Zesty Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Weeknight dinners demand simplicity and flavor, and this sheet pan lemon garlic butter salmon recipe delivers exactly what you need.

Bright citrus notes dance across perfectly seasoned fish, creating a meal that’s both elegant and effortless.

The combination of zesty lemon, rich butter, and aromatic garlic infuses each tender salmon fillet with mouthwatering depth.

Fresh herbs scattered across the top add a vibrant finishing touch that makes this dish pop.

Minimal prep and cleanup mean you’ll spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying a delicious meal.

Clean, crisp flavors and the convenience of a single pan make this salmon recipe a weeknight winner that will become a staple in your dinner rotation.

Ready to savor every delectable bite?

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 500 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients for Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

• Salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon ensures rich flavor and tender texture; look for bright, firm flesh without any strong fishy smell.

• Butter, Honey, Lemon Juice: Creamy butter adds richness, honey balances acidity and creates golden caramelization, fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish with zesty notes.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that provides deep, savory undertones; choose firm, plump cloves without sprouts for best flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental seasonings that elevate salmon's natural taste; use freshly ground black pepper for maximum aroma.
• Fresh Parsley: Vibrant herb that adds color and fresh, peppery finish to the dish; choose bright green leaves without wilting.

• Lemon Slices: Decorative and functional, infusing subtle citrus essence during cooking and providing visual appeal.

Tools to Help You Cook Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

• Baking Sheet: Large, flat pan for even cooking and easy cleanup.
• Aluminum Foil: Essential for creating a moisture-sealing packet around the salmon.
• Microwave-Safe Bowl: Perfect for melting butter and mixing sauce ingredients.
• Measuring Spoons: Precise tool for adding salt, pepper, and other seasonings.
• Measuring Cups: Helps accurately measure liquid ingredients like lemon juice and honey.
• Microwave or Stovetop: Used for melting butter smoothly.
• Sharp Knife: Great for slicing lemons and chopping fresh parsley.
• Broiler: Provides final golden touch to the salmon.
• Tongs or Spatula: Helpful for handling and serving the cooked salmon.

Easy Instructions for Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

• Flavor Foundation

Gather a fresh salmon fillet and ingredients that complement its delicate taste. Select bright, zesty lemons and fragrant garlic to elevate the seafood’s natural richness.

• Foil Preparation

Create a cozy cooking environment by laying out aluminum foil on a sturdy sheet pan. Position the salmon gently on the foil, ensuring the skin faces downward with ample space around the edges.

• Aromatic Liquid Blend

Melt butter in a warm bowl, then mix in fresh lemon juice, a touch of golden honey, and minced garlic. This liquid will infuse the salmon with a mouthwatering harmony of flavors.

• Seasoning Magic

Drizzle most of the buttery mixture over the salmon, allowing it to cascade down the fillet. Sprinkle sea salt and cracked pepper across the surface for a subtle flavor boost.

• Oven Transformation

Place the loosely sealed foil packet into a preheated oven. Let the salmon bake until it turns tender and flaky, releasing its delectable aroma throughout the kitchen.

• Final Golden Touch

Open the foil packet and broil the salmon briefly, creating a beautiful golden crust. Brush the remaining butter mixture to enhance its glistening appearance.

• Serving Celebration

Garnish with fresh parsley and serve immediately, letting the vibrant flavors transport everyone to a culinary paradise.

Tips for Perfectly Roasted Lemon Garlic Salmon

• Discover creative twists and expert techniques to transform this sheet pan recipe into a culinary masterpiece.
• Swap out honey for maple syrup or add a touch of sriracha for a spicy kick that'll wake up your taste buds.
• Let the salmon sit in the buttery mixture for up to 30 minutes before cooking to intensify the garlic and lemon notes and ensure maximum flavor absorption.
• Surround the salmon with asparagus, Brussels sprouts, or baby potatoes on the same sheet pan for a complete one-pan meal that minimizes cleanup and maximizes convenience.
• Use an instant-read thermometer to check salmon doneness – 145°F means perfectly cooked, ensuring tender and juicy results every single time.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Salmon for Dinner

• Family Dinner Centerpiece: Elegantly present this salmon on a large wooden board surrounded by roasted vegetables for a stunning, restaurant-quality meal that will impress everyone at the table.
• Pairing Paradise: Complement the zesty lemon garlic salmon with a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or a light pinot grigio, and serve alongside herbed quinoa or buttery roasted asparagus for a perfectly balanced plate.
• Mediterranean-Style Spread: Create a Mediterranean-inspired feast by adding a small Greek salad, warm pita bread, and tzatziki sauce, transforming this simple salmon recipe into a vibrant, culturally rich dining experience.
• Healthy Leftovers Makeover: Flake any remaining salmon over a fresh mixed green salad the next day, adding cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette for a nutritious and delicious lunch option that reduces food waste.

Best Storage for Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon

• Fridge Fresh Strategy: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it refrigerated for maximum 2-3 days to maintain optimal taste and texture.
• Freezer Friendly Technique: Wrap individual salmon portions in plastic wrap, then place inside freezer-safe bags, which can extend storage life up to 3 months without compromising quality.
• Reheating Magic: Gently warm salmon in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with aluminum foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture and delicate flavors.
• Meal Prep Wonder: Prepare salmon portions in advance, seasoning and wrapping individually for quick weeknight dinners, allowing flexible meal planning throughout busy work weeks.

Succulent Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

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4.6 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Description

Succulent sheet pan lemon garlic butter salmon delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors with minimal kitchen effort. Quick marinades and simple roasting techniques ensure delicious results with effortless cleanup for home cooks.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 to 1.75 lbs (680 to 794 g) salmon fillet, skin-on
• ½ cup (113 g) butter, unsalted, melted
• 5 cloves garlic, finely pressed or minced
• 3 tbsps (45 ml) lemon juice
• 1 tsp kosher salt
• ½ tsp black pepper, freshly ground
• 2 to 3 tbsps (30 to 45 ml) honey
• 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
• 2 tsp parsley, fresh, finely chopped (optional)

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Calibrate oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning rack in center position for uniform heat distribution.
2. Salmon Setup: Line sheet pan with aluminum foil, positioning salmon fillet skin-side down and creating a protective elevated packet with foil edges.
3. Flavor Foundation: Arrange lemon slices beneath salmon, then craft a luxurious marinade by combining melted butter, lemon juice, honey, and minced garlic.
4. Seasoning Application: Lavishly coat salmon with marinade, ensuring comprehensive coverage, then season with salt and pepper, allowing flavors to meld for 10-15 minutes.
5. Roasting Process: Seal foil packet completely and bake in preheated oven for 17 minutes, developing rich, tender salmon texture.
6. Broiling Finale: Unveil foil packet’s top, activate broiler, and cook for additional 5-10 minutes, periodically basting with reserved marinade until salmon reaches golden-brown perfection and flakes easily.
7. Presentation: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve immediately, celebrating the vibrant, herb-infused seafood creation.

Notes

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Let salmon sit in lemon garlic butter mixture for 10-15 minutes before cooking to enhance taste absorption and tenderness.
• Monitor Salmon Doneness: Check internal temperature reaches 145°F to ensure perfect, safe cooking without overcooking or drying out the fish.
• Foil Packet Technique: Creates a steamy, moisture-preserving environment that helps salmon remain juicy and prevents burning during high-heat cooking.
• Broiler Basting Secret: Brush reserved butter mixture during final broiling stage adds glossy caramelization and intensifies rich, savory flavor profile.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 8 g
• Sodium: 300 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 20 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg