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Lemon garlic butter baked salmon fillets sizzling with fresh herbs and lemon slices

Lemon Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Fillets

Tender, succulent Atlantic salmon fillets baked in a rich lemon garlic butter sauce infused with smoked paprika and fresh garden dill. A foolproof 20-minute sheet pan dinner bursting with bright citrus and savory aromatics.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Calories: 385

Ingredients
  

Salmon & Seasoning
  • 4 fillets skin-on Atlantic salmon (approx. 6 oz each), patted dry
  • 1 tsp sweet smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp Italian herb blend (oregano, thyme, rosemary)
  • 1 tsp fine sea salt
  • 1/2 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for light coating)
Garlic Butter Sauce & Garnish
  • 4 tbsp unsalted European grass-fed butter, melted
  • 5 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx. 1 medium lemon)
  • 1 tsp finely grated lemon zest
  • 1 medium lemon, sliced into thin wheels
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) with a rack arranged in the center position. Line a large rimmed baking sheet with unbleached parchment paper or heavy-duty foil for effortless cleanup.
  2. Arrange the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, leaving about 2 inches of space between each piece. Pat each fillet thoroughly dry with paper towels to ensure optimal searing and seasoning adhesion. Lightly brush the tops with olive oil, then season evenly with smoked paprika, Italian herbs, sea salt, and black pepper.
  3. In a small heatproof bowl, whisk together the melted grass-fed butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Generously spoon the garlic butter mixture over each salmon fillet, making sure the garlic bits coat the top surface. Tuck the thin lemon slices around the fillets on the baking sheet.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the fillet thickness, until the salmon flakes effortlessly with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 135°F to 140°F (57°C to 60°C). For golden caramelized edges, switch the oven to high broil for the final 90 seconds.
  5. Remove from the oven immediately. Spoon any warm pan juices pooling around the fish over the fillets. Garnish generously with freshly chopped dill and Italian parsley. Serve immediately with warm lemon wedges.

Nutrition

Serving: 1gCalories: 385kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 35gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 115mgSodium: 490mgPotassium: 720mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 18IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 4mgIron: 8mg

Notes

Keyword: lemon butter baked salmon. For best results, use fresh, center-cut fillets of equal thickness so they bake uniformly. Store leftovers in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

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