Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Want a dinner that’s easy and melts in your mouth? This garlic butter baked salmon is it. So buttery, so tender, so good.

You get juicy salmon baked with rich garlic butter. It’s cozy, simple, and packed with flavor. No fancy stuff needed.

Perfect for busy nights, family dinners, or a quick healthy meal. Easy to make. Even easier to love.

Let’s grab a baking dish and get started. Dinner magic is just a few steps away!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavorful and Rich: The garlic butter sauce melts into the salmon, making each bite buttery, savory, and delicious.
• Easy to Prepare: Minimal chopping and quick assembly means less time in the kitchen.
• Healthy and Satisfying: Salmon is packed with protein and healthy fats, making this a nourishing choice.
• Flexible Meal: Serve it with rice, vegetables, or a fresh salad for a full, balanced meal.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: About 30 minutes

Servings:

• Serves: 4 people generously. Double the recipe if you’re hosting or want extra for meal prep.

Difficulty:

• Skill Level: Beginner-friendly but satisfying even for experienced cooks.

Required Kitchen Tools

• Baking sheet or baking dish
• Parchment paper or foil
• Small saucepan (for garlic butter sauce)
• Basting brush or spoon
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Here’s everything you’ll need (exact measurements will also be in the recipe card):

• Salmon Fillets: 4 (about 6 ounces each), skin-on preferred for easy baking
• Broccoli Florets: 4 to 6 cups, fresh or frozen
• Garlic: 4 cloves, minced

For the Garlic Butter Sauce:

• Unsalted Butter: 6 tablespoons, melted
• Light Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon (balances the savory with a hint of sweetness)
• Dried Oregano: ½ teaspoon
• Dried Thyme: ½ teaspoon
• Dried Rosemary: ½ teaspoon
• Salt and Black Pepper: To taste
• Lemon: 1 lemon, halved
• Fresh Parsley: For garnish

Variations for Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

• Add Chili Flakes: A pinch of red pepper flakes can give a little spicy kick.
• Use Asparagus: Swap broccoli for asparagus or green beans for a seasonal twist.
• Make it Creamy: Stir a spoonful of heavy cream into the butter sauce for extra richness.
• Go Fresh with Herbs: Swap dried herbs with fresh thyme, oregano, or rosemary if you have them on hand.
• Try Different Citrus: Use lime instead of lemon for a different kind of brightness.

How to Make Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Oven and Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

2. Arrange the Salmon and Vegetables

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the center of the baking sheet.
Spread the broccoli florets around the salmon, trying to keep everything in a single, even layer.

3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Stir in the minced garlic, brown sugar, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
Let it cook gently for about 1 minute until the garlic smells fragrant but not browned.

4. Coat the Salmon and Broccoli

Using a spoon or a basting brush, generously coat the salmon fillets with the garlic butter sauce.
Drizzle the remaining sauce over the broccoli as well, tossing lightly to coat.

5. Bake

Squeeze half of the lemon over the salmon and vegetables.
Bake for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets.
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

6. Garnish and Serve

Once out of the oven, sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and give everything a final squeeze from the remaining lemon half for a bright finish.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Garlic Butter Baked Salmon:

• With Rice: Serve the salmon and broccoli over a bed of steamed white rice, brown rice, or lemon-herb rice.
• With Potatoes: Pair it with roasted baby potatoes or a simple mashed potato side.
• With Salad: Keep it light by serving alongside a crisp green salad dressed with olive oil and lemon.
• As a Meal Prep Bowl: Portion salmon, broccoli, and rice into containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.

Storing Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

• In the Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• In the Freezer: For longer storage, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months.
• To Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F until just heated through. Avoid microwaving too long so the salmon stays moist.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Don’t Overbake: Keep an eye on the salmon. It keeps cooking a little after you take it out, so pull it once it’s just flaky.
• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh minced garlic brings a deeper, more vibrant flavor than pre-minced jarred garlic.
• Pat Dry: Before baking, pat the salmon dry with paper towels. This helps the butter sauce stick better.
• Season the Broccoli: Toss the broccoli with a little extra salt and pepper before baking to keep it flavorful.
• Rest Before Serving: Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before cutting into it. This helps keep the juices inside.

Nutrition Information

Serving Size	Calories	Protein	Carbohydrates	Fat	Fiber
1 fillet + broccoli	390	35g	8g	24g	3g

Note: Nutrition may vary depending on exact ingredient brands and portions used.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking.

What if I don’t have brown sugar?
You can skip it or use a tiny bit of honey for a similar balance.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Swap butter for a plant-based butter or olive oil.

What other vegetables can I use?
Asparagus, green beans, or zucchini are great swaps for broccoli.

Conclusion

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon is one of those recipes that feels like a little luxury but is simple enough for a busy weeknight. With tender salmon, crisp broccoli, and a silky garlic butter sauce, it’s a dish that always earns a spot on the dinner table. Take a few minutes to prepare it, and you’ll be rewarded with a meal that’s cozy, hearty, and deeply satisfying — no fancy techniques required.