Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter

Step 1

Time allowing, remove the salmon from the refrigerator 30 minutes before baking and allow it to come to room temperature. Pat dry with paper towels.

Step 2

Preheat the oven to 400°F and place the oven rack in the middle of the oven.

Step 3

In a small bowl whisk together all of the ingredients for the sauce - the melted butter, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, Italian seasoning, red chili flakes, salt, and black pepper. Set aside.

Step 4

Line a large baking sheet/rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil. Place the lemon slices on top of the foil in a single, non-overlapping layer. Place the salmon, skin-side-down, directly on top of the lemon slices.

Step 5

Pour the butter/garlic/honey sauce over the salmon and use a spoon or pastry brush to spread evenly so that the entire surface of the salmon is covered.

Step 6

Transfer to the preheated oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the salmon registers 140-145°F as measured by an instant read thermometer.

Step 7

Garnish with fresh thyme or chopped parsley and serve immediately with the baked lemon slices.