Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Easy honey garlic butter baked salmon made with fresh garlic, lemon, and parsley. This quick oven-baked salmon recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners. Ready in under 20 minutes, with a sweet and savory glaze that pairs well with rice, vegetables, or potatoes. Ideal for healthy meal prep or family meals.

This honey garlic butter baked salmon is a quick and flavorful dinner made with simple ingredients. Juicy salmon fillets are coated in a rich buttery glaze with honey, garlic, and lemon, then baked to perfection in under 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 4 boneless salmon fillets, skin on
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp honey
• ½ tsp dried parsley (or 2 tsp fresh parsley, finely chopped)
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• Pinch of paprika
• 1 lemon, sliced into thin half-moons

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Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) fan. Line a baking tray with foil or a silicone baking mat.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
   Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the tray, spaced slightly apart.
3. Make the Honey Garlic Butter Sauce:
   In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, honey, parsley, salt, pepper, and paprika until combined.
4. Coat the Salmon:
   Spoon the sauce evenly over each fillet. Don’t worry if some sauce pools around the salmon on the tray.
5. Add Lemon:
   Arrange the lemon slices on top of and around the fillets for extra flavor.
6. Bake:
   Place the tray in the oven and bake for 8 minutes.
7. Baste and Finish Baking:
   Remove the tray from the oven and baste the salmon with the sauce from the tray. Return to the oven and bake for an additional 4–7 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
8. Serve:
   Serve hot with your choice of potatoes and green vegetables.

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Tips

• Don’t overbake: Check for doneness by gently pressing the salmon—it should flake easily but remain moist inside.
• Use a thermometer: Internal temperature should reach 52–57°C (125–135°F) for perfectly cooked salmon.
• Line your tray: Foil or a silicone mat makes cleanup easy and prevents sticking.
• Fresh lemon boosts flavor: Don’t skip it—it adds brightness that balances the sweetness.

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Variations and Substitutions

• No fresh parsley? Use ½ tsp dried parsley or substitute with fresh dill or chives.
• Add a spicy kick: Stir in a pinch of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce.
• Use maple syrup: Swap honey with pure maple syrup for a different sweet note.
• Try different fish: This recipe also works well with trout or cod fillets.

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FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw completely and pat dry before baking for best texture.

Can I make this ahead of time?
You can mix the sauce and prepare the salmon on the tray in advance. Bake just before serving for best results.

Do I need to flip the salmon?
No, bake skin-side down the entire time for even cooking and easier serving.

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Serving Suggestions

• Pair with roasted baby potatoes or mashed sweet potatoes.
• Add steamed broccoli, asparagus, or green beans for a complete meal.
• Serve with a side of rice or couscous for a light, balanced plate.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 20 minutes.
• Simple pantry ingredients: No fancy ingredients required.
• Perfectly balanced flavor: Sweet, buttery, garlicky, and bright.
• Family-friendly: A great way to introduce more fish into your meals.