Some recipes become part of your routine without much planning — they’re just dependable, flavorful, and easy enough that you return to them again and again. This garlic parmesan baked salmon is exactly that for me. It’s the sort of dish I make when I want something nourishing without fussing over a skillet or worrying about timing. It’s quick, rich in flavor, and fits beautifully into a low-carb way of eating.
One of the best parts is that it works perfectly with frozen salmon. On busy days, that little convenience makes all the difference.
A Little Story From My Kitchen
I started making this years ago during a stretch when I was trying to simplify my weekday meals. I remember one afternoon when I pulled a pack of frozen salmon from the freezer with no real plan. I had garlic, butter, mayonnaise, and parmesan on hand — pantry staples I always keep around — so I mixed them together and spread the mixture over the fillets.
The salmon baked beautifully, and the topping turned golden and fragrant. That very first attempt convinced me this recipe belonged in my weekly rotation. Since then, I’ve made it countless times — sometimes for lunch when I need something quick, and other times for dinner when I want a meal that looks a little special without requiring much work.
Why This Salmon Dish Works So Well
A New Heading: What Keeps This Recipe in My Weekly Rotation
A few simple things make this one of my favorite low-effort dinners:
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It starts with frozen salmon — no thawing necessary.
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The topping locks in moisture, so the salmon stays tender.
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It fits easily into a low-carb or keto routine.
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The leftovers taste wonderful, even chilled.
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It’s done in about the time it takes to make a quick salad.
It’s the kind of recipe that feels almost too simple for how satisfying it turns out.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Shuffled)
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4 salmon fillets (frozen or fresh)
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½ cup mayonnaise
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¼ cup grated parmesan
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2 tbsp butter, softened
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried parsley or chopped fresh parsley
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1 tsp salt
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1 tsp black pepper
These ingredients come together quickly and create a rich, creamy topping that melts into the salmon as it bakes. The parsley adds a gentle freshness, and the garlic brings that aroma that always makes the kitchen feel warm and inviting.
How I Make This Salmon
A New Heading: Step-by-Step for a Tender, Golden Finish
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In a small bowl, mix the butter, mayonnaise, parmesan, garlic, and parsley.
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Place the salmon skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
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Season lightly with salt and pepper.
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Spread the garlic parmesan mixture generously over the top — don’t hold back.
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Bake at 350°F. Frozen fillets need about 20–25 minutes; fresh fillets take closer to 15 minutes.
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Serve warm, straight from the tray, or let it cool to enjoy later.
Frozen salmon actually gives the topping more time to turn golden without overcooking the fish underneath — one of the reasons this recipe works so well.
Tips From My Kitchen
A New Heading: Small Notes That Make It Even Better
Over time, I’ve picked up a few habits that help:
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If the butter is not soft, melt it just slightly so the topping blends smoothly.
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A mini food processor makes mixing quick, but a spoon works fine.
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Fresh herbs work beautifully if you have them on hand.
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A squeeze of lemon right before serving brightens everything.
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If you prefer a little extra richness, add a tiny spoon of dijon to the mixture.
This dish stays flexible, which is why it fits easily into everyday cooking.
Serving Ideas
A New Heading: What I Enjoy With This Salmon
This salmon pairs nicely with a variety of sides depending on mood:
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Cauliflower mash or cauliflower rice
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Roasted Brussels sprouts
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A simple green bean dish
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A tossed salad with creamy dressing
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Spinach cooked gently in coconut milk
It’s one of those dishes that works whether you want something light or something more filling.
Storage Notes
A New Heading: Keeping Leftovers Fresh
Once the salmon cools, store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. It reheats gently in the oven or tastes wonderful at room temperature. I often pack it for lunch the next day, and it never disappoints.
FAQs
Can I use cream cheese instead of mayonnaise?
You can experiment with it, though I’ve always used mayonnaise. It gives the topping a smoother texture.
Can I use trout instead of salmon?
Yes, trout works well. Just adjust the baking time depending on thickness.
Can I use garlic powder instead of fresh garlic?
Yes, it works fine when you’re short on time.
Should I thaw the salmon first?
No need — frozen fillets bake beautifully and stay moist.
Does salmon have any carbs?
Salmon has zero carbs, which makes it ideal for low-carb meals.
Garlic Parmesan Keto Baked Salmon
This creamy, garlic-parmesan baked salmon is one of those low-carb dinners that feels special without demanding much effort.
Ingredients
- 1 pound wild-caught salmon fillet (frozen or thawed)
- 2 tablespoons softened butter or ghee
- 2 or more garlic cloves
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons dried parsley or ¼ cup fresh parsley
- Sea salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Warm the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment. Place the salmon on the prepared pan and sprinkle it with a little salt and pepper while you make the topping.
- Blend the butter, garlic, Parmesan, mayonnaise, and parsley until everything is well combined and forms a smooth, spreadable mixture.
- Coat the salmon evenly with the garlic-Parmesan mixture and slide the pan into the oven.
- If your salmon is frozen, it usually takes about 20 to 25 minutes to bake through; thawed salmon is generally ready in around 15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes gently with a fork but still looks slightly translucent in the center so it stays moist.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 464Total Fat 36gSaturated Fat 11gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 107mgSodium 499mgCarbohydrates 3gFiber 0gSugar 0gProtein 30g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thought
This garlic parmesan baked salmon is one of those simple meals that brings comfort without requiring much planning. It’s quick, flavorful, and fits neatly into a busy routine. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or your family, this dish delivers tender salmon with a golden, savory topping that feels like something you’d make for a special dinner — even though it comes together effortlessly.
