This herb-baked salmon recipe is covered with a delicious lemon, garlic and herb crust that helps seal in the juices. This fish is light and flaky and it only takes 10 minutes to bake.
Seriously! Only 10 minutes! I love how it gets a light crust on the outside but stays nice and moist on the inside. I feel like I work at a fancy restaurant when I make this.
This is crazy-easy to bake in the oven - it only takes about 12 minutes! I love the easy sauce and it pulls together in a few minutes. My favorite way to make it is using the broiler and that results in an extra-crunchy crust, juicier insides and it cooks even faster than the normal method.
It's kind of a chef's secret way to get restaurant-quality salmon with no extra work and actually in less time. I don't know about you, but cooking fish used to scare me. I live in the middle of the country where it's hard to find good, fresh fish - especially wild-caught fish.
I love to order fish in restaurants, but for a long time, I was scared to cook it at home. It's so easy to overcook it and confusing picking it out. But I get so sick of chicken and beef and fish is so healthy for you - especially salmon.
So I came up with this recipe so I would have a good go-to recipe for cooking fish and is the favorite of my Paleo salmon recipes. This is a really good meal to make and impress your guests. Since it cooks so quickly, I just wait until my guests arrive and then throw it in my pre-heated oven. They are always impressed and it's so easy.
If you show this to your family or guests, they will be impressed. They might start looking for take-out containers. But YOU'LL know how easy and fast this recipe really is. So, if you're scared of fish like I used to be, this is a good recipe to start with. Nice and simple, yet full of flavor.
If you want more fish dishes from me, check out my 30-Minute Fish Veracruz Recipe or Grilled Mahi Mahi Recipe in a Lemon Butter Sauce.
Please try this recipe and let me know if you like it and who you made it for and what you served with it. I'm sure the other readers would love to know (and I would too).
Ingredients
It is so easy to make and I think the lemon gives it a truly wonderful flavor. Check out the ingredient list and look at how short it is. Eight simple ingredients. If you don't count herbs, there are only three ingredients.
- Salmon - If possible, wild is always best. It not only tastes so much better, but it's much better for you. Wild can be hard to find though and is very expensive. I even like to do this with frozen fish, like the tilapia or halibut that Costco has. My 10-year-old son makes it often because fish is his favorite protein - so if he can do it, you can do it (hopefully. . .). It takes longer to cook with frozen fish though and you can't do the broil method.
- Lemon - Fresh is always best but lemon from the container in your fridge will work too. The zest gives it extra lemon flavor and adds to the texture of the crust.
- Fresh herbs - Think that fresh herbs are too expensive? I've had really good luck with grow lights. I hang them from the bottom of a wire shelf and put all sorts of herbs and flowers on the shelf below. Now I have fresh herbs year-round. For some of the smaller plants, I just get a smaller personal lamp and a grow light bulb. You can use dried herbs but since this recipe is so simple I think every ingredient counts and is worth it to get the good stuff for an expensive protein.
- Ghee - I prefer ghee in this recipe because it doesn't burn as easily as butter and the slightly stronger flavor helps balance out the salmon flavor.
How to Make
Time needed: 20 minutes
This only takes a few minutes to make and you end up with moist, flaky perfectly cooked fish that will make you look like a pro!
- Make the sauce/crust
Stir the melted butter with lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs.
- Put the salmon in a pan
Make sure to line the pan with parchment paper or a Silpat for easy clean-up.
- Brush the sauce
Coat the top of each piece evenly and generously
- Bake
Bake it for 10-12 minutes, making sure not to overcook your salmon. It's so easy to do. You may not feel like your fish is done in the time indicated, but once it flakes easily with a fork, it's done. (I finally figured out that's why I used to like restaurant fish and not fish I cooked at home.)
FAQ
145 degrees F is the perfect temperature to cook it at so it is just beginning to easily flake with a fork and is slightly translucent in the middle. Check the temperature with an instant-read thermometer.
What should I serve with this?
I like to serve it with my einkorn french bread recipe when I'm not on Whole30. This would be delicious with some cauliflower rice and my simple roasted vegetable recipe or with my Whole30 pesto spaghetti squash recipe.
One reader loves it with asparagus and baby boiled potatoes, another with zoodles * with ghee and nutritional yeast on top. I'm a big fan of steaming some fresh veggies, like cauliflower, carrots, and sweet peas in my Instant Pot * and putting some ghee and coarse Real Salt on top. So good!
It only takes a few minutes to cook some zucchini and/or summer squash in a non-stick skillet with the oil of your choice, roast them in an oven at 400 or throw them in an air fryer *. That's a good side dish with almost any meal, regardless of the diet you are on!
This also makes an excellent meal prep recipe because you can cook this in the oven at the same time and on the same pan as a bunch of the above-mentioned veggies and put them in containers to pull out for easy meals for the next few days.
PrintRecipe
Herb-Baked Salmon with Lemon and Garlic Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Paleo
Description
This is covered with a delicious lemon, garlic and herb crust that helps seal in the juices. This fish is light and flaky and it only takes 10 minutes to bake.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400F.
- Place all ingredients except for salmon in a small bowl and melt in the microwave for 30-45 seconds.
- Stir until combined.
- Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a Silpat.
- Using a pastry brush, coat the salmon with the lemon herb butter, evenly spreading it over the tops of each fillet.
- Bake, uncovered, on the top or second to top rack for 10-12 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. (145 degrees F)
- Alternately the fish can be broiled on medium/high on the second to top rack for 8-10 minutes, or until cooked through. This method will give you a bit more crunchy, caramelized crust. (Place it directly on the pan or use tin foil. Do not use parchment paper or a Silpat for this method.)
Keywords: lemon, butter, baked
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Beth
This must be very delicious
★★★★★
lacey isaak
SOOOO BLOODY GOOD & EASY! this will most likely become a weekly staple recipe. our whole family enjoyed even the young kiddos. i was a little worried about the process of putting toppings in the microwave as it can kill the health benifits, however it turned out so perfect, now that i know i wouldnt change a thing! thanks! 🙂
★★★★★
PSM
I heart this!
★★★★★
LQS
Made this a couple nights ago and my family ate every last bit. My husband, who groans every time I serve fish, commented on how much he liked it. Super easy. Healthy. Will make it again.
★★★★★
Caroline
Super quick & easy!
★★★★★
Claudia T
Great recipe! Definitely making it again.
★★★★★
Bella
This salmon was incredibly delicious.
★★★★★
Grace
Very good. I usually do it with teriyaki and this was a good change. I will do it again!!!
★★★★★
Amy
This recipe is good. It gives the salmon a nice flavor.
★★★★★
Candice
Love it!
★★★★★
Laurel
Look how well it turned out, I'm so excited!
★★★★★
Rebecca Baron
It looks great! I'm glad you tried it out.
Lauren
So glad I tried this recipe!
★★★★★
Sharon
This was great and easy! I am not sure how much 3 ozs of ghee is. Is that liquid or weight. I have quite a bit oft he butter mixture left over. I saved for another day soon! Totally recommend this recipe! Thanks!
★★★★★
Rebecca Baron
Well, I buy an 8 oz. container and just use about 3/8th of the jar. I'm not sure if that is very helpful but that's what I do. . .
Tina Burns-Jordan
Omg yes so yummy. I poured the left over butter sauce over it and put on broiler for 5 min. Super yummy
★★★★★
Michelle Au
This was delicious! Easy to make and the salmon was flaky and so good. Would definitely make this again!
★★★★★
Nicole T
Wonderful!
★★★★★
Renee Moreland
Soooooo good and really easy!
★★★★★
Chelsea Monk
Delish!
★★★★★
Ashlyn Garrettson
Favorite meal prep
★★★★★
Kelly
We loved this!! There was a lot of butter, so I’ll cut back on that the next time and I omitted the salt because the butter was salted. Other than that, totally worth it!
★★★★★
Jennifer M.
Yummy!
★★★★★
Brian B.
Great recipe, very pleased with result.
★★★★★
Theresa M.
To go with the salmon- Combine 1/4 cup of lemon juice and 1/4 cup of melted butter together and pour the mixture over asparagus. Season with salt and pepper and cook on same pan as salmon.
★★★★★
Rebecca Baron
Sounds delicious.
Tiffany B
So easy and entire family loved!!
★★★★★
Tina Young
I used a butter substitute (coconut manna) which actually created this creamy sauce on the top of the salmon. It came out soooo good. Great recipe! Thank you for adding.
★★★★★
Shawn Titus
Very tasty. I paired it with cilantro lime cauliflower rice (different recipe on Pinterest) and cinnamon/nutmeg butternut squash.
★★★★★
Jennifer
Love this so much! I make this at least once/week even when not doing whole30.
★★★★★
Allison G.
Yum!
★★★★★
Tiffany C
So delicious. Quite a strong flavour so I recommend serving with plain sides - I chose steamed rice and broccoli. Also baked whole for 20 mins @ 400 - texture was perfect.
★★★★★
Genna Frederick
Delicious!! My go-to Salmon recipe from now on.
★★★★★
Jessica Kimball
My husband and I loved this recipe and it was super easy to make!
★★★★★
Matt
Came out sooooo good! Threw in some extra garlic for flavor!
★★★★★
Amber C
Turned out great- 10 mins was perfect in my oven. I made riced cauliflower along with it
★★★★★
Gwendalyn G
Delicious! And so easy and quick!
★★★★★
Amelia Olson
I would cook it a few minutes less. Very tasty!
★★★★★
Heather C
SO good. Every member of the family loved it! Will definitely make again.
★★★★★
Josie R
This looks so good!
★★★★★
Heather F
So yummy!
★★★★★
Christina Kwong
So good!
★★★★★
Krizia Borrayo
It was delicious!
★★★★★
Kas
I just made this for the second time and it's every bit as delicious as I remembered! Thank you for sharing such a simple, tasty recipe. 🙂
★★★★★
Rebecca
You're welcome!
Sara
This is a tasty and simple recipe! Thank you for sharing it with us!
★★★★
Stephanie P
The salmon was so good, there were no leftovers! Made it accompanied with a watermelon, mint & feta salad and some rice.
★★★★★
Sara Horrocks
I've made this a few times for my family and it always turns out great.
★★★★
amanda tober
Wow this was SO GOOD. I cut in half because every time I cook salmon it’s always dry and lacks flavor but I wish I hadn’t off! I used refined coconut oil in place of the butter and a pan technique I also found on Pinterest. Can’t wait to make it again, thanks so much for the recipe!
★★★★★
Kylie
This recipe is pretty good, but it's not paleo. Paleo is dairy-free. The buttrr needs to be replaced with olive or coconut oil.
★★★★
Rebecca
Butter on the Paleo diet is a very iffy subject. I've heard both sides of the arguments and decided that I will include it in my diet because it's a healthy fat and doesn't have the dairy protein, casein, in it. Totally up to you if you don't want to use it though. Most people consider ghee Paleo though, so that may be a better substitution for you.
Andrea
great recipe! but next time I would skip the salt.. found it to be too salty! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Rebecca
Did you use Real Salt? I find that regular salt makes things taste too salty, but Real Salt just makes them taste good and have lots more flavor. The salt also helps tenderize it.
Andrea
No 🙁 I used regular coarse salt that I had on hand. I'll have to invest in some real salt and try again next week!!
Melissa
This was outstanding, the best salmon that I've ever prepared at home. My husband loved it and 7 and 12 year olds ate it with no complaints! Thank you!!!!!
Rebecca
I'm so glad everyone liked it. I love that even your children ate it. I remember hating fish when I was growing up, but my children love it. Goes to show, you should expose your children to different foods, even if you don't think they will like it.
Rebecca Baron
This recipe is outstanding! My husband and I love it. Thanks so much!
Rebecca
You're welcome! I'm so glad you like it.
Bonnie
I made this last night and it was amazing. Thank you!
★★★★★
Rebecca
I'm so glad you liked it - and thanks for taking the time to come back and comment!
Jacqueline Cromwell
Lovely recipe! Would you mind if I included it and a photo in a round up and collage? I would link back here, of course?
Rebecca
Yes, that's fine.
Lisa
Absolutely loved this recipe! It's definitely a favorite in our house, I think I've made it about a dozen times! Thanks for sharing
★★★★★
Rebecca
So good to hear! We love it too and I'm glad you like it too.
Joe
I've made this recipe a few times now and it's amazing. I add grated jalapenos to it to give it a little kick. Thank you!
★★★★★
Rebecca
Yay! I am glad that you liked it! Thanks for giving it a try!
Taylor
Will be trying this tonight. I love baked salmon and always just use my go-to recipe of either lemon pepper and garlic salt OR lemon juice, salt, and cumin with a butter/cilantro butter sauce. This looks FANTASTIC and will be serving it tonight with asparagus and baby boiled potatoes. Looking forward to the outcome!
Omega 3 Movement
Delicious and healthy dish. Thank you so much. I'm closing my laptop and running to the kitchen right away!
★★★★★
Darcy
This was awesome! My BF said "please don't ever make salmon any other way than this" ????
Rebecca
Awesome, glad you both enjoyed the recipe!
Brandi
I have done this twice now, it is so amazing and flavorful!! Thanks!
★★★★★
Rebecca
yay! I am glad that you like the recipe!
Jennifer Williams
Can the Salmon be grilled?
Rebecca
Well this recipe was created for a bake but if you prefer grilled I think you could give it a try. It will give a different flavor and taste but that might be more of what you are looking for. Let us know if you try it, how it works out for you! 🙂
Ally
Haven't baked salmon before. Looking forward to using the recipe for dinner this week. I always have several servings of salmon each week.
Rebecca
Please let me know if you liked it/tried it.
Andrea
Awesome! I have made this several times and is my go to recipe for really good salmon. This is the first recipe for salmon that I have made more than twice. I have been looking for a good recipe for quite some time now and am so happy that I finally found it. Thank you!!
Rebecca
You're welcome! Thanks for stopping by.
Tiffany
Delish! Thanks for sharing. This is a keeper. Everyone loved it. Even the Hubster who is not the biggest fish fan. 🙂
Lacey R.
definitely Love salmon! And alaskan halibut! 🙂
Diane
A lovely healthy recipe for baked salmon. I like the idea of the broiler for a caramelized crust too!
Crystal
Excellent recipe, I didn't have any fresh lemons so instead of zest I used a little juice. It was sooooooo good. Keeping this in my rotation.
Thank you!
Rebecca
Thanks for taking the time to comment! I'm glad you liked the recipe.
Ashleigh
This is so cool, thank you for sharing! Have a wonderful week.
Rachel
This really does look easy and I definitely need new salmon recipes since we are eating more fish. Thanks!
Janette
Thanks for sharing this recipe! I'm always looking for new ways to cook salmon because I eat it quite a bit on my diet!! Looking forward to trying this!
Laura
This recipe looks so simple AND so yummy. My kids love salmon, so this will definitely be one that I'll try!
Sasha King
Sounds pretty darn good lol