the top should become golden and slightly crisp while the sauce bubbles around the edges.

12. Finish and Serve

Remove from the oven and sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Serve immediately, spooning some of the sauce from the foil over each portion. The salmon should flake easily with a fork but still maintain its moisture.

My youngest son used to push salmon around his plate until I created this recipe. The honey in the sauce was the game-changer for him. Now he requests "that lemon fish" almost weekly, and I'm happy to oblige knowing he's getting such quality nutrition in a meal he genuinely enjoys.

Perfect Pairings

Serving this salmon with the right sides elevates the entire meal experience. A light quinoa pilaf absorbs the extra sauce beautifully while adding complementary texture. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans make ideal vegetable companions, as their slight bitterness balances the richness of the salmon. For special occasions, I serve this with a glass of unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio, which echoes the citrus notes without overwhelming the delicate fish flavors.

Make-Ahead Tips

While salmon is best enjoyed fresh from the oven, this recipe can be prepped ahead to make dinner time smoother. Prepare the foil packet with the salmon and lemon slices up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Mix the butter sauce separately and store at room temperature if using within 2 hours, or refrigerate and gently rewarm before using. When ready to cook, pour the sauce over the salmon and proceed with baking. This advance preparation doesn't compromise flavor and saves valuable time during the dinner rush.

Customizing Your Salmon

This adaptable recipe welcomes thoughtful variations to suit your taste preferences and what's available in your pantry. Substitute maple syrup for honey for a deeper sweetness, or add a teaspoon of Dijon mustard to the butter sauce for a subtle tang. Fresh herbs like dill or thyme can replace or complement the parsley. For a hint of heat, include a pinch of red pepper flakes in the butter mixture. The cooking method remains the same regardless of these flavor adjustments, ensuring your salmon turns out perfectly moist and flavorful every time.

Common Questions

→ How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The color should change from translucent to opaque pink throughout. Be careful not to overcook as salmon can dry out quickly.

→ Can I make this with salmon that has no skin?

Yes, you can use skinless salmon fillets. However, the skin helps protect the delicate flesh during cooking and keeps the bottom from overcooking. If using skinless fillets, reduce the cooking time by about 2 minutes and watch carefully during broiling.

→ What sides pair well with this lemon garlic salmon?

This salmon pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, garlic mashed potatoes, or a light salad. Rice pilaf and quinoa also make excellent companions to soak up the delicious sauce.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the butter mixture and assemble the salmon in the foil up to 4 hours ahead, then refrigerate. Allow the salmon to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking. For best results and food safety, the final baking and broiling should be done just before serving.

→ How do I store and reheat leftovers?

Store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place in a 275°F oven covered with foil for about 15 minutes, or until just warmed through. Microwaving is not recommended as it can dry out the salmon.

→ Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh parsley?

While fresh parsley adds the best flavor and appearance as a garnish, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley added to the butter mixture. For garnish, consider other fresh herbs like dill or chives if parsley isn't available.