Zingy Lemon Herb Butter Salmon Bake Recipe for Weeknight Magic

Succulent salmon meets a zesty twist in this lemon herb butter salmon bake that promises to tantalize your taste buds.

Delicate fish fillets nestle into a pool of aromatic herbs and melted butter, creating a mouthwatering masterpiece.

The bright citrus notes dance perfectly with the rich, flaky salmon, turning an ordinary dinner into something extraordinary.

Fresh herbs sprinkled generously add a vibrant layer of flavor that makes this dish sing.

Quick and elegant, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results right from your kitchen.

Each bite promises a burst of Mediterranean-inspired goodness that will leave you craving more.

Dive into this simple yet impressive salmon experience that transforms weeknight cooking into a gourmet celebration.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 370 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Lemon Herb Butter Salmon Bake

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, wild-caught salmon provides rich omega-3s and delivers a buttery texture when baked perfectly.

• Butter: Creamy base that adds luxurious richness and helps distribute herbs evenly across the dish.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that brings deep, warming notes and complements the delicate salmon flavor.
• Dill: Fragrant herb with a light, tangy profile that pairs beautifully with seafood and brightens the overall dish.
• Lemon: Adds zesty brightness, tenderizes the fish, and provides a fresh citrus undertone to balance the richness.

• Salt: Essential for bringing out the natural flavors of the salmon and other ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and depth to the seasoning profile.
• Lemon Rounds: Decorative and functional, infusing additional citrus essence during baking.
• Asparagus or Mixed Vegetables: Provides nutritional balance, textural contrast, and absorbs the delicious garlic butter while roasting.

Tools That Make Lemon Herb Butter Salmon a Breeze

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for roasting salmon and vegetables.
• Parchment Paper: Non-stick liner to prevent sticking and easy cleanup.
• Small Bowl: For mixing garlic butter ingredients.
• Pastry Brush: To evenly spread garlic butter on salmon.
• Knife: For slicing lemon and zesting.
• Measuring Spoons: For accurate butter and seasoning measurements.
• Fork: To check salmon doneness and flaking.

Baking Lemon Herb Butter Salmon the Easy Way

• Oven Preparation

Warm the oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for your salmon adventure. Grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper for an easy cleanup.

• Lemon Magic

Grab a fresh lemon and gently massage its skin to release the zesty aroma. Slice the sunny citrus into delicate rounds that will dance around your fish.

• Flavor Fusion

Whip up a dreamy butter blend by mixing melted butter with minced garlic, whispered lemon zest, and fragrant dill. Let the ingredients mingle and get acquainted.

• Salmon Transformation

Lay your salmon fillets on the prepared sheet like precious jewels. Sprinkle a gentle kiss of salt and pepper across their surface, awakening their natural flavors.

• Butter Embrace

Lovingly paint the garlic butter mixture over the salmon, ensuring every inch gets a luxurious coating. Watch as the fish becomes glossy and inviting.

• Veggie Companions

Scatter lemon rounds playfully across the salmon. Add a handful of vibrant vegetables around the fish, drizzling the remaining butter magic over them.

• Baking Finale

Slide the baking sheet into the warm oven. Let the salmon bake for 12-15 minutes until it becomes flaky and tender, promising a mouthwatering meal that whispers of ocean breezes and herbal gardens.

Flavor Additions for Herb Butter Salmon Bake

• Salmon Savvy: Expert Cooking Tips & Flavor Twists
• Fresh Fish Selection: Choose wild-caught salmon with firm, bright-colored flesh for the best texture and most robust flavor profile.
• Herb Harmony: Experiment with different herb combinations like rosemary, thyme, or parsley to create unique flavor variations that complement the salmon's natural richness.
• Temperature Mastery: Use a meat thermometer to check salmon doneness – aim for 145°F internal temperature for perfectly cooked, moist fish that easily flakes with a fork.
• Veggie Pairing Power: Switch up vegetable companions like zucchini, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes to add color, nutrition, and exciting taste dimensions to your salmon bake.
• Butter Boost: For an extra flavor kick, try infusing your butter with roasted garlic, smoked paprika, or a splash of white wine before mixing with herbs and brushing over the salmon.

Serving Lemon Herb Butter Salmon in Style

• Coastal Dinner Party Delight: Serve this salmon on a rustic wooden board with fresh herb sprigs, creating an Instagram-worthy presentation that impresses guests.
• Mediterranean Plate Pairing: Accompany the salmon with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a crisp Greek salad for a Mediterranean-inspired meal that transports taste buds to sunny coastlines.
• Healthy Grain Bowl Transformation: Flake the baked salmon over quinoa or brown rice, top with roasted vegetables, and drizzle with extra lemon butter for a nutritious and satisfying one-bowl dinner.
• Wine and Dine Experience: Pair this dish with a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, enhancing the delicate flavors of the lemon herb salmon.

Storing Leftover Salmon Bake Without Drying

• Smart Leftovers Recovery: Store cooked salmon in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Refrigerated salmon stays fresh for 3-4 days, maintaining delicious flavor and texture when properly sealed.
• Freezing Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual salmon portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags. Frozen salmon maintains quality for up to 3 months, ensuring convenient future meals without compromising taste.
• Reheating Wisdom: Gently warm salmon in a 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with aluminum foil. This method prevents drying and helps retain the original moisture and herb-infused flavors from the initial cooking.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare salmon fillets ahead of time and store uncooked in refrigerator for 1-2 days. Keep garlic herb butter mixture separately in a sealed container, allowing flexible cooking schedules and reducing daily preparation time.

Vibrant Lemon Herb Butter Salmon Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 40 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent lemon herb butter salmon bake delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors with elegant simplicity. Delicate salmon fillets emerge infused with zesty herbs, promising a light yet satisfying meal for discerning palates.

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Ingredients

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• 4 salmon filets (6 oz / 170 g each)
• 4 tbsps unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp fresh or dried dill
• 1 lemon
• 2 cups asparagus spears, trimmed
• 2 cups vegetables of choice
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Position rack in center and preheat to 400°F, creating optimal roasting conditions for salmon.
2. Baking Surface Setup: Line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
3. Flavor Preparation: Grate lemon zest and slice remaining lemon into rounds while crafting an aromatic herb butter by whisking melted butter, crushed garlic, lemon zest, and chopped dill.
4. Salmon Seasoning: Arrange salmon fillets on prepared baking sheet, generously season with salt and black pepper, then lavishly coat with herbed butter mixture.
5. Vegetable Integration: Strategically place lemon rounds atop salmon and distribute asparagus around the fillets, drizzling remaining herb butter and adding a final sprinkle of seasoning.
6. Roasting Process: Bake in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, monitoring until salmon turns opaque and flakes easily when gently tested with a fork, ensuring perfectly cooked, moisture-rich fish.

Notes

• Optimize Salmon Freshness: Select fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with firm, vibrant flesh and minimal fishy odor for the best taste and texture.
• Master Butter Coating Technique: Brush herb butter evenly, ensuring complete salmon coverage for maximum flavor infusion and moisture retention.
• Control Cooking Precision: Watch salmon closely during roasting; overcooking leads to dry, tough fish. Remove when center is slightly translucent for perfect tenderness.
• Enhance Herb Butter Depth: Allow herb butter to sit for 10-15 minutes before applying to salmon, letting flavors meld and intensify for a more complex taste profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 370
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 32 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg