Introduction

This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is a simple yet elegant dish that combines rich buttery flavors with bright lemon and garlic. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, baking all in one pan for easy cleanup.

A cooked salmon fillet with a glossy, golden-brown surface and light black pepper sprinkled on top rests on crinkled aluminum foil. The salmon is thick and moist with light pink flesh visible where a piece has been taken, pierced by a silver fork at the bottom left. Thin slices of yellow lemon are placed underneath the salmon, surrounded by a light yellow sauce or juice pooling around the edges. Pieces of fresh green parsley are scattered on top, adding a splash of color. The background shows a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1.5 to 1.75 pounds skin-on salmon fillet
1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
½ cup unsalted butter, melted
3 tablespoons lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
2 to 3 tablespoons honey
5 cloves garlic, finely pressed or minced
1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the salmon on a sheet of foil with the skin side down, aligning the longer side of the fillet parallel to the foil. Fold the edges of the foil up about 2 inches to create a shallow tray.
Step 2: Nestle the lemon slices evenly underneath the salmon fillet and set the foil aside.
Step 3: In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter on high for about 1 minute. Stir in the lemon juice, honey, and garlic until well combined.
Step 4: Pour about three-quarters of the buttery mixture over the salmon, reserving the rest for later. Season the fish evenly with kosher salt and black pepper.
Step 5: Seal the foil packet by adding another sheet of foil on top if needed. Crimp the edges tightly to make it as airtight as possible. For enhanced flavor, let it marinate for 10-15 minutes if time permits.
Step 6: Place the foil packet on a baking sheet and bake for about 17 minutes.
Step 7: Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven. Open or remove the top foil to expose the salmon but keep the edges raised to hold the buttery juices.
Step 8: Set the oven to high broil. Spoon the reserved buttery mixture over the salmon if desired, being careful not to add too much liquid. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes or until the salmon is golden and cooked to your liking.
Step 9: Optionally, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salmon before serving. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter mixture for a subtle heat.
Using fresh garlic rather than garlic powder significantly enhances the aroma and taste.
If you don’t have fresh parsley, dried parsley or fresh dill can be a great alternative garnish.
Serve with steamed vegetables or a light green salad to complete the meal.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at low heat or in a microwave on a reduced power setting to avoid drying out the fish.

How to Serve

A cooked salmon fillet with a crisp, golden-brown top layer dotted with black pepper and small green herb pieces sits on a bed of yellow lemon slices inside crinkled silver foil. The salmon's inside is a soft pink, flaky texture, visible where a piece is lifted by a silver fork in the bottom left corner. The foil catches some light and reflects it softly around the salmon. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the salmon before cooking to ensure even baking and proper texture.

What if I don’t have foil—can I use a baking dish?

You can bake the salmon in an oven-safe baking dish and cover it tightly with foil. Just be sure to create a seal to keep the buttery mixture from leaking.