Baked Lemon Butter Salmon: A Delicious and Easy Weeknight Meal

Salmon is a fantastic source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy and delicious choice for any meal. This baked lemon butter salmon recipe is incredibly easy to prepare, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers a flavorful and satisfying dish that’s perfect for weeknights or special occasions. The combination of lemon, butter, garlic, and herbs creates a bright and aromatic sauce that perfectly complements the richness of the salmon. This recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and a great way to introduce salmon to even the pickiest eaters.

## Why You’ll Love This Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** From prep to plate, this recipe takes less than 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Simple Ingredients:** You likely already have most of the ingredients in your pantry and refrigerator.
* **Flavorful and Delicious:** The lemon butter sauce is bright, tangy, and incredibly flavorful, enhancing the natural taste of the salmon.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Salmon is packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making it a healthy and satisfying meal.
* **Versatile:** You can easily customize this recipe with your favorite herbs and spices.
* **Elegant and Impressive:** Despite its simplicity, this dish looks and tastes impressive enough to serve to guests.

## Ingredients You’ll Need

* **Salmon Fillets:** Choose skin-on or skinless salmon fillets, depending on your preference. Skin-on fillets tend to be more flavorful and stay moister during baking, but skinless fillets are perfectly fine as well. Aim for fillets that are about 6-8 ounces each.
* **Butter:** Unsalted butter is preferred so you can control the amount of salt in the dish. If using salted butter, reduce the amount of added salt.
* **Lemon:** You’ll need both lemon juice and lemon zest. The zest provides a bright citrusy aroma, while the juice adds a tangy flavor.
* **Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic is best for its pungent flavor. You can also use garlic powder in a pinch, but the flavor won’t be as intense.
* **Fresh Herbs:** Fresh parsley and dill are classic choices for complementing salmon. You can also use other herbs like thyme, rosemary, or chives.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To season the salmon and the sauce.
* **Olive Oil:** A drizzle of olive oil helps to prevent the salmon from sticking to the baking sheet.
* **Optional Ingredients:** Red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, capers for a briny flavor, or white wine for a richer sauce.

## Equipment You’ll Need

* **Baking Sheet:** A rimmed baking sheet is essential for baking the salmon.
* **Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil:** To line the baking sheet and prevent the salmon from sticking. Parchment paper is preferred as it is non-stick and eco-friendly.
* **Small Bowl:** For mixing the lemon butter sauce.
* **Whisk or Fork:** For whisking together the sauce ingredients.
* **Zester:** For zesting the lemon.
* **Citrus Juicer:** For juicing the lemon.
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups:** For accurately measuring the ingredients.
* **Oven:** For baking the salmon.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s how to make delicious baked lemon butter salmon:

**Step 1: Prepare the Salmon**

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Make sure the oven rack is in the center position.
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This will prevent the salmon from sticking and make cleanup easier.
3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to remove excess moisture and allows the salmon to brown better.
4. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Leave some space between the fillets to ensure even cooking.
5. Drizzle the salmon fillets with a small amount of olive oil. This will help to keep them moist and prevent them from drying out.
6. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper to taste. Be generous with the seasoning, as salmon can be a bit bland on its own.

**Step 2: Make the Lemon Butter Sauce**

1. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs (parsley and dill), salt, and pepper.
2. Whisk all ingredients together until well combined. The sauce should be smooth and creamy.
3. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice for extra tanginess or more salt and pepper for extra flavor.

**Step 3: Assemble and Bake**

1. Spoon the lemon butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets. Make sure each fillet is well coated with the sauce.
2. If desired, add some lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets for extra flavor and visual appeal.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
4. To check for doneness, insert a fork into the thickest part of the salmon fillet and gently twist. If the salmon flakes easily, it’s done. Alternatively, you can use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. If you want to add a little bit of color to the salmon, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Keep a close eye on it to prevent it from burning.

**Step 4: Serve and Enjoy**

1. Remove the baked lemon butter salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
2. Garnish with extra fresh herbs, if desired.
3. Serve immediately with your favorite sides. Some suggestions include roasted vegetables, rice, quinoa, or a simple salad.

## Tips for Perfect Baked Lemon Butter Salmon

* **Use High-Quality Salmon:** The quality of the salmon will greatly impact the flavor of the dish. Look for fresh, wild-caught salmon if possible. Farmed salmon is also a good option, but make sure it’s sustainably sourced.
* **Don’t Overcook the Salmon:** Overcooked salmon can be dry and tough. Be sure to check for doneness regularly during baking. The salmon should be cooked through but still moist and tender.
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** Fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, and herbs will make a big difference in the flavor of the sauce. Avoid using dried herbs if possible.
* **Adjust the Seasoning to Your Taste:** Taste the lemon butter sauce before spooning it over the salmon and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more lemon juice, garlic, or herbs to suit your preference.
* **Don’t Crowd the Baking Sheet:** Make sure to leave some space between the salmon fillets on the baking sheet. This will ensure even cooking.
* **Line the Baking Sheet:** Lining the baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil will prevent the salmon from sticking and make cleanup easier.
* **Let the Salmon Rest:** Letting the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful dish.

## Variations and Substitutions

* **Spicy Lemon Butter Salmon:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the lemon butter sauce for a touch of heat.
* **Garlic Herb Lemon Butter Salmon:** Use a variety of fresh herbs in the sauce, such as thyme, rosemary, and oregano.
* **Lemon Butter Salmon with Capers:** Add a tablespoon of capers to the sauce for a briny flavor.
* **Lemon Butter Salmon with White Wine:** Add a splash of dry white wine to the sauce for a richer flavor.
* **Maple Glazed Lemon Butter Salmon:** Add a tablespoon of maple syrup to the sauce for a touch of sweetness.
* **Honey Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon:** Add a tablespoon of honey and an extra clove of minced garlic to the sauce for a sweet and savory flavor.
* **Different Types of Fish:** You can substitute other types of fish for salmon, such as cod, halibut, or sea bass. The cooking time may need to be adjusted depending on the thickness of the fish fillets.
* **Vegan Option:** You can use tofu instead of salmon. Press the tofu to remove excess water, then bake it with the lemon butter sauce. Use vegan butter instead of regular butter.

## Serving Suggestions

Baked lemon butter salmon is a versatile dish that can be served with a variety of sides. Here are a few suggestions:

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Roasted asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are all great choices.
* **Rice or Quinoa:** Serve the salmon over a bed of rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce.
* **Salad:** A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette is a refreshing accompaniment to the rich salmon.
* **Mashed Potatoes:** Creamy mashed potatoes are a comforting and classic side dish.
* **Pasta:** Serve the salmon with a light pasta dish, such as spaghetti aglio e olio.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.

## Make-Ahead Instructions

You can prepare the lemon butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to bake the salmon, simply spoon the sauce over the fillets and bake as directed. You can also marinate the salmon in the lemon butter sauce for up to 30 minutes before baking for extra flavor.

## Storage Instructions

Store leftover baked lemon butter salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave. You can also flake the leftover salmon and use it in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes.

## Nutritional Information (per serving)

(Note: Nutritional information is approximate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.)

* Calories: 350-400
* Protein: 30-35g
* Fat: 20-25g
* Saturated Fat: 10-12g
* Cholesterol: 100-120mg
* Sodium: 200-300mg
* Carbohydrates: 2-3g
* Fiber: 0-1g
* Sugar: 1-2g

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

**Q: Can I use frozen salmon?**

A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before baking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.

**Q: Can I bake the salmon with the skin on?**

A: Yes, you can bake the salmon with the skin on. The skin will become crispy and flavorful. If you prefer, you can remove the skin after baking.

**Q: How do I know when the salmon is done?**

A: The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is no longer translucent in the center. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

**Q: Can I make this recipe in the air fryer?**

A: Yes, you can make this recipe in the air fryer. Preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Place the salmon fillets in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.

**Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?**

A: Yes, you can use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs. Use about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs for every tablespoon of fresh herbs.

**Q: Can I add vegetables to the baking sheet?**

A: Yes, you can add vegetables to the baking sheet. Choose vegetables that will cook in the same amount of time as the salmon, such as asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes. Toss the vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding them to the baking sheet.

**Q: Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?**

A: Yes, you can grill the salmon instead of baking it. Preheat your grill to medium heat. Place the salmon fillets on the grill grates and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through.

**Q: What can I do with leftover salmon?**

A: Leftover salmon can be used in salads, sandwiches, pasta dishes, or fish tacos.

## Conclusion

This baked lemon butter salmon recipe is a simple, delicious, and healthy meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a restaurant-quality dish that everyone will love. So, gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to enjoy a flavorful and satisfying salmon dinner!

## Recipe Card

**Baked Lemon Butter Salmon**

A quick and easy recipe for baked salmon with a bright and flavorful lemon butter sauce.

**Prep Time:** 5 minutes
**Cook Time:** 15 minutes
**Total Time:** 20 minutes
**Servings:** 4

**Ingredients:**

* 4 salmon fillets (6-8 ounces each)
* 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
* 2 tablespoons lemon juice
* 1 tablespoon lemon zest
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
* 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
* Salt and pepper to taste
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* Optional: Lemon slices for garnish

**Instructions:**

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Drizzle the salmon fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
4. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, and dill. Mix well.
5. Spoon the lemon butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Garnish with lemon slices, if desired.
8. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

**Notes:**

* Use high-quality salmon for the best flavor.
* Don’t overcook the salmon.
* Adjust the seasoning to your taste.

Enjoy!