Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper.
Step 2: Make the Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together the melted butter, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, onion powder, Dijon mustard (if using), and parsley until well combined.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper, then arrange them in a single layer in the baking dish. Add the bay leaves if desired.
Step 4: Pour Over the Sauce
Pour the lemon butter mixture evenly over the salmon, making sure each fillet is well coated. Let the salmon marinate for 10–15 minutes for even more flavor.
Step 5: Bake
Bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Broil (Optional)
For a lightly golden top, switch the oven to broil for the final 2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
Step 7: Serve
Transfer the salmon to serving plates and spoon the flavorful pan juices over each fillet. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions
This salmon pairs wonderfully with:
- Garlic mashed potatoes
- Steamed rice or wild rice
- Roasted asparagus or broccoli
- Green beans
- A crisp garden salad
- Crusty bread to soak up the delicious lemon butter sauce
Tips for Perfect Salmon
- Don’t overcook—salmon continues cooking slightly after it’s removed from the oven.
- Fresh lemon juice gives the best flavor.
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps it roast beautifully.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days and are delicious served cold over salads or gently reheated.