Need a fast, fresh dinner? This sheet pan lemon garlic butter salmon is a total winner. Bright, buttery, and so simple!
You get juicy salmon, a pop of lemon, and cozy garlic butter all baked together. One pan. Big flavor. Little cleanup.
Perfect for busy nights, family meals, or healthy eating. It’s quick, easy, and packed with cozy, fresh taste.
Let’s grab a pan and make it happen. Fresh and buttery salmon is just minutes away!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor: Butter, lemon, garlic — a timeless trio that makes the salmon shine without overpowering it.
- One Pan Wonder: Everything bakes on a single sheet, making cleanup a breeze.
- Moist and Tender: The garlic butter sauce keeps the salmon juicy and flavorful.
- Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes from start to finish.
- Perfect for Beginners: No complicated techniques, just good, honest food.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15–18 minutes
Total Time: About 30 minutes
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people. If you need more, simply double the ingredients and use two sheet pans.
Difficulty:
Very easy — great for beginners or anyone wanting a fuss-free, reliable meal.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Sheet pan
- Parchment paper or foil
- Small bowl for mixing the butter sauce
- Pastry brush or spoon
- Sharp knife for slicing lemons
- Measuring spoons
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Here’s what you’ll need (full measurements will be in the recipe card later):
- Salmon Fillet (Skin-On): Use a fresh, high-quality fillet for best flavor and texture.
- Lemon: You’ll need lemon slices for roasting and lemon juice for the butter sauce.
- Unsalted Butter: Melts into a rich, flavorful coating for the salmon.
- Honey: Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tang of the lemon.
- Garlic: Fresh garlic, finely minced, infuses deep savory notes.
- Kosher Salt: Helps season the fish evenly without overpowering.
- Black Pepper: A pinch to bring out all the natural flavors.
- Fresh Parsley (Optional): For a final pop of color and freshness before serving.
Variations for Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
- Add Vegetables: Roast asparagus, green beans, or broccoli on the same sheet pan.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce.
- Use Herbs: Toss in some fresh thyme, rosemary, or dill for extra flavor.
- Brown Butter: Toast the butter before mixing to add a nutty richness.
- Try Maple Syrup: Swap the honey for maple syrup for a deeper, earthier sweetness.
How to Make Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon (Step-by-Step Instructions)
1. Prepare the Sheet Pan
Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup. Lightly grease it with a little olive oil or nonstick spray.
2. Arrange the Salmon
Place the salmon fillet skin-side down in the center of the sheet pan. If it’s a large piece, you can tuck the thinner ends slightly underneath so it cooks more evenly.
3. Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, honey, kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.
4. Brush the Salmon
Use a pastry brush or a spoon to generously coat the top of the salmon with the lemon garlic butter mixture. Make sure it’s evenly covered.
5. Add Lemon Slices
Lay thin slices of lemon on top of the salmon. These will gently roast, infusing even more flavor into the fish.
6. Bake the Salmon
Bake in a preheated 375°F (190°C) oven for about 15–18 minutes.
You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque in the thickest part.
Pro Tip: Don’t overbake! Salmon continues to cook slightly after you take it out of the oven.
7. Optional: Broil for Color
For a slightly golden finish, switch the oven to broil and cook for an extra 1–2 minutes. Keep a close eye on it to prevent burning.
Serving and Decoration
How to Serve Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
- With Rice: Spoon the buttery sauce over steamed white or brown rice.
- With Roasted Veggies: Pair with broccoli, asparagus, or a medley of colorful veggies.
- In a Salad: Flake the salmon over a fresh green salad with avocado and a squeeze of lemon.
- With Potatoes: Serve alongside roasted baby potatoes or a creamy potato mash.
Garnish Tip: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salmon right before serving for a pop of color and freshness.
Storing Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through. Avoid microwaving too long — it can dry out the fish.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use Fresh Salmon: Fresh salmon has a better flavor and texture than frozen, though frozen works if thawed properly.
- Don’t Overbake: Check a few minutes early; salmon is perfect when just opaque and flaky.
- Use a Pastry Brush: It helps spread the butter mixture evenly without damaging the fillet.
- Choose Good Lemons: Fresh, juicy lemons give the best flavor. Bottled lemon juice won’t taste the same.
- Room Temperature Fish: Let salmon sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking for even cooking.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 |
| Protein | 28g |
| Fat | 20g |
| Saturated Fat | 8g |
| Carbohydrates | 4g |
| Sugar | 2g |
| Fiber | 0g |
| Sodium | 370mg |
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and can vary based on portion size and specific ingredients.
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Course: Uncategorized4
servings10
minutes15
minutesIngredients
1.5 to 1.75 pounds salmon fillet, skin-on
1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
2 to 3 tablespoons honey
5 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil and lightly grease.
- Place the salmon fillet skin-side down in the center of the pan.
- In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Brush the lemon garlic butter mixture all over the top of the salmon.
- Arrange the lemon slices over the salmon.
- Bake for 15–18 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque.
- (Optional) Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a light golden top.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon FAQs
How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?
When it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque in the thickest part, it’s done. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but thaw it fully in the refrigerator and pat dry before using to avoid extra moisture on the sheet pan.
What if I don’t like garlic?
You can reduce the garlic amount or substitute with a pinch of garlic powder for a lighter flavor.
What sides go best with this salmon?
Rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp garden salad are all great options.
Conclusion
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is one of those recipes that feels special without being complicated. It’s easy enough for busy nights but impressive enough to share with friends and family.
The buttery lemon-garlic sauce keeps the salmon tender, juicy, and full of bright, fresh flavor.
If you’ve been looking for a simple go-to salmon recipe that delivers every time, this one is it.
Serve it with your favorite sides, enjoy the easy cleanup, and let the fresh, vibrant flavors steal the show.