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Perfect Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Sauce

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This baked salmon with lemon butter sauce is tender, flaky, and ready in under 30 minutes. The simple lemon butter sauce creates a flavorful bath that keeps the fish moist and delicious.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Lemon wedges (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Position a rack in the center of the oven. Let the salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and honey until smooth and slightly thickened, about 30 seconds.
  3. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper.
  4. Brush the bottom of a 9×13-inch baking dish with olive oil. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the dish, leaving space between each piece.
  5. Pour the lemon butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillets, ensuring each fillet is well coated.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the center is just slightly translucent (125-130°F for medium, 135-140°F for well-done).
  7. Optional: Switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes for a golden top. Watch carefully.
  8. Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest in the sauce for 2-3 minutes. Spoon pan sauce over fillets before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

For best results, let salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking. Use fresh lemon juice, not bottled. The Dijon mustard helps emulsify the sauce. If using wild-caught salmon, be careful not to overcook. Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently in a low oven or skillet.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon butter sauce, easy salmon recipe, weeknight dinner, healthy salmon, gluten-free salmon, keto salmon

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