Introduction

This melt-in-mouth honey garlic butter baked salmon is a simple yet delicious dish that combines sweet honey and savory garlic with tender salmon. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests.

A piece of cooked salmon fillet with a shiny, golden-brown crust on top, covered in small green herb pieces and glistening with a light sauce that pools around its base. On top of the salmon, there are three thin lemon slices layered near the thicker end. The salmon is placed centrally on a plain white plate, which sits on a white marbled texture surface. The background is gently blurred to keep the focus on the salmon. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 boneless salmon fillets
2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp honey
½ tsp dried parsley or 2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
pinch paprika
1 lemon, sliced into half-moons

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F (fan). Line a baking tray with foil or a silicone mat.
Step 2: Place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, on the prepared baking tray.
Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, honey, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 4: Pour this mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
Step 5: Arrange the lemon slices on and around the salmon.
Step 6: Bake for 8 minutes.
Step 7: Carefully open the oven and baste the salmon with the sauce from the tray. Bake for an additional 4-7 minutes, or until the salmon is tender and cooked through.
Step 8: Serve your baked salmon with your favorite potatoes and green vegetables.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in the honey garlic butter mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
Use fresh parsley if possible for a brighter herb flavor.
Add a sprinkle of chili flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle heat.
If you prefer crispier skin, broil the salmon for the last 2 minutes.

Storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out. It’s best enjoyed fresh but keeps well for quick meals.

How to Serve

A single piece of cooked salmon fillet with a shiny glazed top layer in rich orange and golden brown colors, showing a slightly crispy texture. It is garnished with three thin yellow lemon slices placed on top and fresh green chopped herbs sprinkled over the fish and around it. The salmon rests in a light golden sauce that pools slightly on a round white plate, all set on a white marbled texture surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw the salmon before baking. Pat it dry to ensure the sauce adheres well and the fish cooks evenly.

What side dishes pair well with honey garlic butter baked salmon?

This salmon goes great with roasted or mashed potatoes, steamed green beans, asparagus, or a fresh side salad for a balanced meal.

Melt in Mouth Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

5 from 75 reviews

This Melt in Mouth Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe delivers tender, flavorful salmon fillets glazed with a luscious honey garlic butter sauce. Featuring simple ingredients like garlic, honey, butter, and fresh lemon slices, this easy oven-baked dish is perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight meal or a special occasion. The salmon is baked to perfection, resulting in a juicy and aromatic finish that pairs beautifully with potatoes and green vegetables.

Author: Stella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 22-25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon Fillets

4 boneless salmon fillets

Honey Garlic Butter Sauce

2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp honey
½ tsp dried parsley or 2 tsp fresh parsley, chopped
¼ tsp salt
¼ tsp pepper
pinch paprika

Garnish

1 lemon, sliced into half-moons

Instructions

Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 200°C/400°F (fan). Line a baking tray with foil or a silicone mat for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking.
Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking tray, ensuring they are spaced evenly for even cooking.
Make Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, honey, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika until well combined.
Coat Salmon: Pour the honey garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, making sure each piece is well coated to infuse it with flavor.
Add Lemon Slices: Arrange the lemon slices on and around the salmon to add a fresh citrus aroma during baking.
Bake Initial: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 8 minutes, allowing it to start cooking through and absorb the sauce flavors.
Baste and Continue Baking: Carefully open the oven and baste the salmon with the sauce pooled in the tray. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 4-7 minutes, or until the salmon is tender, opaque, and cooked through.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the honey garlic butter baked salmon immediately with your favorite potatoes and green vegetables for a balanced meal.

Notes

For best results, use fresh salmon fillets with skin on to help keep the fish moist.
Adjust the honey amount if you prefer a sweeter or less sweet glaze.
If you don’t have parsley, you can substitute with fresh dill or omit it altogether.
Watch the baking time carefully to avoid overcooking; salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
You can line the baking tray with parchment paper if you don’t have foil or a silicone mat.
Serve immediately to enjoy the salmon at its freshest and juiciest.

Keywords: baked salmon, honey garlic salmon, salmon recipe, healthy salmon, easy dinner, baked fish, honey garlic butter sauce