Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
Lemon garlic baked salmon is the set-and-forget USA weeknight seafood dinner—bright citrus, garlic butter, and tender fillets on one sheet pan. Bake until the center reaches 145°F for flaky, food-safe salmon with almost no cleanup.
🛒Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (5–6 ounces each)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
- 1 lemon, sliced into rounds
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: asparagus or broccoli florets tossed in oil on the same pan
🔧Kitchen Tools Needed
- Rimmed sheet pan
- Instant-read thermometer
- Small bowl
- Parchment paper
📝Instructions
- 1
Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed sheet pan with parchment or foil.
- 2
Pat salmon dry and place on the pan. Whisk melted butter, oil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oregano; spoon over fillets. Top with lemon slices.
- 3
Optional: add oiled veggies around the fish in a single layer.
- 4
Bake 12–16 minutes until salmon reaches 145°F in the thickest part and flakes with a fork. Broil 1–2 minutes for light browning if desired.
- 5
Sprinkle with parsley. Serve immediately. Refrigerate within 2 hours up to 2 days; reheat to 165°F.
🥗Nutrition Information
⚡Calories per serving: 370
🏷️Recipe Tags
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How long per inch of thickness?
Roughly 10 minutes per inch at 400°F; always confirm 145°F with a thermometer.
Frozen salmon?
Thaw overnight in the fridge first for even cooking.
Can I use foil packets?
Yes—seal each fillet with sauce and bake similarly until 145°F.
Dairy-free?
Use all olive oil instead of butter.
Side ideas?
Rice, roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad.
