Savor succulent baked salmon brushed with aromatic garlic butter and enhanced by a delightful sprinkle of brown sugar, paprika and cayenne spice. Each fillet is infused with balanced flavors and a subtle hint of lemon, offering a mouthwatering, easy-to-prepare meal that transforms dinner into an unforgettable dining sensation.

Jump to Recipe

I recently tried this Garlic Butter Baked Salmon recipe and it’s quickly become one of my favorite dinner ideas. I use 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), brushed with 3 tablespoons of melted unsalted butter mixed with 4 minced garlic cloves.

This simple base is enhanced with a light sprinkle of salt and freshly ground black pepper – about 1/2 teaspoon and 1/4 teaspoon per fillet respectively, then topped off with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon paprika and a pinch (about 1/4 teaspoon) of cayenne pepper. I like to add a touch of lemon juice for a bit of tanginess if you’re into that.

The nutritional benefits of salmon are huge, delivering loads of omega-3s and protein, making it a healthy option. This oven baked method is pretty cool and cuts down cooking time, while still keeping the flavors bold and the fish juicy.

It’s a yummy salmon recipe that’s super easy to make!

Why I Like this Recipe

I really like this recipe because it’s super simple to make and the flavor just pops. I love how the garlic butter mixes with the brown sugar and spices, giving the salmon a kinda sweet and spicy kick that makes it really exciting to eat. I also appreciate that it cooks pretty fast in the oven, so I don’t have to wait long for a tasty dinner. And honestly, it always looks awesome even when I don’t feel like doing all the extra dishes, which is a big win for me.

Ingredients

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

Salmon fillets: They provide lean, high-quality protein along with heart-healthy omega-3 fats and delicious delicate texture.
Unsalted butter: It adds creamy richness and helps meld garlic and spices into a flavor explosion.
Garlic cloves: They deliver robust flavor and natural antioxidants, boosting both taste and health benefits.
Brown sugar: Provides a subtle sweetness that balances savory spices without overpowering the dish’s natural flavor.
Lemon juice: Enhances with tanginess that brightens overall flavors and cuts through richness nicely.
Paprika: Adds a mild smoky note and vibrant color, enhancing visual appeal and taste.
Cayenne pepper: Offers a gentle kick of heat for those who like subtle spicy layers in meals.

Ingredient Quantities

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

4 garlic cloves, minced

Salt to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon per fillet)

Freshly ground black pepper to taste (around 1/4 teaspoon per fillet)

2 tablespoons brown sugar

1 teaspoon paprika

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

How to Make this

Print Recipe (No Advertisments)

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.

2. Place the salmon fillets on the sheet, skin-side down if they have skin.

3. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and minced garlic.

4. Brush the garlic butter all over each fillet, making sure you get a good coating.

5. Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly on top of the fillets.

6. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika and cayenne pepper.

7. Dust the salmon with the brown sugar spice mix so its covered completely.

8. If you want, drizzle the lemon juice over the salmon for an extra tang flavor.

9. Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

10. Let the salmon rest for a couple minutes before serving and enjoy your tasty dinner!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven (preheated to 400°F)
2. Baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper
3. Two small bowls (one for mixing the garlic butter and one for the spice mix)
4. Measuring spoons
5. Basting brush for spreading the garlic butter
6. Fork to check if the salmon flakes easily
7. Timer to keep track of the baking time

FAQ

How can I tell when the salmon is done?

It should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. If it's still shiny in the center, give it a few more minutes.

Can I use other types of fish in this recipe?

Sure, you can use similar white fish like cod or halibut, but keep an eye on the cooking time since it might change.

Do I have to preheat my oven to 400°F?

Yes, preheat to 400°F so that the salmon cooks evenly and the garlic butter sauce really gets to work.

Can I adjust the level of spice in the recipe?

Yeah, you can reduce or skip the cayenne pepper if you dont like too much heat, or add extra if you want it spicier.

Is it possible to prepare the salmon ahead of time?

You can marinate it a few hours ahead, but its best served fresh so the butter sauce doesnt lose its flavor.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have unsalted butter, you can use coconut oil or olive oil instead.
If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can substitute with about 1/2 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove.
For brown sugar, try using honey or maple syrup, but you might need to adjust other liquids slightly.
If you’re out of paprika, a pinch of smoked paprika or even a bit of chili powder can work as a replacement.
You can omit cayenne pepper if you prefer less heat, or swap it with a few red pepper flakes.

Pro Tips

1. If your salmon fillets are a little thicker or thinner than usual, pay close attention to the cooking time so they dont dry out. A quick fork test near the thickest part should tell you when they’re done.
2. Try marinating the garlic butter a few minutes before brushing it on the fish. It helps all the flavors blend better and gives the salmon an even richer taste.
3. For a really clean-up friendly meal, stick with parchment paper rather than foil. It not only keeps your baking sheet clean but also helps the salmon cook more evenly.
4. If you like a bit of char on your sugar mix, you can pop the salmon under the broiler for just a couple secs at the end. Be careful though, since it can burn pretty quick!

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

Recipe by Bob Jones

0.0 from 0 votes

Servings

servings

Calories

430

kcal

Equipment: 1. Oven (preheated to 400°F)
2. Baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper
3. Two small bowls (one for mixing the garlic butter and one for the spice mix)
4. Measuring spoons
5. Basting brush for spreading the garlic butter
6. Fork to check if the salmon flakes easily
7. Timer to keep track of the baking time

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
4 garlic cloves, minced
Salt to taste (about 1/2 teaspoon per fillet)
Freshly ground black pepper to taste (around 1/4 teaspoon per fillet)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Directions

Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper.
Place the salmon fillets on the sheet, skin-side down if they have skin.
In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter and minced garlic.
Brush the garlic butter all over each fillet, making sure you get a good coating.
Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly on top of the fillets.
In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, paprika and cayenne pepper.
Dust the salmon with the brown sugar spice mix so its covered completely.
If you want, drizzle the lemon juice over the salmon for an extra tang flavor.
Bake in the oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
Let the salmon rest for a couple minutes before serving and enjoy your tasty dinner!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.