Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is the perfect recipe when you want a flavorful, healthy, and effortless dinner. Tender salmon is baked in a rich garlic butter and honey lemon sauce, creating a juicy, flaky fish that’s ideal for busy weeknights or family meals. This easy recipe comes together with minimal prep and delivers restaurant-quality flavor at home.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 35 minutes.
- Perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
- Rich buttery garlic and fresh lemon flavor.
- Moist, flaky salmon every time.
- Family-friendly and beginner-friendly.
- Naturally high in protein and healthy fats.
- Easy cleanup thanks to the sheet pan and foil packet.
- Pairs well with vegetables, potatoes, rice, or salad.
Ingredients
- 1½–1¾ pounds skin-on salmon fillet
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2–3 tablespoons honey
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 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 a large sheet of foil on a baking sheet and lay the salmon skin-side down in the center. Fold the foil edges upward to create a shallow tray.
- Arrange the lemon slices underneath and around the salmon.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir in the lemon juice, honey, and minced garlic until combined.
- Pour about three-quarters of the butter mixture over the salmon and reserve the remaining sauce.
- Season evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Seal the foil tightly by adding another sheet on top and crimping the edges. If time allows, let the Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Bake for about 17 minutes.
- Carefully open the foil packet while keeping the edges raised to hold the juices.
- Turn 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 fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks
- Choose fresh, center-cut salmon for even cooking.
- Avoid overcooking to keep the salmon moist.
- Fresh lemon juice provides the brightest flavor.
- Add asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or baby potatoes to the sheet pan for a complete meal.
- Replace honey with maple syrup for a different sweetness.
- Finish with extra fresh herbs for added freshness.
Details
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 27 minutes
- Total Time: 37 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking & Broiling
- Cuisine: American
- Difficulty: Easy
- Dietary Notes: Gluten-Free, High Protein
Notes
- Allow the salmon to rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
- Spoon the buttery pan juices over rice or roasted vegetables.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, quinoa, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
- Fresh dill can be substituted for parsley for a different herb flavor.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
- Calories: 465
- Protein: 36g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 480mg
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes. Thaw it completely and pat it dry before baking.
How do I know when salmon is done?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Assemble everything in the foil packet and refrigerate for several hours before baking.
Can I use salmon portions instead of one large fillet?
Absolutely. Individual fillets cook a little faster, so begin checking for doneness a few minutes early.
What vegetables go well with this recipe?
Asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, Brussels sprouts, carrots, and green beans all pair beautifully.
Storage
Store leftover salmon 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 –1¾ pounds skin-on salmon fillet
- 1 lemon thinly sliced
- ½ cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 –3 tablespoons honey
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 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 a large sheet of foil on a baking sheet and lay the salmon skin-side down in the center. Fold the foil edges upward to create a shallow tray.
- Arrange the lemon slices underneath and around the salmon.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl.
- Stir in the lemon juice, honey, and minced garlic until combined.
- Pour about three-quarters of the butter mixture over the salmon and reserve the remaining sauce.
- Season evenly with salt and black pepper.
- Seal the foil tightly by adding another sheet on top and crimping the edges. If time allows, let the Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon marinate for 10–15 minutes.
- Bake for about 17 minutes.
- Carefully open the foil packet while keeping the edges raised to hold the juices.
- Turn 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 fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Allow the salmon to rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.
- Spoon the buttery pan juices over rice or roasted vegetables.
- Serve with mashed potatoes, quinoa, steamed vegetables, or a crisp green salad.
- Fresh dill can be substituted for parsley for a different herb flavor.
Conclusion
This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is an easy, flavorful recipe that’s perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The combination of buttery garlic, sweet honey, and fresh lemon creates tender, flaky salmon with incredible flavor. Whether you’re looking for a healthy salmon recipe, a simple baked salmon recipe, or an easy sheet pan dinner, this recipe is sure to become a regular favorite.