Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
Tender salmon fillets bathed in a rich garlic-lemon butter and roasted until flaky. A restaurant-quality keto dinner ready in under half an hour.
A weeknight dinner that feels like a splurge
Salmon is a keto staple for good reason: it is high in healthy fats, packed with protein, and cooks in minutes. This garlic butter version turns a simple fillet into something worth lighting a candle for.
The key to moist salmon is to pull it from the oven the moment it flakes. Carryover heat finishes the job, and a squeeze of lemon at the end keeps the richness in balance.
- Buy fillets of even thickness for uniform cooking
- Pat the fish dry so the butter clings
- Rest two minutes before serving
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Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each (net carbs →)
- 4 tablespoons butter, melted (net carbs →)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (net carbs →)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (net carbs →)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest (net carbs →)
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (net carbs →)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving (net carbs →)
Instructions
- 1Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment or foil.
- 2Pat the salmon fillets dry and arrange them skin-side down on the sheet. Season with salt and pepper.
- 3In a small bowl, stir together the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
- 4Spoon the garlic butter evenly over each fillet, letting it pool around the fish.
- 5Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit in the center.
- 6Sprinkle with fresh parsley and let rest for 2 minutes.
- 7Serve with lemon wedges and a side of roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice.
Nutrition (per serving)
Recipe FAQ
How do I know when salmon is done?
The flesh turns opaque and flakes easily when nudged with a fork. For precision, aim for an internal temperature of 125 to 130 degrees Fahrenheit for a moist, just-cooked center.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw it fully in the refrigerator overnight, then pat it very dry before baking so the excess moisture does not steam the fish.
What sides pair well on keto?
Roasted asparagus, sauteed spinach, cauliflower rice, or a simple green salad all complement the rich garlic butter without adding many carbs.
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What should I eat today?
Turn the ingredients you like or already have into a keto breakfast, lunch & dinner — net carbs counted.