Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon

This sheet pan lemon garlic butter salmon recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your home kitchen in just 30 minutes. The combination of juicy salmon with the richness of butter, brightened by lemon and mellowed with honey, makes for a dish that's both elegant and effortless. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special weekend treat.

I made this for a casual dinner once when I was short on time and it instantly became a favorite. Since then, I often find myself using this method because it is consistently delicious and foolproof.

Ingredients

• About one and a half to one and three-quarter pounds skin-on salmon fillet: fish with skin keeps the salmon moist and crispy when cooked
• One lemon: thinly sliced for brightness and acidity
• Half a cup unsalted butter: melted to create a rich base for garlic and lemon flavor
• Three tablespoons fresh lemon juice: for that fresh tang that cuts through the butter
• Two to three tablespoons honey: to balance the tart lemon with sweetness
• Five cloves garlic: finely pressed or minced garlic infuses the butter with savory pungency
• One teaspoon kosher salt: enhances all the flavors and seasons the fish
• Half a teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: for subtle heat
• Two teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley: optional for a pop of color and fresh herb aroma

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Oven and Prepare Salmon:

Place your oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Lay the salmon skin side down on a large sheet of foil that fits a sheet pan. Lift the foil edges about two inches or enough so the buttery sauce will stay contained around the salmon when poured on top.

Arrange Lemon Slices:

Slide the lemon slices evenly underneath the salmon fillet. This distributes flavor and prevents the fish from sticking to the foil.

Melt Butter and Mix Flavors:

In a microwave safe container, melt the butter for about one minute on high. Stir in the lemon juice, honey, and garlic to combine the flavors.

Pour but Save Part:

Pour roughly three quarters of the butter mixture over the salmon. Hold back the rest for basting later.

Season Salmon:

Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper evenly over the top of the fish making sure every bite is seasoned properly.

Seal the Foil Packet:

Fold the foil over the salmon and seal tightly making a packet. You may need a second sheet of foil to fully enclose it. Try to make the packet as airtight as possible. If you can wait, let it marinate in the packet for 10 to 15 minutes to deepen the flavor.

Bake Salmon:

Place the sealed foil pack on a baking sheet and bake for about 17 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and tender.

Open and Broil:

Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and open the packet just enough to expose the top of the salmon while keeping the edges of foil raised to hold the juices. Set the oven to high broil.

Add Remaining Butter and Broil:

Spoon the reserved buttery mixture over the salmon if you want extra flavor and shine. Watch carefully as you broil for 5 to 10 minutes until the salmon develops a golden crust.

Garnish and Serve:

Optionally sprinkle chopped parsley on top and serve immediately with your favorite side dishes.

Save

I love how the garlic and lemon butter melds with the salmon’s natural oils to create a silky sauce so often the lemon slices underneath the fish help lift it while cooking making every bite flavorful and tender. This recipe reminds me of a family dinner where we all gathered around the table enjoying simple food made with care and shared laughter.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven or on the stove over low heat to maintain moisture and tenderness. Avoid microwaving to prevent the fish from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

• You can swap honey for maple syrup or brown sugar if you prefer a different sweetness profile.
• Unsalted butter can be replaced with olive oil but the richness will be slightly less; you might want to add a little extra garlic.
• Fresh parsley can be substituted with fresh dill or basil for a new twist on the herbaceous note.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve this salmon alongside roasted or steamed vegetables such as asparagus green beans or a crisp salad.
• A side of fluffy rice or buttery mashed potatoes works beautifully to soak up the garlicky lemon sauce.
• A crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or a light chardonnay pairs excellently with the citrus and buttery richness.

Cultural Context

Salmon has long been a prized fish across many cultures known especially in Nordic and Pacific Northwest cuisines. Combining citrus and butter is a classic preparation that enhances the fish’s natural flavor while keeping it moist and tender. This type of foil packet cooking is popular for its ease and ability to infuse flavors.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best way to prepare the salmon for even cooking?

Place the salmon skin-side down on foil on a sheet pan, making sure it's evenly spaced and the foil edges are raised to hold the buttery mixture, ensuring moist and even cooking.

→ How does broiling impact the salmon's flavor and texture?

Broiling caramelizes the buttery topping, creating a golden crust that adds texture and depth of flavor without drying out the salmon underneath.

→ Can the marinade be prepared ahead of time?

Yes, the lemon, garlic, honey, and butter mixture can be made in advance and poured over the salmon just before baking to deepen flavor infusion.

→ Is it necessary to marinate the salmon before baking?

Marinating for 10-15 minutes enhances flavor penetration but is optional; the salmon remains flavorful even without extra marinating time.

→ How should leftovers be stored for best quality?

Store salmon airtight in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently to preserve moisture and texture.