Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon: A Simple and Flavorful Meal
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner option, this Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is exactly what you need. Packed with flavor from fresh lemon, garlic, honey, and butter, this salmon recipe is both simple to prepare and full of bright, zesty goodness. Plus, it’s baked in a foil packet, which makes for easy cleanup and keeps the salmon moist and tender.
Perfect for a busy weeknight or a special occasion, this dish can be ready in just 35 minutes and will leave you with a beautifully broiled, golden salmon fillet that pairs well with your favorite sides. Let’s dive into this easy yet impressive recipe!
Ingredients:
- About 1.5 to 1.75 pounds skin-on salmon fillet
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- ½ 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
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Directions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, ensuring you have enough to wrap around the salmon and create a foil packet.
2. Prepare the Salmon:
Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the foil, with the longer side of the fillet parallel to the longer side of the baking sheet. Arrange lemon slices evenly underneath the salmon, placing them in a single layer.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter:
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the lemon juice, honey, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour or spoon about three-quarters of the mixture over the salmon, reserving the rest for later.
4. Season the Salmon:
Sprinkle the salmon with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. You can also let the salmon marinate for 10-15 minutes if you have time, to allow the flavors to develop even more.
5. Create the Foil Packet:
Lift the sides of the foil around the salmon, creating a sealed packet to contain the buttery mixture. If necessary, use an additional piece of foil to fully seal the salmon.
6. Bake the Salmon:
Place the foil packet on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 17 minutes.
7. Broil for a Golden Finish:
After baking, carefully open the foil packet to expose the top of the salmon. Spoon some of the reserved lemon garlic butter mixture over the top. Broil the salmon on high for 5-10 minutes, or until the top is golden and the salmon is fully cooked through.
8. Garnish and Serve:
Once done, remove the salmon from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley (optional). Serve the salmon immediately, spooning any remaining lemon garlic butter over the top for extra flavor.
Recipe Details:
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories per Serving: 380 kcal
Why You’ll Love This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon:
- Easy and Quick: With just 10 minutes of prep time and minimal hands-on cooking, this salmon dish is perfect for busy weeknights when you want a nutritious and flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
- Full of Flavor: The combination of butter, lemon, honey, and garlic gives this salmon a perfect balance of richness, tanginess, and sweetness, while the broiling step adds a delicious golden finish.
- Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins, making it a great option for a nutritious and well-balanced meal.
- Minimal Cleanup: Since the salmon is cooked in a foil packet, cleanup is a breeze—no need to scrub pans after cooking!
Tips for Success:
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork but is still moist.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly squeezed lemon juice and minced garlic will give this dish the best flavor. You can also use high-quality wild-caught salmon for an even richer taste.
- Add Vegetables: You can add sliced vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes to the foil packet for a complete sheet pan meal.
Variations:
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the lemon garlic butter mixture for a bit of heat.
- Herb-Infused: Try adding fresh dill or thyme along with the parsley for extra herby flavor.
- Glaze Alternative: Swap the honey for maple syrup or agave syrup for a different kind of sweetness in the glaze.
Serving Suggestions:
- With Rice or Quinoa: Serve this salmon alongside rice, quinoa, or couscous to soak up the delicious lemon garlic butter.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the salmon with roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a healthy and colorful plate.
- On a Salad: Flake the cooked salmon and serve it over a fresh green salad with your favorite vinaigrette for a light and healthy meal.
Final Thoughts:
This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is a foolproof recipe that delivers big on flavor with minimal effort. The bright citrus, rich butter, and fragrant garlic create a perfect glaze for the salmon, while the broiling step gives it a beautiful golden finish. Whether you’re making it for a quick family dinner or a special meal for guests, this salmon dish is sure to become a go-to favorite. Enjoy
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Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon combines the richness of butter with the bright tang of lemon and the warmth of garlic, making it a perfect quick and easy dinner. As the salmon bakes in its foil packet, the buttery juices seep into the fish, keeping it moist while infusing every bite with irresistible flavors.
Ingredients
About 1.5 to 1.75 pounds skin-on salmon fillet
1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons lemon juice, from about 1 lemon
2 to 3 tablespoons honey
5 cloves garlic, finely pressed or minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
Place salmon on a sheet of foil, skin-side down, with the longer side parallel to the longer side of the sheet pan. Raise the edges of the foil to create a barrier for the buttery mixture.
Arrange lemon slices evenly underneath the salmon.
In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in lemon juice, honey, and garlic. Pour or spoon three-quarters of the mixture over the salmon, reserving the rest.
Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
Seal the foil tightly over the salmon (you may need an additional piece of foil), creating a foil packet. Set aside for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to marinate if desired.
Place the foil packet on a baking sheet and bake for 17 minutes.
Remove the top of the foil or open the packet. Broil the salmon for 5-10 minutes, spooning over the reserved buttery mixture as needed, until golden and fully cooked.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 380