This lemon butter baked salmon is tender, flaky and flavorful! Ready in 20 minutes, it’s a classic flavor combination for fish that will be your go-to for weeknight dinners.
Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter
This lemon butter baked salmon recipe is fresh, flavorful and good for you! I love that this healthy dinner recipe can be on the table in just 20 minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights!
The combination of lemon and butter pairs perfectly with fish recipes just like in my crispy lemon baked fish and unlike my pan seared salmon or balsamic glazed salmon this oven-baked recipe requires no standing over a hot stove.
Ingredient Notes
Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.
- Salmon fillets: I use skinless salmon fillets. Fresh or frozen fish can be used just remember to thaw frozen salmon before using.
- Butter: Olive oil can also be used.
- Fresh lemon juice: I used the juice of one fresh lemon. Additional lemon slices can be placed on top of the salmon as well as lemon zest can be used in the butter.
- Salt and pepper: To enhance taste.
How to Make Lemon Butter Baked Salmon
Brush the salmon with the butter and lemon juice and place on a baking sheet or cast iron pan, skin side down. Add veggies if you’d like and season.
Bake the salmon fillets for 12-15 minutes, until it is cooked through to 450°F and flakes easily with a fork. Brush again with more lemon butter and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Recipe Tips and Variations
- How to tell when salmon is done: Salmon is done cooking when it flakes easily with a fork and the center is opaque. I like to check mine with instant read thermometer, the USDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145°F.
- How long to bake salmon: Cooking time for salmon will vary on the thickness of your salmon. Smaller fillets will cook faster than larger ones.
- Lemon garlic butter. Just the simple addition of minced garlic to the lemon and butter will up the flavor of this oven-baked lemon butter salmon.
- Sweeten it up. Stir in a touch of honey or maple syrup for a sweeter version of this baked salmon.
- Make it a meal. Follow the directions for this sheet pan salmon and asparagus with potatoes to make a complete meal.
Storage
Store leftover salmon in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
More seafood recipes we love include this grilled salmon, this tuscan salmon recipe or baked tilapia.
More Seafood Recipes
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Lemon Butter Baked Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 to 3 Tablespoons butter , or olive oil
- 1 to 2 lemons
- 4 skinless salmon fillets , about 6 ounces each
- Salt , to taste
- Ground black pepper , to taste
For serving (optional): Freshly chopped herbs like parsley, oregano or basil
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- In a small bowl, melt 2-3 Tablespoons butter. Squeeze in the juice from 1 lemon. Mix until combined.
- Place 4 salmon fillets on a baking sheet or cast iron pan. Add veggies if desired. Brush the melted butter mixture over the top and bottom. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add a sliced lemon on top of each fillet if desired.
- Bake 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through to 145°F and flaky when pulled apart with a fork. For a crispy edge, you can broil the last 1 to 2 minutes (watch closely, so it doesn't burn).
- Brush with more lemon butter and garnish with fresh herbs if desired. Serve while warm.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: 5 Ingredients Or Less, 5 Ingredients Or Less, American, Dinner, Gluten-Free, Low Carb, Nut-Free, Whole 30
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook and shares easy family-friendly recipes and desserts for every occasion.
This is my family’s favorite way to enjoy salmon. Sometimes simple really is best!
Thanks Charlotte! I’m so happy you and your family loved the salmon recipe :)
This was a hit for my family dinner! So delicious and so much flavor!
I just love the simplicity of this recipe- exactly what I was looking for! Thank you!
It’s a no-fuss, delicious dish. Perfectly flaky and flavorful. Highly recommend for an easy dinner!