If you’re looking for an easy, flavorful dinner, this Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is the perfect choice. Tender salmon is baked in a rich garlic butter sauce with fresh lemon and a touch of honey, creating a restaurant-quality meal that’s simple enough for busy weeknights. With minimal prep and easy cleanup, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare in under 40 minutes.
- Rich garlic butter and fresh lemon create incredible flavor.
- Perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
- Uses simple pantry ingredients.
- Naturally high in protein and healthy fats.
- Pairs well with vegetables, rice, or roasted potatoes.
Ingredients
- 1½ to 1¾ pounds skin-on salmon fillet
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
- 5 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the salmon skin-side down on a large sheet of foil set on a baking tray. Fold the edges of the foil upward to create a shallow bowl.
- Arrange the lemon slices underneath and around the salmon.
- Melt the butter and stir in the lemon juice, honey, and garlic until well combined.
- Pour about three-quarters of the butter mixture over the salmon, reserving the rest for later.
- Season evenly with salt and pepper.
- Seal the foil tightly to create a packet. Let the Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon marinate for 10–15 minutes if time allows.
- Bake for 17 minutes.
- Carefully open the foil packet while keeping the edges raised.
- Switch the oven to high broil.
- Spoon the reserved butter mixture over the salmon if desired.
- Broil for 5–10 minutes until lightly golden and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Choose fresh, center-cut salmon for even cooking.
- Do not overcook the fish; it should flake easily with a fork.
- Add asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or baby potatoes to the sheet pan for a complete meal.
- Fresh garlic provides the best flavor.
- Adjust the honey depending on how sweet you prefer the sauce.
- Leftover sauce is delicious spooned over rice or vegetables.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 10–15 minutes (optional)
- Cook Time: 22–27 minutes
- Total Time: 32–42 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking and Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, High-Protein
Notes
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
- Fresh dill or thyme can be used instead of parsley.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon before serving brightens the flavors even more.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 465
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fat: 31g
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking for the best texture.
How do I know when salmon is done?
The salmon should easily flake with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the foil packet several hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
What vegetables go well with this recipe?
Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, green beans, carrots, and zucchini are excellent choices.
Can I use salmon portions instead of one large fillet?
Absolutely. Individual fillets cook slightly faster, so begin checking for doneness a few minutes early.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat gently in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes or microwave in short intervals until warmed through.
Similar Recipes
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients
- 1½ to 1¾ pounds skin-on salmon fillet
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
- 5 cloves garlic minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the salmon skin-side down on a large sheet of foil set on a baking tray. Fold the edges of the foil upward to create a shallow bowl.
- Arrange the lemon slices underneath and around the salmon.
- Melt the butter and stir in the lemon juice, honey, and garlic until well combined.
- Pour about three-quarters of the butter mixture over the salmon, reserving the rest for later.
- Season evenly with salt and pepper.
- Seal the foil tightly to create a packet. Let the Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon marinate for 10–15 minutes if time allows.
- Bake for 17 minutes.
- Carefully open the foil packet while keeping the edges raised.
- Switch the oven to high broil.
- Spoon the reserved butter mixture over the salmon if desired.
- Broil for 5–10 minutes until lightly golden and cooked to your preferred doneness.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a slightly different sweetness.
- Fresh dill or thyme can be used instead of parsley.
- Serve with roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad.
- A squeeze of fresh lemon before serving brightens the flavors even more.
Conclusion
This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is everything you want in an easy dinner—tender, juicy, buttery, and bursting with fresh lemon and garlic flavor. Whether you’re cooking for your family or preparing a special meal for guests, this foolproof recipe delivers delicious results every time while keeping cleanup to a minimum.