Garlic Butter Roasted Salmon
Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users
Author
Adam G.
Servings
4
Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
18 minutes
This garlic butter roasted salmon is the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weeknight rotation. It comes together in under 25 minutes, uses pantry staples, and delivers restaurant-quality flavour with almost no effort. The Dijon and smoked paprika add depth without overpowering the salmon's natural richness.
Ingredients
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4 salmon fillets (about 170g / 6 oz each), skin-on
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3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
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1 tsp lemon zest
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1 tsp Dijon mustard
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1/2 tsp smoked paprika
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper
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Fresh parsley, chopped, to serve
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Lemon wedges, to serve
Directions
Preheat oven to 220°C (425°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towel and place skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Season generously with salt and pepper.
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, and smoked paprika.
Spoon the garlic butter mixture evenly over each fillet.
Roast for 12–15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Thicker fillets may need up to 18 minutes.
Finish under the broiler for 1–2 minutes for a lightly golden top, if desired.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Recipe Note
Tips for Perfect Roasted Salmon
- Pat it dry. Moisture on the surface creates steam and prevents browning. A quick pat with paper towel makes a real difference.
- Don't overcook it. Salmon is done when it flakes easily and the centre is just barely opaque. It will continue to cook slightly off the heat.
- Skin-on fillets hold together better during roasting and the skin crisps up beautifully — it's worth keeping on.
- Room temperature fish cooks more evenly. Pull the salmon from the fridge 10–15 minutes before roasting.
Serving Suggestions
This salmon pairs well with roasted asparagus, steamed rice, a simple green salad, or crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter. Leftovers flake beautifully into pasta or grain bowls the next day.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (150°C / 300°F) for 8–10 minutes to avoid drying it out.