This Citrus Herb Butter Salmon is a fresh, flavorful main dish that’s perfect for anytime you want a bright and delicious seafood dinner with little effort. The buttery mix of lemon, orange, garlic, and fresh herbs keeps the salmon tender and flaky, while adding incredible color and aroma.
Why You Will Love This Citrus Herb Butter Salmon Recipe
- Fresh, Bright Flavor: The combination of lemon, orange, garlic, and fresh herbs keeps the salmon light, vibrant, and incredibly flavorful.
- Quick and Simple: This citrus herb butter salmon comes together on one sheet pan and cooks in under 25 minutes.
- Always Impressive: Beautiful citrus slices make the salmon look restaurant-quality with very little effort.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: This easy salmon recipe is great for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or serving guests.
- Versatile Pairings: Baked salmon pairs nicely with vegetables, potatoes, salads, grains, or your favorite sides.
Ingredient Substitutions
- Salmon: Easily substitute the salmon with cod, halibut, or your favorite white fish.
- Butter: Use ghee or olive oil (cut the olive oil down to 2 1/2 tablespoons)
- Lemon/Orange: Swap with lime, grapefruit, or a mix of citrus.
- Thyme: Replace with dill, rosemary, basil, or tarragon.
- Paprika: Can omit, or replace with smoked paprika for deeper flavor.
- Garlic: Use garlic paste or ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
How to Prepare Citrus Herb Butter Salmon
- Zest the orange and lemon, then slice.
- Place a few of the lemon and orange slices on a baking sheet (just enough to hold the salmon).
- Place the salmon skin-side down on top of the citrus.
- Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, orange zest, and thyme.
- Pour the citrus herb butter mixture over the entire surface of the salmon.
- Layer the remaining lemon and orange slices across the top of the fillet.
- Bake for 18–25 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
How to Serve and Store
- Serve the citrus herb butter salmon with roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, rice pilaf, green beans, Brussels sprouts, or your favorite side.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C), or enjoy chilled on salads or grain bowls.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I make this with individual salmon portions? Yes, reduce the bake time to 12–15 minutes.
- Do I need to remove the skin? No, keep it on for moisture. It will easily separate after cooking.
- Can I prep this ahead? Yes. Assemble it up to 4 hours ahead, keep covered in the fridge, and bake right before serving.
- What if I don’t want orange? You can use all lemon or a lemon-lime combination.
- Can I use dried herbs? Yes. Use one teaspoon dried thyme and one teaspoon dried parsley or basil.
- Can this be made in the air fryer? Yes, depending on the size of your airfryer, or you may have to cut into individual filets. Place the salmon on a piece of foil with the edges folded up to hold the butter, then air fry at 375°F (190°C) for 10–14 minutes, depending on thickness. Check at the 10-minute mark. Once it flakes easily with a fork, it’s done.
More Easy Salmon Recipes to Love
- Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Salmon with Lemon Butter Caper Sauce
- Blackened Salmon Rice Bowl
Citrus Herb Butter Salmon
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 6 servings 1x
Description
This Citrus Herb Butter Salmon is a fresh, flavorful main dish that perfect for anytime you want a bright and delicious seafood dinner, with little effort.
Ingredients
- 1 (2-2 1/2 lb) salmon fillet, skin-on
- 5 tablespoons butter, melted
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, zested and sliced
- 1 orange, zested and sliced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1–2 teaspoons paprika (optional for color)
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, plus more for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Zest the orange and lemon, then slice.
- Place a few of the lemon and orange slices on a baking sheet (just enough to hold the salmon).
- Place the salmon skin-side down on top of the citrus.
- Season the salmon with salt, pepper, and paprika.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, garlic, lemon zest, orange zest, and thyme.
- Pour the citrus herb butter mixture over the entire surface of the salmon.
- Layer the remaining lemon and orange slices across the top of the fillet.
- Bake for 18–25 minutes, depending on thickness, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes to lightly caramelize the citrus edges.
- Garnish with a touch more fresh thyme or parsley.
- Serve with lemon wedges.
- ENJOY!
Notes
- A whole 2–2½ lb salmon fillet cooks quickly. Keep an eye around the 18-minute mark.
- For the juiciest salmon, pull it once it reaches 125–130°F internally.
- If your salmon is very thick, you may need the full 25 minutes.
- Tent with foil if citrus slices begin browning too fast.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Meal Prep
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Fish and Seafood
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WELCOME! My name is Melissa Latin aka. Charlotte Fashion Plate. Happy to meet you! I am more than just recipes. I love fashion and style too! Most importantly, I love my Family (my Hubby and my Fur Babies). My Husband (aka my “Kitchen Bitch”) means the world to me. He’s pretty damn cool too. Not only is he one of the nicest guys you will ever meet, he also has had a lengthy career in professional hockey. Not only winning two Stanley Cups with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the early ’90’s, but most recently winning the Calder Cup with the Charlotte Checkers, amongst many other accolades. If you live in Charlotte and play hockey, or have a family member who plays, be sure to contact him!
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