Want salmon that’s sweet, zesty, and buttery all at once? This baked honey lime garlic butter salmon is pure magic. So easy and so tasty.

You get juicy salmon baked in a cozy honey lime garlic sauce. Sweet, tangy, and full of fresh flavor. Every bite melts in your mouth.

Perfect for quick dinners, healthy meals, or a little weeknight treat. Simple to make. Big on flavor.

Let’s grab a baking dish and get started. Dinner just got a whole lot sweeter!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Reader Favorite: Many home cooks call this their “go-to salmon recipe” for busy weeknights or cozy weekend dinners.
Bursting with Flavor: The blend of honey, lime, and garlic butter melts into the salmon, creating a bright, savory-sweet glaze.
Effortless to Make: Prep takes just minutes, and the oven does the rest.
Healthy and Satisfying: Loaded with omega-3s and fresh flavors, it’s a wholesome meal you’ll feel good about serving.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: About 40 minutes

Servings:

This recipe serves 6 people as a main dish. Perfect for family dinners or small gatherings.

Difficulty:

Beginner-friendly with simple steps, but delivers a restaurant-quality result.

Required Kitchen Tools

Baking sheet or large baking dish
Aluminum foil or parchment paper
Small saucepan
Whisk
Basting brush (optional but helpful)
Measuring cups and spoons
Knife and cutting board

Ingredients for Baked Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

Here’s everything you’ll need to make this flavorful dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

Unsalted Butter: Forms the rich, silky base of the glaze.
Honey: Brings a warm sweetness that pairs beautifully with the lime and garlic.
Garlic: Fresh, minced garlic adds depth and a savory kick.
Limes: Fresh lime juice and slices for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Side of Salmon: Skin-on, about 2½ pounds for best flavor and moisture.
Sea Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors without overpowering.
Cracked Black Pepper: Adds a touch of subtle heat and balance.
Fresh Chopped Parsley: Sprinkled on top for a fresh pop of color and flavor.
Optional: Lime slices for serving — they also look beautiful when baked alongside the salmon.

Variations for Baked Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

Add a Kick: Sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes into the glaze for gentle heat.
Use Lemon Instead: Swap lime for lemon if you prefer a slightly different citrus profile.
Herb Boost: Mix chopped fresh cilantro into the glaze for a Mexican-inspired flavor twist.
Brown Butter Base: Brown the butter before mixing with honey and garlic for a nuttier depth of flavor.
Maple Option: Substitute half the honey with pure maple syrup for a cozy, earthy sweetness.

How to Make Baked Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon (Step-by-Step Instructions)

1. Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
Place the salmon skin-side down in the center of the prepared baking sheet.

2. Make the Honey Lime Garlic Butter

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter.
Stir in the honey and minced garlic until the mixture is smooth and fragrant.
Remove from heat and mix in the lime juice.

3. Coat the Salmon

Pour or brush the honey lime garlic butter generously over the salmon, making sure it’s evenly coated.
Season the top with sea salt and cracked black pepper.
Arrange lime slices on top and around the salmon for extra flavor.

4. Bake the Salmon

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Baked Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

This vibrant salmon pairs beautifully with simple sides:

Rice: Try coconut rice, cilantro lime rice, or plain jasmine rice.
Vegetables: Serve with roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh garden salad.
Bread: Crusty bread or buttery dinner rolls soak up the extra glaze perfectly.
Potatoes: Roasted baby potatoes or a light potato salad add heartiness to the meal.

Decoration Tip:
Sprinkle the salmon with fresh chopped parsley right before serving. It brightens the dish and makes it even more inviting on the table.

Storing Baked Salmon

Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Cover loosely with foil to keep it moist.
Freezing: You can freeze baked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently.

Tips and Tricks for Success

Pat the Salmon Dry: Before adding the glaze, pat the salmon with paper towels. It helps the butter mixture stick better.
Use Fresh Limes: Bottled lime juice can taste flat. Fresh limes give the brightest, freshest flavor.
Watch the Bake Time: Overbaking can dry out salmon. Start checking at the 20-minute mark.
Broil with Caution: If you broil at the end, keep a close eye to avoid burning the glaze.
Serve Immediately: Salmon is best served hot and fresh for maximum flavor and texture.

Nutrition Information

Here’s the estimated nutrition breakdown per serving (based on 6 servings):

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	340 kcal
Protein	30 g
Fat	20 g
Saturated Fat	8 g
Carbohydrates	12 g
Sugar	10 g
Fiber	0 g
Cholesterol	90 mg
Sodium	380 mg

Note: Nutrition values can vary based on the exact size of your salmon fillet and ingredient brands used.

Baked Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon

Recipe by Nancy HollarCourse: Uncategorized

Servings

servings

Prep time

minutes

Cooking time

minutes

Calories

340

kcal

Ingredients

⅓ cup unsalted butter
¼ cup honey
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 limes, juiced
2½ pound side of salmon, skin-on
Sea salt, to taste
Cracked black pepper, to taste (optional)
Lime slices, for topping
¼ cup fresh chopped parsley, divided

Directions

Preheat Oven:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper. Place the salmon skin-side down.
Make the Glaze:
In a small saucepan, melt the butter over low heat. Stir in the honey and minced garlic until smooth. Remove from heat and whisk in the lime juice.
Glaze the Salmon:
Pour or brush the honey lime garlic butter all over the salmon. Season with sea salt and cracked black pepper. Lay lime slices on top.
Bake:
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until salmon easily flakes with a fork. For a caramelized finish, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end.
Serve:
Sprinkle chopped parsley over the salmon. Slice and serve with your favorite sides.

Baked Salmon FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, but thaw it completely in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before using.

How do I know when salmon is done?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prep the glaze ahead and refrigerate it. For best results, bake the salmon just before serving.

What other herbs can I use?

Fresh dill, basil, or cilantro work beautifully if you want to change up the flavor.

Conclusion

Baked Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon brings together a few simple ingredients to create something truly special. It’s tender, flavorful, and feels a little bit fancy without being fussy. Whether you’re making dinner for the family or treating yourself to something a little nicer, this salmon is a reliable choice.

The honey and lime give the salmon a lively, sweet-tangy glaze, while the butter adds richness that ties everything together. A sprinkle of fresh parsley at the end brightens it all up.

If you’ve been looking for an easy, impressive salmon recipe to add to your rotation, this one is worth a spot. Try it once, and you’ll want to make it again whenever you crave something fresh, light, and satisfying.

Happy cooking — and enjoy every bite!