Why Make This Recipe
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is a fantastic dish for anyone who loves seafood. This easy recipe combines fresh flavors and healthy ingredients, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special gathering. Not only is it delicious, but it also cooks on one sheet pan, which means less cleanup. The blend of lemon, garlic, and butter creates a mouthwatering taste that pairs well with various sides, making it a versatile option for your dinner table.
How to Make Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 1.75 pounds skin-on salmon fillet
- 1 lemon (sliced into thin rounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
- 5 cloves garlic (finely pressed or minced; or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnishing)
Directions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place the salmon on a sheet of foil with the skin-side down. Raise the edges of the foil about 2 inches.
- Nestle the lemon slices underneath the salmon.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe container.
- Stir in the lemon juice, honey, and garlic into the melted butter.
- Pour three-quarters of this mixture over the salmon.
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper, then seal the foil.
- If you can, let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Place the foil pack on a baking sheet and bake for about 17 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and carefully open the foil to expose the salmon.
- Set your oven to high broil.
- Spoon the reserved buttery mixture over the salmon and broil for 5 to 10 minutes until it is golden.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.
How to Serve Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Serve the salmon hot right from the oven. It pairs well with a variety of sides like rice, quinoa, or steamed vegetables. You can also serve it with a fresh salad for a light meal. The lemon and garlic flavors make it a tasty dish for both family dinners and entertaining guests.
How to Store Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
If you have leftovers, let the salmon cool to room temperature before storing. Place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. You can also freeze the salmon, but it’s best consumed within a month for optimal taste.
Tips to Make Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
- Be sure to use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Adjust the amount of honey and garlic to match your taste preference.
- If you like your salmon more well-cooked, extend the baking time slightly before broiling.
- Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can be used instead of parsley for a different flavor profile.
Variation
To mix things up, you can add vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers to the sheet pan. Toss them in the leftover butter mixture before baking to infuse more flavor.
FAQs
Q: Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
A: Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely and pat it dry before cooking.
Q: What can I substitute for honey?
A: You can use maple syrup or agave nectar as a substitute for honey in this recipe.
Q: Can I grill this salmon instead of baking it?
A: Definitely! You can grill the salmon in a foil packet on medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, adjusting the time as needed.
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 to 1.75 pounds skin-on salmon fillet
- 1 lemon (sliced into thin rounds)
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter (melted)
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed is best
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey adjust based on preference
- 5 cloves garlic (finely pressed or minced; or to taste) adjust based on preference
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnishing) optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F.
- Place the salmon on a sheet of foil with the skin-side down, raising the edges of the foil about 2 inches.
- Nestle the lemon slices underneath the salmon.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe container.
- Stir in the lemon juice, honey, and garlic into the melted butter.
- Pour three-quarters of this mixture over the salmon.
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper, then seal the foil.
- If you can, let it marinate for 10 to 15 minutes.
Cooking
- Place the foil pack on a baking sheet and bake for about 17 minutes.
- Remove from the oven and carefully open the foil to expose the salmon.
- Set your oven to high broil.
- Spoon the reserved buttery mixture over the salmon and broil for 5 to 10 minutes until it is golden.
- Garnish with parsley and serve.