Garlic Lemon Salmon: A Zesty Delight

This

baked lemon garlic salmon

delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Make it a sheet pan meal by adding your favorite vegetable. Dinner is ready in just 30 minutes!

After a busy day, quick,
easy-to-make homemade dinners
like this baked lemon garlic salmon are a game changer. You can even include your favorite vegetables at the same time, making it a convenient, sheet pan meal.

Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Dinner

Tons of flavor from the fresh herbs, garlic, butter, and lemon
Bake the salmon alone or add vegetables for a complete meal
Casual enough for the week, fancy enough for guests (or holidays)
From oven to table in only 30 minutes!

Grab These Ingredients

Salmon:

The fresher the salmon, the better. Baking individual fillets makes it easier, but not required. Try to find salmon fillets that are even in thickness so they all cook in the same time.
Butter & Olive Oil:

Melted butter is key for flavor in this dish. To prevent the butter from burning, we’re adding olive oil.
Garlic:

There’s no question that freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor, but if all you have is jarred, that’ll do it too!
Lemon:

You need ¼ cup of fresh lemon juice—fresh lemons are best for this. You can also also top the salmon with lemon slices.
Herbs:

Both parsley and dill are a must in this recipe. I preferred fresh parsley and dried dill—use your preference—similar to this
herb crusted salmon
recipe.
Onion:

Adding just a little fresh onion adds flavor.
Salt & Pepper:

Always required!

Steps: In Photos

Start with melting butter with the olive oil in a small saucepan. Stir in the onion and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the garlic for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper. That’s your quick, flavorful sauce!

Spoon the sauce over the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. If you’re roasting vegetables on the same pan—spread them out around the salmon and drizzle the sauce on top.

FAQ

Can I bake the lemon garlic salmon in an aluminum foil pack?

Yes, absolutely! You can bake the salmon fillets individually with your choice of vegetables. Simply place in foil, spoon the sauce on top and close tightly. You can bake in the oven or place on the grill.

What herbs can I use instead of parsley and dill?

Absolutely. You can swap either of the herbs. Rosemary and/or cilantro would be a wonderful addition or swap!

How long should I bake salmon fillets?

The amount of time it takes to bake will depend on the thickness of your salmon, but generally 15-20 minutes. The salmon should be opaque in the middle and flake easily with a fork. You want the internal temperature to be about 145°F.

What to Serve With Lemon Garlic Salmon

My favorite sides to pair with this baked lemon garlic salmon are endless—
parmesan roasted brussels sprouts
,
favorite garlic bread
,
roasted zucchini
,
homemade buttermilk biscuits
,
creamy mac and cheese
,
roasted asparagus
,
cheesy scalloped potatoes
,
baked potatoes
, and
cauliflower broccoli au gratin
.

Quick Dinner Recipes

15-Minute Pesto Shrimp (Easy Recipe!)
Easy Baked Herb Crusted Salmon
Blackened Shrimp Bowls
How To Make Salmon Cakes

Quick & Easy Lemon Garlic Salmon

This baked lemon garlic salmon delivers bold flavor with minimal effort, making it perfect for busy weeknights. Make it a sheet pan meal by adding your favorite vegetable. Dinner is ready in just 30 minutes!

Course

Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine

American

Diet

Gluten Free, Vegetarian

Prep Time

5

minutes

minutes

Cook Time

20

minutes

minutes

Total Time

25

minutes

minutes

Servings

4

servings

Calories

413

kcal

Author

Christina

Ingredients

4

salmon fillets
4

Tablespoons

unsalted butter
2

Tablespoons

olive oil
3

garlic cloves

minced
¼

cup

lemon juice

freshly squeezed
3

Tablespoons

chopped fresh parsley
2

teaspoons

dried dill
½

teaspoon

salt
½

teaspoon

black pepper
optional: 4 lemon slices for topping

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 425°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat.
Arrange salmon fillets evenly spaced in the middle of the pan. If also roasting vegetables, as shown, arrange them around the perimeter or one side of the pan.
In a small sauce pan or skillet over medium heat, melt the butter with the olive oil. Add the onion until softened, about 2-3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant. Remove from the heat and stir in the lemon juice, herbs, salt, and pepper. Spoon the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets (and vegetables, if using). If desired, place a lemon slice on top of each fillet.
Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon (about 10 minutes per 1-inch thickness). Salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If using an instant-read thermometer, internal temperatre should reach 145°F at the thickest part.
Serve warm. Store leftovers tightly covered in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Notes

Frozen Salmon:

If using frozen salmon, thaw completely before starting. Pat dry before adding the pan sauce.
Salmon Temperature:

The amount of time it takes to bake will depend on the thickness of your salmon, but generally 15-20 minutes. The salmon should be opaque in the middle and flake easily with a fork. You want the internal temperature to be about 145°F.
Vegetables:

You can roast vegetables at the same time you bake the salmon, as shown pictured above. I prefer 1 bunch of asparagus or 3-4 cups of broccoli florets. Chop your vegetables on the smaller side os they cook in the same amount of time as the salmon OR start the vegetables before adding the salmon.