Perfectly Baked Lemon Salmon with Zesty Butter Sauce: Your 30-Minute Healthy Dinner Solution
Discover the ultimate easy baked lemon salmon recipe, crowned with a vibrant and bold lemon butter sauce that promises a refreshing flavor burst. This healthy and quick weeknight dinner comes together in just 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for busy evenings when you crave something both nutritious and incredibly delicious.
Why This Easy Baked Lemon Salmon Recipe is a Must-Try
Baked lemon salmon has long been a culinary favorite, and for excellent reasons. The inherently rich, yet delicate, flavor of salmon is beautifully enhanced by the bright acidity of lemon. This recipe leverages the versatility of lemon to its fullest potential, incorporating fresh lemon slices, zesty lemon pepper, aromatic lemon zest, and tangy lemon juice. Each element works in harmony, adding layers of citrusy goodness without ever overwhelming the natural taste of the fish. The accompanying lemon butter sauce, while intensely lemony on its own, acts as the perfect counterpoint when generously brushed over the tender baked salmon, creating a symphony of flavors that is both bold and invigorating.
Beyond its incredible taste, this baked salmon dish stands out for its simplicity and speed. In just 30 minutes, you can transform a few staple ingredients into a restaurant-quality meal. It’s a healthy dinner option, packed with omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon and vitamin C from the lemons, making it as beneficial for your body as it is delightful for your palate. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a beginner in the kitchen, this straightforward recipe guarantees a successful and satisfying meal every time. I personally adore salmon in all its forms—whether it’s marinated, grilled, or enveloped in luxurious cream sauces. When this particular recipe was prepared and photographed, I found myself repeatedly returning to the baking dish, savoring an entire filet piece by piece as I cleaned up. It was truly that good!
Essential Ingredients for Your Lemon Butter Salmon
Gathering your ingredients is the first step towards creating this delightful baked lemon salmon. For a complete list of measurements, ingredients, and detailed instructions, refer to the printable version of the recipe card located at the very end of this post.
Ingredient Spotlight & Smart Substitutions
SALMON: For this recipe, we recommend using two pounds of center-cut salmon. Center-cut fillets are ideal because they are more uniform in thickness, ensuring that each portion cooks evenly and perfectly at the same rate. To achieve neat, individual servings, it’s best to cut the raw salmon into four equally sized fillets before baking. While it’s possible to cut cooked salmon, the flaky texture often results in less clean lines, making pre-cutting the preferred method for presentation. You can opt for skin-on or skin-off salmon; skin-on tends to protect the fish during baking and can be easily removed after cooking if desired.
LEMON: The star of this dish, fresh lemons, provide the primary burst of flavor, complemented by lemon pepper. We strongly advise against using bottled lemon juice, as its flavor can be less vibrant and sometimes artificial compared to freshly squeezed juice. A single medium-sized lemon typically yields about 3-4 Tablespoons of juice, while a large lemon can provide 4-5 Tablespoons. To be safe and ensure you have enough, especially for zest and garnishing, it’s a good idea to grab two medium lemons. Remember, you’ll also need the aromatic zest, and one medium lemon will easily provide plenty. Any extra lemon can be thinly sliced to top the salmon for an added visual appeal and flavor infusion during baking.
BUTTER: We use melted butter to create a rich and flavorful base for both basting the salmon and crafting the zesty lemon sauce. Unsalted butter is often preferred to control the overall saltiness of the dish, especially since garlic salt and lemon pepper are also used. If you only have salted butter, simply reduce the amount of added salt to taste.
GARLIC SALT & LEMON PEPPER: These seasonings add depth and a savory-citrus kick to the salmon. Adjust quantities to your personal preference. Garlic salt offers a convenient blend of salt and garlic flavor, which can be a time-saver. If you prefer, you can use separate garlic powder and fine sea salt or kosher salt, adjusting the ratios to your taste. The lemon pepper enhances the overall lemon theme beautifully.
CORNSTARCH: A small amount of cornstarch mixed with water creates a “slurry” which is essential for thickening the lemon butter sauce to a perfect, luscious consistency. This gives the sauce a beautiful glaze that adheres wonderfully to the salmon.
Mastering Baked Lemon Salmon: Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these detailed step-by-step photos and instructions to visualize the process of making this irresistible baked lemon salmon. For a print-friendly version of this recipe, complete with precise measurements and full instructions, you can Jump to Recipe at the bottom of this page.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 13×9 inch baking dish by lightly coating it with olive oil spray. This prevents sticking and helps with easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, combine 1 teaspoon of the fresh lemon juice with the melted butter, stirring well until fully integrated. Gently brush a portion of this flavorful butter mixture over the salmon fillets. Be sure to reserve the remaining butter for the zesty sauce you’ll prepare later.
- Generously season the salmon fillets on both sides with garlic salt and lemon pepper, adjusting the amount to your taste preferences. This initial seasoning sets the foundation for a delicious flavor profile.
- Carefully place the seasoned salmon fillets into the prepared 13×9 baking dish. For an extra boost of lemon flavor and a beautiful presentation, arrange two thin lemon slices on top of each fillet. If desired, you can add a final sprinkle of garlic salt and lemon pepper over the lemon slices.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for approximately 15 minutes. To achieve a lovely golden-brown finish and slightly caramelized lemon slices, turn your oven to broil for 2-5 minutes towards the end of the cooking time. It’s crucial to watch the salmon very carefully during broiling to prevent burning, as ovens vary greatly in broiling intensity.
- While the salmon is baking, it’s time to prepare the star lemon butter sauce. In a skillet or small saucepan, melt the reserved butter over medium heat. If you enjoy an extra layer of flavor, add the minced garlic and sauté for less than a minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Then, stir in the remaining fresh lemon juice and lemon zest.
- In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the cornstarch and water until a smooth slurry forms. Once the sauce mixture in the skillet begins to boil, slowly drizzle in the cornstarch slurry, whisking continuously to prevent lumps. Continue whisking until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, then immediately turn off the heat.
- Once the salmon is perfectly cooked and removed from the oven, generously brush each fillet with the freshly made, zesty lemon butter sauce. The warmth of the fish will absorb the rich flavors, creating a truly unforgettable meal. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for an extra pop of color and freshness.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips for Perfect Salmon
To keep your delicious leftovers fresh, store the baked salmon in an air-tight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil. Refrigerate promptly, and it will remain good for up to 3 days. When reheating, place the salmon on a baking sheet with a small amount of water or a dab of butter. This helps to reintroduce moisture and prevent the fish from drying out. Cover loosely with aluminum foil and heat in a 275°F (135°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until it’s thoroughly warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can easily dry out the fish.
Salmon is cooked through when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part. The flesh should transition from translucent to opaque. Overcooking can lead to dry, less flavorful salmon, so it’s always best to err on the side of slightly undercooked, as it will continue to cook a bit with residual heat.
Yes, absolutely! If using frozen salmon fillets, ensure they are fully thawed before proceeding with the recipe. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator or use the cold water thawing method for quicker results. Pat them very dry with paper towels before seasoning and baking, as excess moisture can lead to steaming instead of baking, affecting the texture.
Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart and brain health. It’s also an excellent source of high-quality protein, B vitamins, and potassium. Lemons add a significant boost of Vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, and they aid in nutrient absorption. Together, they create a meal that’s not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.
Delicious Serving Suggestions to Complement Your Salmon
This baked lemon salmon, with its optimal baking time, will yield incredibly tender and flavorful fish. While it might not be deeply browned from baking alone, you can easily achieve a beautiful golden crust. We highly recommend, about a minute or two before the salmon is fully cooked, turning up the oven to broil. Keep a close eye on it during this stage, as broilers can brown food very quickly. This brief broiling period will add a lovely char to the fish and caramelize the lemon slices, enhancing both appearance and flavor.
To create a complete and balanced meal, this versatile salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with roasted or steamed vegetables such as vibrant asparagus, crisp broccoli florets, or tender green beans. For a more substantial plate, complement the fish with creamy mashed potatoes, delicate orzo pasta, or light and fluffy lemon couscous. The truth is, salmon is incredibly adaptable and pairs well with countless side dishes, so feel free to choose your personal favorites to create a perfect meal tailored to your taste.
Explore More Delicious Fish Recipes
If you’re a fan of seafood and looking for more culinary inspiration, we have a wonderful selection of other fish recipes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds. From savory marinades to diverse cooking methods, there’s something for every fish lover:
- Teriyaki Salmon
- Baked Chilean Sea Bass
- Pan Seared Salmon
- Baked Orange Roughy
I love to bake and cook and share my kitchen experience with all of you! Remembering to come back each day can be tough, that’s why I offer a convenient newsletter every time a new recipe posts. Simply subscribe and start receiving your free daily recipes!
Easy Baked Lemon Salmon with Zesty Butter Sauce
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
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Ingredients
- 2 pounds center cut salmon cut into 4 fillets
- 3 Tablespoons butter melted
- 4 Tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed, divided
- garlic salt to taste
- lemon pepper to taste
- 8 lemon slices thinly sliced
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic optional, for the sauce
- 1 Tablespoon lemon zest freshly zested
- ½ teaspoon cornstarch
- 3 Tablespoons water
- freshly chopped parsley optional, for garnish
Things You’ll Need
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Basting brush
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13×9 baking dish
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Large skillet or saucepan
Before You Begin
- One medium-sized lemon will typically yield 3-4 Tablespoons of juice, while a large lemon should provide 4-5 Tablespoons. To ensure you have enough, especially for both juice and zest, we recommend grabbing two medium lemons. Remember, you’ll also need the zest from the lemon, and one medium lemon will be plenty for that. You can use the extra lemon (or the same one) to slice and top the salmon with!
- We often use garlic salt in our recipes for its balanced flavor profile. If you prefer to use regular table salt or Kosher salt, feel free to season to your desired taste. Keep in mind that garlic salt actually has slightly less sodium than an equal measure of table salt and offers the added benefit of garlic flavor.
- The lemon butter sauce in this recipe is designed to be quite bright and lemony. While we don’t suggest tasting it on its own due to its concentrated flavor, it serves as the absolute perfect complement to the rich baked salmon.
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Prepare a 13×9 inch baking dish by lightly spraying with olive oil spray.
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Add 1 teaspoon of the fresh lemon juice to the melted butter and stir until well combined. Brush a portion of this butter mixture onto the salmon fillets. Reserve the remaining butter to be used for the sauce step later.3 Tablespoons butter, 2 pounds center cut salmon
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Season the salmon fillets generously (to taste) with garlic salt and lemon pepper.
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Place the seasoned fillets into the prepared 13×9 baking dish. Arrange 2 thin lemon slices on top of each fillet. Season with additional garlic salt and lemon pepper if desired for extra flavor.8 lemon slices
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Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15 minutes. To achieve a beautiful browned finish, turn the oven to broil and, watching it carefully, broil for an additional 2-5 minutes until golden.
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While the fish is baking, prepare the flavorful lemon butter sauce. Place the remaining reserved butter in a skillet or saucepan over medium heat. If using, add the minced garlic and sauté for less than a minute until fragrant. Then, add the remaining lemon juice and lemon zest to the skillet.1 teaspoon minced garlic, 1 Tablespoon lemon zest
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In a separate small bowl or measuring cup, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a smooth slurry. When the sauce mixture in the skillet begins to boil, slowly drizzle in the cornstarch slurry, whisking continuously to prevent any lumps. Turn off the heat once the sauce has thickened to a desirable consistency.1/2 teaspoon cornstarch, 3 Tablespoons water
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Once the salmon is ready, remove it from the oven. Brush each fillet generously with the warm, zesty lemon butter sauce before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Expert Tips & FAQs
- The primary baking time for this recipe ensures a perfectly cooked, flaky fish. However, for a beautiful browned exterior and slightly caramelized lemon slices, we highly recommend a brief broil. Just a minute or so before the salmon is fully ready, switch your oven to broil and watch it very carefully. It won’t take long to achieve that desirable golden finish!
- Store any leftover baked lemon salmon in an airtight container or tightly wrapped with aluminum foil in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place the salmon on a baking sheet with a tiny amount of water or butter to help remoisten, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 275°F (135°C) oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This method helps maintain its moisture and flavor.
Nutrition
The recipes on this blog are tested with a conventional gas oven and gas stovetop. It’s important to note that some ovens, especially as they age, can cook and bake inconsistently. Using an inexpensive oven thermometer can assure you that your oven is truly heating to the proper temperature. If you use a toaster oven or countertop oven, please keep in mind that they may not distribute heat the same as a conventional full sized oven and you may need to adjust your cooking/baking times. In the case of recipes made with a pressure cooker, air fryer, slow cooker, or other appliance, a link to the appliances we use is listed within each respective recipe. For baking recipes where measurements are given by weight, please note that results may not be the same if cups are used instead, and we can’t guarantee success with that method.