Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Bake – Juicy, Tender & Full of Flavor
If you love seafood dinners packed with buttery garlic flavor, this Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Bake is a recipe you need to try! Tender salmon fillets and juicy shrimp are baked together in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon juice, paprika, and fragrant herbs. The result is a delicious seafood dinner that tastes restaurant-worthy but is surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
The salmon becomes moist and flaky while the shrimp turn perfectly tender and juicy. Meanwhile, the garlic butter melts into every corner of the baking dish, creating a delicious sauce that is perfect for spooning over the seafood or serving with rice, pasta, or crusty bread.
Whether you're preparing a quick family dinner, planning a special weekend meal, or simply craving a satisfying seafood recipe, this oven-baked salmon and shrimp dish is guaranteed to become a favorite.
Why You'll Love This Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Bake
- Easy one-pan dinner: Salmon and shrimp cook together in one baking dish, making preparation and cleanup simple.
- Rich garlic butter sauce: Melted butter, fresh garlic, lemon, and herbs create an irresistible seafood sauce.
- Perfect seafood combination: Flaky salmon and tender shrimp complement each other beautifully.
- Quick preparation: You only need a few minutes to prepare the ingredients before baking.
- Great for special occasions: The colorful seafood presentation makes this dish perfect for family dinners and entertaining.
- Easy to customize: Adjust the seasonings, add vegetables, or increase the lemon and herbs to suit your taste.
Ingredients for Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Bake
For the Seafood
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each: Fresh or thawed salmon works beautifully. Choose evenly sized fillets so they cook at a similar rate.
- 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Use raw shrimp with the tails removed or left on, depending on your preference.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps coat the seafood and adds a little richness.
- 1 teaspoon paprika: Adds color and a mild smoky sweetness.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor throughout the seafood.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Adds a subtle savory flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Seasons the salmon and shrimp.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle warmth.
For the Garlic Butter Sauce
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted: Creates the rich, silky base of the sauce.
- 6 cloves garlic, minced: Provides the bold, aromatic garlic flavor that makes this recipe special.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Brightens the butter sauce and balances its richness.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Adds extra fresh citrus aroma.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Adds color and a fresh herbal finish.
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning: Brings together the flavors of classic Mediterranean herbs.
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional: Adds a little heat without overpowering the seafood.
For Serving
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges: Perfect for squeezing over the finished seafood.
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: For a fresh garnish.
- Extra garlic butter sauce: Spoon over the salmon and shrimp just before serving.
How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Bake
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish with cooking spray or a little olive oil.
Choose a dish large enough to arrange the salmon fillets and shrimp in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding because the seafood needs enough space to cook evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon and Shrimp
Pat the salmon fillets and shrimp dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture helps the seasonings stick and prevents too much liquid from collecting in the baking dish.
Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish. Arrange the shrimp around the salmon, keeping everything in a single layer as much as possible.
Drizzle the olive oil over the seafood.
Step 3: Season the Seafood
In a small bowl, combine the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the salmon and shrimp. Gently turn the shrimp if needed to coat both sides.
Make sure the salmon receives an even coating of seasoning for the best flavor in every bite.
Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.
Stir until everything is evenly combined. The mixture should smell wonderfully fragrant, with fresh garlic, bright lemon, and buttery herbs.
Taste a small amount of the sauce and adjust the seasoning if desired.
Step 5: Pour the Garlic Butter Over the Seafood
Pour the garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets and shrimp.
Use a spoon to distribute the minced garlic and herbs across the seafood. Turn the shrimp gently so they are coated in the buttery mixture.
Reserve a little sauce if you would like extra garlic butter to spoon over the finished dish.
Step 6: Bake the Salmon
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the size of the shrimp.
Check the shrimp early because they cook faster than salmon. Remove them carefully if they become opaque and reach a safe internal temperature before the salmon is finished, then return them to the dish just before serving.
The salmon should become opaque and flake easily with a fork. For food safety, cook fish to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) measured at its thickest part.
Cook shrimp until they are pearly and opaque throughout. Avoid overcooking, as shrimp can quickly become rubbery.
Step 7: Add a Fresh Lemon Finish
Remove the baking dish from the oven and allow the seafood to rest for approximately 2 minutes.
Spoon the garlic butter sauce from the bottom of the dish over the salmon and shrimp. This helps keep the seafood moist and gives every bite extra flavor.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Bake immediately while warm, with plenty of the buttery garlic sauce.
Pair it with fluffy rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up every delicious drop of sauce. It's a simple seafood dinner that feels special enough for any occasion!
Tips for the Best Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Bake
- Use similar-sized salmon fillets: Even thickness helps the salmon cook more consistently.
- Pat the seafood dry: Removing excess moisture improves the texture and helps the seasonings stick.
- Use raw shrimp: Raw shrimp cook directly in the garlic butter sauce and absorb more flavor than pre-cooked shrimp.
- Watch the shrimp carefully: Shrimp cook much faster than salmon, so check them early and remove them if necessary.
- Do not overbake the salmon: Overcooking can make the fish dry. Use a thermometer for the most reliable result.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a stronger, more delicious flavor than garlic powder alone.
- Choose fresh lemon: Fresh lemon juice and zest make the butter sauce taste brighter.
- Reserve extra sauce: A little extra garlic butter is wonderful spooned over the seafood and side dishes.
- Serve immediately: This dish tastes best fresh from the oven while the salmon is tender and the shrimp are juicy.
Delicious Variations
Cajun Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Bake
For a bolder Southern-inspired version, replace the paprika and Italian seasoning with 1 to 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning. Add a little extra lemon juice and a pinch of cayenne pepper for more heat.
Parmesan Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp
Add 1/3 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese to the garlic butter sauce. Sprinkle a little extra Parmesan over the seafood during the final few minutes of baking for a savory, cheesy finish.
Honey Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp
Whisk 1 tablespoon of honey into the garlic butter sauce. The honey creates a slightly sweet glaze that pairs beautifully with the rich salmon and shrimp.
Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp with Vegetables
Add asparagus, broccoli florets, sliced zucchini, or cherry tomatoes to the baking dish. Toss the vegetables with a little olive oil and seasoning before arranging them around the seafood. Cut vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook more evenly.
Spicy Lemon Garlic Seafood Bake
Increase the red pepper flakes and add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the seasoning mixture. This variation is perfect for anyone who enjoys a little extra heat with their seafood.
Garlic Butter Salmon, Shrimp, and Scallops
Add 1/2 pound of sea scallops to the baking dish for an extra-special seafood combination. Pat them dry before seasoning and monitor their cooking time carefully because scallops can become tough when overcooked.
What to Serve with Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Bake
- Garlic butter rice: Fluffy rice absorbs the delicious lemon garlic sauce and makes the meal more filling.
- Roasted asparagus: Its fresh flavor complements the richness of the seafood.
- Creamy mashed potatoes: A comforting side that pairs beautifully with buttery salmon.
- Steamed broccoli: Adds freshness, color, and a nutritious vegetable option.
- Lemon herb pasta: Toss cooked pasta with olive oil, parsley, and lemon for an easy seafood side.
- Crusty French bread: Perfect for soaking up every bit of the garlic butter sauce.
- Fresh garden salad: A crisp salad with a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
How to Store Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Bake
Refrigerator Storage
Allow leftover salmon and shrimp to cool slightly, then transfer them to an airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours of cooking and enjoy within 2 days for the best quality.
Store the seafood with some of the garlic butter sauce to help prevent it from drying out.
Reheating Instructions
For the best texture, reheat leftovers gently in a covered oven-safe dish at 275°F (135°C) until warmed through. Add a small spoonful of butter or water if the sauce has thickened.
You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave using short intervals at reduced power. Avoid overheating because both salmon and shrimp can become dry or rubbery.
Can You Freeze It?
Although cooked salmon and shrimp can technically be frozen, their texture may change after thawing and reheating. For the best flavor and texture, enjoy this dish fresh or refrigerate leftovers for a short period rather than freezing them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon and shrimp?
Yes! Frozen seafood works well as long as it is completely thawed before baking. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight, then pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
Can I use cooked shrimp instead of raw shrimp?
You can, but cooked shrimp need much less heating. Bake the salmon first and add the cooked shrimp during the final 2 to 3 minutes, just long enough to warm them through. This helps prevent them from becoming tough.
How long should I bake salmon and shrimp together?
At 400°F (200°C), salmon fillets and raw large shrimp generally take approximately 12 to 15 minutes, depending on their thickness and size. Since shrimp cook faster, check them early and remove them when ready if necessary.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon should look opaque and separate into flakes when gently pressed with a fork. For food safety, check the thickest part with a food thermometer and cook to 145°F (63°C).
How do I prevent shrimp from becoming rubbery?
Use raw shrimp and avoid overcooking. Large shrimp usually cook quickly, so check them before the salmon is finished. Remove them as soon as they become opaque and pearly throughout.
Can I prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely. You can mix the melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, and seasonings several hours ahead. Refrigerate the mixture in a covered container, then gently melt it again before pouring it over the seafood.
Can I make this recipe without lemon?
Yes, but lemon adds freshness and balances the richness of the butter. If you prefer not to use lemon, reduce the amount of butter slightly and add extra fresh parsley or a small splash of white wine vinegar for brightness.
Can I add potatoes to the baking dish?
Yes! Small baby potatoes are a delicious addition. However, they take longer to cook than seafood, so roast them separately or partially cook them before adding them to the baking dish. This ensures the salmon and shrimp do not overcook while the potatoes finish.
Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Bake Recipe Card
Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Bake
Tender oven-baked salmon and juicy shrimp coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon, parsley, and herbs. An easy and delicious seafood dinner for the whole family.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
Total Time: 27–30 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Seafood
Ingredients
Seafood:
- 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each
- 1 pound large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional
For Serving:
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra garlic butter sauce, if desired
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a large baking dish.
- Pat the salmon fillets and raw shrimp dry with paper towels.
- Arrange the salmon and shrimp in a single layer in the baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil.
- Combine paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle evenly over the seafood.
- Whisk together melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, parsley, Italian seasoning, and optional red pepper flakes.
- Pour the garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon and shrimp.
- Bake for approximately 12–15 minutes, checking the shrimp early and removing them if they cook before the salmon.
- Check that the thickest part of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) and that the shrimp are pearly and opaque throughout.
- Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the seafood and finish with fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley.
- Serve immediately with rice, vegetables, pasta, or crusty bread.
Estimated Calories: Approximately 650–750 calories per serving, depending on the size of the seafood portions and the amount of butter sauce consumed.
Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out the seafood.
Final Thoughts
This Garlic Butter Salmon and Shrimp Bake is proof that an impressive seafood dinner doesn't have to be complicated. With tender salmon, juicy shrimp, fresh garlic, melted butter, lemon, and fragrant herbs, every bite is full of delicious flavor.
Serve it with your favorite side dishes for a satisfying family meal, or make it for a special dinner when you want something simple but elegant. Don't forget the extra garlic butter sauce and fresh lemon wedges because they make this seafood bake even more irresistible!














