Introduction

This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is a quick and flavorful meal perfect for busy weeknights. The combination of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a delicious glaze while roasting, making the salmon tender and aromatic.

A close-up of a cooked salmon fillet with a golden-brown grilled top layer, sprinkled with black pepper and small green herb pieces, resting on a bed of bright yellow lemon slices layered in crinkled aluminum foil. The foiled salmon sits on a white marbled surface, and a fork holds a small piece of the flaky pink fish in the lower left corner. The yellow lemon juices mix with the shiny foil underneath, making the scene look fresh and juicy. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 to 1.75 pounds skin-on salmon fillet
1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
2 to 3 tablespoons honey
5 cloves garlic, finely pressed or minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2: Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the prepared sheet pan.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well to create the sauce.
Step 4: Spoon the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon, making sure to coat the top thoroughly.
Step 5: Arrange lemon slices on top of the salmon for added flavor and presentation.
Step 6: Roast the salmon in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until it flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
Step 7: Remove from the oven and sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salmon if using. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled for a brighter flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle heat.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a side of rice for a complete meal.
If you prefer, use olive oil instead of butter for a lighter version.

Storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out. Leftover salmon also works great cold in salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

A cooked salmon fillet with a golden brown crust sits on crumpled shiny silver foil, surrounded by slices of yellow lemon and light yellow cooked juice. The salmon is sprinkled with small green parsley bits and black pepper. A silver fork is lifting a piece of the salmon, showing the pink flaky inside. The background is a white marbled texture. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw the salmon completely before cooking to ensure even roasting and a good texture.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It should look opaque and moist.

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 141 reviews

This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon recipe delivers a perfectly cooked, flavorful salmon fillet infused with zesty lemon, rich garlic butter, and a touch of honey. It’s an easy, healthy, and elegant meal ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Author: Zane
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Seasoning

1.5 to 1.75 pounds skin-on salmon fillet
1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)

Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

1 lemon (sliced into thin rounds)
1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
3 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
2 to 3 tablespoons honey
5 cloves garlic (finely pressed or minced; or to taste)

Garnish

2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
Prepare the sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, lemon juice, honey, and minced garlic, stirring well to mix all the flavors.
Season the salmon: Place the skin-on salmon fillet skin-side down on a lined sheet pan. Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper evenly over the surface.
Arrange lemon slices: Lay thin lemon slices over the top of the salmon to infuse it with bright citrus flavor during cooking.
Pour sauce over salmon: Drizzle the prepared lemon garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon and lemon slices, ensuring the fish is well coated.
Bake the salmon: Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Garnish and serve: Remove the salmon from the oven, garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately for a fresh, flavorful dish.

Notes

Skin-on salmon helps keep the fish moist during baking and is easy to remove after cooking.
Adjust honey quantity for sweeter or more tangy flavor.
For extra crispiness, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
Serve with steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.
Leftovers can be refrigerated and enjoyed within 2 days.

Keywords: salmon, lemon garlic butter salmon, sheet pan salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy dinner, baked salmon