Lemon-Thyme Roasted Salmon with Garlic Butter

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Oven-roasted salmon fillets glazed with a fragrant garlic butter sauce and fresh lemon-thyme infusion. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (5 oz each) salmon fillets, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 410 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 410 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. In a small saucepan, melt 6 tbsp unsalted butter over low heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 2 tsp chopped fresh thyme; simmer gently for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 salmon fillets skin-side down on a lined baking tray. Season each with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Brush generously with half of the garlic thyme butter, then sprinkle 1 tsp lemon zest evenly over the fillets.
  3. Step 3: Roast salmon in the oven for 12-15 minutes until the flesh flakes easily with a fork. Remove from oven and drizzle each fillet with 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and the remaining garlic butter before serving.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Lemon-Thyme Roasted Salmon with Garlic Butter take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Lemon-Thyme Roasted Salmon with Garlic Butter?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (5 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Thyme Roasted Salmon with Garlic Butter?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Lemon-Thyme Roasted Salmon with Garlic Butter for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Lemon-Thyme Roasted Salmon with Garlic Butter gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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