Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

If there’s ever been a recipe that’s guaranteed to dazzle with minimal effort, it’s Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon. This dish is everything you crave in a weeknight dinner: flaky, rich salmon bathed in a zesty citrus butter, roasted to absolute perfection in one simple foil packet. Bright notes of lemon mingle with sweet honey and aromatic garlic, creating a truly irresistible main course that’s both elegant enough for company and easy enough for your busiest days. With barely any cleanup and results that taste like you ordered out, Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is about to become your new go-to favorite.

Ingredients You’ll Need

With just a handful of simple, wholesome ingredients, this dish proves that flavor doesn’t require a long shopping list. Each component brings its own magic—think buttery melt-in-your-mouth texture, pops of citrus, a hint of sweetness, and just the right amount of savory depth.

• Salmon fillet: Aim for about 1.5 to 1.75 pounds, skin-on for easy handling and juicy, tender results.
• Lemon: Thinly sliced rounds infuse the fish with fresh, tangy brightness and double as a gorgeous garnish.
• Unsalted butter: Melted butter creates a silky, rich sauce that keeps the salmon moist and flavorful throughout roasting.
• Lemon juice: Provides an extra boost of refreshing citrus to balance the richness of the dish.
• Honey: Just a bit adds subtle sweetness and helps caramelize the salmon as it bakes and broils.
• Garlic: Five cloves, finely pressed or minced, bring irresistible aroma and punchy flavor.
• Kosher salt: Brings all the flavors into focus—start with a teaspoon and adjust to taste.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds just enough heat to balance the honey and lemon—don’t skip it!
• Fresh parsley (optional): A finishing touch for color and a fresh, herbal accent at serving time.

How to Make Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Step 1: Prep the Salmon and Sheet Pan

Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Lay a generous sheet of foil on your sheet pan, placing it so the longer side matches the length of your pan. Place your salmon fillet skin-side down onto the foil, leaving enough room around the edges to fold it up later. Those high edges are important—they’ll catch every single drop of that glorious lemon garlic butter sauce you’re about to whip up.

Step 2: Nestle in the Lemons

Take your thinly sliced lemon rounds and tuck them all around and under the salmon fillet. Each slice acts like a little pillow of citrus, flavoring the fillet from underneath while lending beautiful visual appeal.

Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In a microwave-safe glass measuring cup or bowl, melt your unsalted butter (about a minute should do). Stir in fresh lemon juice, a couple of tablespoons of honey, and the pressed or minced garlic. This mixture is your flavor bomb—the magic that makes Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon so memorable.

Step 4: Dress and Season the Salmon

Carefully pour or spoon about three-quarters of the buttery mixture over the salmon, making sure the fillet is evenly coated. Save the rest for later! Sprinkle salt and pepper generously over the top, adjusting to your taste. At this point, if you can resist, let your salmon marinate for 10 to 15 minutes to soak up maximum flavor, but you can bake it right away if you’re short on time.

Step 5: Seal and Bake

Fold the foil up and over the salmon, sealing it tightly. If you need an extra sheet of foil, layer it on top and crimp the edges together so everything is tucked in and as airtight as possible. Pop the foil packet onto your baking sheet and bake for about 17 minutes, until the salmon is nearly cooked through and tender.

Step 6: Broil for a Golden Finish

Carefully take the baking sheet out of the oven and open up the foil so the top of the salmon is exposed (be cautious of the hot steam!). Set your oven to broil on high, then spoon over that reserved lemon garlic butter mixture. Slide the pan back under the broiler for another 5 to 10 minutes until the top is gorgeously golden and caramelized to your liking. Keep a close eye to avoid burning—broilers can work fast!

Step 7: Garnish and Serve

Finish off your Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with a sprinkle of fresh parsley if desired. Serve straight away, spooning some of the buttery sauce from the pan over each fillet for even more luscious flavor. You’ve officially just created a showstopper!

How to Serve Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Garnishes

A final flourish of fresh chopped parsley not only adds a pop of color, but also introduces a gentle herbal note that brightens the entire dish. Add a couple of reserved lemon slices for a truly restaurant-worthy look—and if you want extra pizzazz, try a scatter of thinly sliced green onions or a bit of freshly grated lemon zest right before serving.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs effortlessly with a wide range of sides. Think fluffy rice pilaf to soak up the sauce, crisp-tender roasted asparagus, or a vibrant green salad with a citrus vinaigrette. You can also serve it with garlic mashed potatoes, simple steamed broccoli, or herby couscous for a comforting, well-balanced feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon makes a stunning centerpiece served whole at the table, allowing guests to slice their own portions. For a more casual vibe, pre-slice the salmon in the kitchen and serve over a bed of baby greens or arugula for a warm salad. For brunch, add leftover salmon to toasted bagels with cream cheese, or flake it over pasta with a bit of the buttery sauce mixed in—so many cozy options!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer leftover salmon to an airtight container and refrigerate. Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon stays fresh for up to 3 days. Store any remaining sauce separately for maximum freshness if you plan to reuse it later.

Freezing

If you’d like to freeze, cool the salmon completely and wrap individual portions tightly in foil, then place them in a freezer-safe bag. The fish can be frozen for up to two months. While the texture may soften ever so slightly, the flavor will remain bright and delicious, perfect for a busy-day dinner down the line.

Reheating

For best results, reheat salmon gently in a 300°F oven, covered with foil to retain moisture, for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. You can also microwave in short bursts, but use lower power and cover lightly to avoid drying it out. Drizzle with a little reserved lemon garlic butter sauce to revive all those wonderful flavors.

FAQs

Can I use salmon portions instead of a whole fillet?

Absolutely! You can use individual salmon fillets or portions. Just be mindful that smaller pieces may cook a bit faster, so start checking for doneness after about 12 to 15 minutes in the oven before broiling.

What can I substitute for honey?

If you prefer not to use honey, try pure maple syrup or agave nectar for a similar touch of sweetness. You could even use brown sugar in a pinch—just make sure it dissolves well into the lemon butter mixture for even flavoring.

Is it necessary to use foil?

Foil not only makes for virtually no cleanup, but it also locks in moisture and infuses the salmon with all the flavorful sauce. If you prefer, parchment paper works as a substitute, just make sure to double-seal your packet to avoid leaks.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon should easily flake apart with a fork and have an opaque, moist appearance in the thickest part. Internal temperature should reach 145°F, but remember it will continue to cook slightly under the broiler, so it’s fine to take it out a touch early before you broil.

Can I add vegetables to the sheet pan?

Definitely! Thinly sliced asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers can be nestled alongside the salmon inside the foil packet. Just ensure the veggies are cut evenly so they cook at the same rate as the fish. They’ll absorb that amazing lemon garlic butter as well!

Final Thoughts

There’s something so satisfying about seeing how quick and easy it is to create an unforgettable meal like Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon at home. From the first juicy, citrus-kissed bite to the last drizzle of buttery sauce, it’s a recipe that feels like a celebration every single time. Grab some fresh salmon, fire up your oven, and treat yourself—you deserve it!

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