One-Pan Lemon Butter Salmon

This one-pan lemon butter salmon is the perfect recipe for a quick, healthy, and flavorful dinner. Ready in less than 20 minutes, this dish combines tender, flaky salmon with the richness of butter and a touch of garlic for a foolproof meal that’s ideal for busy weeknights.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Dinner on the table in under 20 minutes with minimal prep.
• Moist and Flaky: Perfectly cooked salmon every time, bursting with flavor.
• Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples like butter, garlic, and seasoning.
• Healthy: Packed with protein and omega-3s for a wholesome meal.
• Minimal Cleanup: One pan and optional foil lining make cleanup a breeze.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 4 salmon filets (skin-on or off)
• 2 tsp granulated garlic (or garlic powder)
• 4 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
• Optional: 1 lemon, sliced, for garnish and added flavor

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet or baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.

2. Season the Salmon

• Sprinkle the salmon filets evenly with granulated garlic, salt, and black pepper. If desired, add a pinch of dried sage for extra flavor.

3. Add Butter and Arrange Filets

• Place a pad of butter on top of each filet. Arrange the filets on the prepared baking sheet in a single layer, leaving space between each piece.

4. Bake the Salmon

• Bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C). The salmon should flake easily with a fork when fully cooked.

5. Serve

• Remove from the oven and let rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh lemon slices if desired. Serve warm with your favorite sides.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 17 minutes

Variations

• Herbaceous Flavor: Add fresh dill, parsley, or thyme for an herb-infused twist.
• Spicy Kick: Sprinkle the salmon with red pepper flakes or paprika before baking.
• Citrus Glaze: Brush with a mix of lemon juice, honey, and Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy glaze.
• Vegetable Add-Ons: Roast asparagus, cherry tomatoes, or broccoli on the same pan for a complete meal.
• Garlic-Lemon Butter Sauce: Melt additional butter with lemon juice and minced garlic to drizzle over the cooked salmon.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
• Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator before cooking for the best results.

2. What’s the best way to check if the salmon is done?

Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C), or flake the salmon with a fork to check doneness.

3. Can I use olive oil instead of butter?

Yes, olive oil works as a lighter alternative to butter while still keeping the salmon moist.

4. Can I make this recipe on the stovetop?

Yes, pan-sear the salmon over medium-high heat for 3–4 minutes per side, adding the butter at the end for flavor.

5. What side dishes pair well with this salmon?

Serve with rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.

6. Can I use other types of fish?

Absolutely! Cod, halibut, or trout are great alternatives to salmon in this recipe.

7. How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?

Don’t overcook the salmon, and ensure it’s properly basted with butter or olive oil for added moisture.

8. Is it better to cook salmon with the skin on or off?

Either works, but leaving the skin on can help the salmon stay moist and flavorful during cooking.

9. Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative or olive oil.

10. What’s the best way to serve this for a dinner party?

Serve the salmon garnished with lemon slices on a platter with roasted vegetables or a grain salad for an elegant presentation.

Conclusion

This one-pan lemon butter salmon is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful dinner. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a perfectly moist and flaky salmon dish that’s sure to become a weeknight favorite. Pair it with your favorite sides, and enjoy a meal that’s as easy as it is satisfying. Try it tonight and savor every bite!

One-Pan Lemon Butter Salmon

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• Author: asma
• Total Time: 17 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This garlic butter salmon recipe is an effortless way to prepare moist, flaky salmon that’s packed with flavor. With just 5 minutes of prep and 12-14 minutes of baking time, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
• 2 tsp granulated garlic (or garlic powder)
• 4 tbsp butter (salted or unsalted, cut into pads)
• Salt and fresh black pepper (to taste)
• 1 lemon (optional, for serving or garnish)

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Season the Salmon:

2. Sprinkle each salmon fillet evenly with granulated garlic, a little dried sage (optional, if mentioned earlier), salt, and fresh black pepper.

3. Prepare the Baking Dish:

3. Line a rimmed baking sheet or baking dish with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Arrange the salmon fillets on the sheet.
4. Place a pad of butter on top of each fillet.

4. Bake the Salmon:

5. Bake the salmon for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The internal temperature of the thickest part should reach 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked.

5. Check for Doneness:

6. If you don’t have a thermometer, gently flake a corner of the salmon with a fork. If it flakes easily, it’s ready.

6. Serve:

7. Serve hot with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and your favorite side dishes, like roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

• Customization: Add fresh or dried herbs like thyme, parsley, or dill for extra flavor.
• Add Lemon Flavor: Squeeze lemon juice over the fillets before baking, or bake lemon slices alongside the salmon.
• Storage: Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid overcooking.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American