Name: Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

On nights when you want something comforting but don’t have the energy for a sink full of dishes,

this garlic butter baked salmon quietly saves the day.

The salmon turns tender and flaky in the oven while the broccoli roasts alongside it, soaking up a buttery, garlicky sauce that smells incredible as it cooks.

Everything comes together on a single pan, and by the time it’s out of the oven,

you’re rewarded with a warm, satisfying dinner that feels special without asking much of you at all.

For the Salmon and Vegetables

Salmon Fillets – Choose evenly sized fillets so they cook at the same rate. Fresh or thawed frozen salmon both work well here.

Broccoli Florets – These roast right alongside the salmon, becoming tender with lightly crisp edges while soaking up the garlic butter sauce.

Garlic – Rubbed directly onto the salmon, the garlic infuses the fish with bold flavor as it bakes.

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

Unsalted Butter – Melted butter creates the rich base of the sauce and keeps the salmon moist while baking.

Light Brown Sugar – Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the garlic and herbs without making the dish taste sweet.

Dried Oregano, Thyme, and Rosemary – This herb blend gives the salmon a savory, aromatic flavor that feels comforting and classic.

Salt and Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Simple seasoning that brings all the flavors together.

Lemon – Fresh lemon juice brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of the butter.

Fresh Parsley – Sprinkled on at the end for a pop of color and a hint of freshness.

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

This oven-baked salmon dinner delivers moist, flaky fish coated in a rich garlic butter blend, all roasted alongside crisp-tender broccoli. Everything cooks together on one pan, making this a straightforward, low-effort meal that fits easily into a busy evening routine.

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Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Garlic Butter Baked Salmon

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 20

Total Time: 30

Servings:

Notes

Ingredients

For the Salmon And Vegetables

4 (6 ounces each) salmon fillets
4 to 6 cups broccoli florets
4 cloves garlic, minced

For the Garlic Butter Sauce

6 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon light brown sugar
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon dried thyme
½ teaspoon dried rosemary
salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
1 lemon, halved, divided
chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Heat the oven to 400˚F and lightly coat a sheet pan with cooking spray.
Spread the broccoli florets on the pan and place the salmon fillets among them. Evenly distribute the minced garlic over the salmon.
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, brown sugar, oregano, thyme, and rosemary until combined.
Spoon the garlic butter mixture over the salmon and broccoli.
Squeeze the juice from half of the lemon over the pan, then season everything with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145˚F.
Remove from the oven, sprinkle with chopped parsley, and serve with the remaining lemon half sliced into wedges.

Notes

Storage: Allow the salmon to cool completely, then store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.

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1. Can I use frozen salmon?

Absolutely. Just make sure it’s fully thawed and patted dry first. Excess moisture = steamed salmon, not roasted. A quick blot with paper towels makes all the difference here.

2. What vegetables can I use instead of broccoli?

Anything that roasts quickly works well. Asparagus, green beans, zucchini, or even sliced bell peppers are all great swaps. Just keep the pieces similar in size so everything finishes cooking at the same time.

3. How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

You’re looking for salmon that flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque all the way through. If you like numbers, the internal temperature should be 145˚F — but visually, flaky and juicy is the goal.

4. Can I prep this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble everything on the sheet pan a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate. Let it sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking so it cooks evenly.

5. How do I avoid dry salmon?

Two things: don’t overbake it, and don’t skimp on the butter sauce. Start checking a couple of minutes early — salmon goes from perfect to overdone very quickly. When in doubt, pull it out sooner rather than later.