The Perfect Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe for Dinner

Succulent salmon refines into a culinary masterpiece when infused with zesty lemon garlic butter magic.

Home cooks adore this simple yet sophisticated seafood sensation that promises restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen effort.

The sheet pan method elevates this dish from ordinary to extraordinary, reducing cleanup and maximizing flavor intensity.

Delicate fish meets rich, aromatic butter in a harmonious dance of complementary ingredients that tantalize taste buds.

Mediterranean-inspired seasonings create a vibrant backdrop for the salmon natural elegance, turning an everyday protein into a memorable meal.

Bright citrus notes and robust garlic undertones merge seamlessly, promising a dining experience that feels both comforting and exciting.

This recipe celebrates the beauty of straightforward cooking techniques that unlock incredible depth of flavor.

What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Salmon

• Elevate with Crisp Sauvignon Blanc: This zesty white wine perfectly complements the lemon garlic butter salmon, cutting through the richness with its bright, acidic notes and herbal undertones.
• Pair with Roasted Asparagus: The tender green vegetable's earthy flavor and slight char provide a delicious contrast to the buttery, tangy salmon, creating a balanced and nutritious plate.
• Serve alongside Herbed Quinoa: The nutty, light quinoa absorbs the salmon's delicious buttery sauce while adding a protein-packed, textural element that enhances the overall dining experience.
• Match with Chilled Cucumber Salad: A refreshing, crisp side dish with a light vinaigrette helps cleanse the palate and provides a cool, crunchy counterpoint to the warm, succulent salmon.

Salmon Recipe Upgrades and Swaps

• Herb-Infused Mediterranean Salmon: Replace honey with oregano and add chopped fresh dill and thyme to the butter mixture for a Mediterranean-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Asian Salmon Packet: Swap honey for soy sauce, add ginger and sriracha, and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for a zesty Asian-inspired version.
• Maple Glazed Salmon Option: Substitute honey with pure maple syrup and include crushed red pepper flakes for a sweet and slightly spicy alternative that caramelizes beautifully during broiling.
• Citrus Fusion Salmon: Mix orange juice with lemon juice, add orange zest, and incorporate fresh rosemary for a bright, complex citrus-herb combination that elevates the traditional recipe.

Why You’ll Crave Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

• Elevate Flavor Fusion: This sheet pan salmon bursts with zesty lemon, rich butter, and aromatic garlic, creating a mouthwatering blend that transforms a simple fish dish into a gourmet experience.
• Simplify Cooking Technique: The foolproof foil packet method locks in moisture, ensures even cooking, and minimizes cleanup, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want restaurant-quality results with minimal effort.
• Customize with Ease: The flexible recipe allows quick marinading and personalized seasoning, letting you adjust flavors and cooking time to match your taste preferences and schedule, making dinner preparation stress-free and enjoyable.

What You’ll Need for This Sheet Pan Salmon

• Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon provides rich omega-3 fatty acids and delicate flavor, best when bright pink and firm to touch.

• Butter: Unsalted butter creates rich, smooth sauce and helps salmon stay moist during cooking.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds robust, aromatic depth to the buttery sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Bright citrus juice tenderizes salmon and balances rich butter.
• Honey: Natural sweetener that helps caramelize salmon's surface and adds subtle sweetness.

• Salt: Essential for enhancing overall flavor of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Freshly ground pepper provides gentle heat and complexity.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright green herb adds fresh color and light herbal notes to finished dish.

• Aluminum Foil: Creates steam packet for even cooking and helps retain moisture.
• Lemon Slices: Decorative and flavoring element placed under salmon during cooking.

How to Bake Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Warm up the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grab a sheet pan.

Step 2: Set Up the Salmon

• Tear a large piece of aluminum foil
• Place salmon skin-side down on the foil
• Position salmon parallel to the sheet pan's longer side
• Lift foil edges to create a protective barrier

Step 3: Arrange Lemon Base

Spread fresh lemon slices evenly underneath the salmon.

Step 4: Create Flavor Sauce

• Butter (melted)
• Lemon juice
• Honey
• Minced garlic

Stir ingredients until well blended.

Step 5: Season and Marinate

• Pour three-quarters of the sauce over salmon
• Sprinkle salt and pepper
• Optional: Let salmon rest 10-15 minutes to absorb flavors

Step 6: Wrap and Bake

• Seal foil packet tightly
• Place on baking sheet
• Bake for 17 minutes

Step 7: Finish with Broiling

• Open foil packet
• Broil for 5-10 minutes
• Spoon remaining sauce occasionally
• Cook until salmon turns golden and fully done

Step 8: Serve and Garnish

• Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley
• Serve immediately while hot

Tips for Even Cooking and Bold Flavor

• Seal the Flavor Packet: Wrap the foil tightly to lock in moisture and prevent the salmon from drying out during baking.
• Marinate for Maximum Taste: Let the salmon sit in the buttery mixture for 10-15 minutes before cooking to enhance its flavor profile.
• Monitor Broiling Carefully: Watch the salmon closely during the final broiling stage to achieve a golden crust without burning.
• Choose Fresh Salmon: Select high-quality, fresh salmon fillets with a vibrant color and firm texture for the best results.
• Customize Your Seasoning: Experiment with additional herbs like dill or thyme to personalize the dish and add extra aromatic layers.

Salmon Storage & Reheating Steps

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled salmon to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Gently warm salmon in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying. Alternatively, use the microwave on 50% power for 30-45 seconds, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
• Freeze: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

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4.6 from 26 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent salmon meets Mediterranean magic in this sheet pan lemon garlic butter salmon recipe. Zesty citrus and rich butter create a luxurious coating that elevates simple weeknight seafood into a restaurant-worthy experience you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 to 1.75 pounds (680 to 794 grams) skin-on salmon fillet

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 5 cloves garlic, finely pressed or minced
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• ½ cup (113 grams) unsalted butter, melted
• 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) lemon juice
• 2 to 3 tablespoons (30 to 45 milliliters) honey

Garnish and Accompaniments:

• 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
• 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a perfectly calibrated cooking environment for the salmon.
2. Select a sheet pan and layer a large piece of aluminum foil, positioning the salmon fillet skin-side down, aligned parallel to the pan’s longer edge.
3. Carefully construct a protective foil barrier around the salmon, creating a sealed cooking area.
4. Distribute delicate lemon slices uniformly beneath the salmon fillet, infusing a citrusy essence into the fish.
5. Transform butter into a liquid state using a microwave, then incorporate tangy lemon juice, golden honey, and aromatic minced garlic into a luxurious marinade.
6. Generously drench the salmon with approximately three-quarters of the buttery mixture, reserving the remaining portion for later enhancement.
7. Elevate the flavor profile by sprinkling salt and freshly ground pepper across the salmon’s surface.
8. Completely encase the salmon in the foil packet, allowing optional marination for 10-15 minutes to intensify the flavor absorption.
9. Transfer the sealed foil packet onto the baking sheet, then roast in the preheated oven for approximately 17 minutes.
10. Carefully unveil the top of the foil packet, exposing the salmon to direct heat.
11. Activate the broiler and cook for an additional 5-10 minutes, periodically basting with the reserved buttery mixture until the salmon achieves a golden, perfectly cooked appearance.
12. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the salmon as a vibrant, herbaceous finishing touch.
13. Serve the salmon immediately, ensuring peak temperature and optimal flavor enjoyment.

Notes

• Marinate the salmon for enhanced flavor infusion, allowing the lemon garlic butter to penetrate deeply into the fish.
• Create a protective foil packet to lock in moisture and prevent the salmon from drying out during baking.
• Use fresh ingredients like real garlic and fresh lemon for the most vibrant and bright flavor profile.
• Adjust broiling time carefully to achieve a perfect golden crust without overcooking the delicate salmon.
• Reserve some buttery mixture for basting during the final broiling stage to maximize flavor and moisture.
• Serve immediately after cooking to enjoy the salmon at its peak tenderness and temperature.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 300mg
• Fat: 38g
• Saturated Fat: 23g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 27g
• Cholesterol: 90mg