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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare the oven by heating to 375°F (190°C), ensuring a perfectly calibrated cooking environment for the salmon.
- 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.
- Carefully construct a protective foil barrier around the salmon, creating a sealed cooking area.
- Distribute delicate lemon slices uniformly beneath the salmon fillet, infusing a citrusy essence into the fish.
- Transform butter into a liquid state using a microwave, then incorporate tangy lemon juice, golden honey, and aromatic minced garlic into a luxurious marinade.
- Generously drench the salmon with approximately three-quarters of the buttery mixture, reserving the remaining portion for later enhancement.
- Elevate the flavor profile by sprinkling salt and freshly ground pepper across the salmon’s surface.
- Completely encase the salmon in the foil packet, allowing optional marination for 10-15 minutes to intensify the flavor absorption.
- Transfer the sealed foil packet onto the baking sheet, then roast in the preheated oven for approximately 17 minutes.
- Carefully unveil the top of the foil packet, exposing the salmon to direct heat.
- 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.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the salmon as a vibrant, herbaceous finishing touch.
- 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