Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe
This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring tender salmon fillets baked in a buttery lemon-garlic sauce. The salmon is roasted in foil to lock in moisture, then broiled to achieve a golden finish, making it perfect for a quick yet elegant weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Salmon and Garnish
- 1.5 to 1.75 pounds skin-on salmon fillet
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnishing
Lemon Garlic Butter Mixture
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (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
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Foil: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place the salmon skin-side down on a large sheet of foil laid out with the longer side parallel to the baking sheet. Crimp up the edges of the foil about 2 inches to create a shallow vessel that will hold the buttery mixture during baking.
- Add Lemon Slices: Nestle thin lemon slices evenly beneath the salmon fillet to infuse citrus flavor as it cooks. Set aside.
- Melt Butter Mixture: In a microwave-safe cup or bowl, melt the butter by heating on high for about 1 minute. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, honey, and minced garlic until well combined.
- Coat Salmon: Pour approximately three-quarters of the lemon garlic butter mixture over the salmon, reserving the remainder for later. This ensures the salmon is well seasoned and moist.
- Season and Seal: Sprinkle kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper evenly over the salmon. Seal the foil packet tightly by adding another sheet if necessary, pinching edges to create an airtight seal. For enhanced flavor, let the salmon marinate in the foil for 10 to 15 minutes.
- Bake: Place the foil packet on a baking sheet and bake in the oven for about 17 minutes, allowing the salmon to cook gently in the lemony buttery juices.
- Broil for Finish: Remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully open the top foil or fold back the edges while keeping the buttery mixture contained. Set the oven to high broil.
- Add Reserved Butter and Broil: Spoon the reserved lemon garlic butter over the salmon if desired, avoiding adding too much liquid to prevent leakage. Broil the salmon for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the top turns a beautiful golden brown to your preference.
- Garnish and Serve: Optionally sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the salmon before serving. Serve immediately to enjoy the rich, buttery flavors at their best.
Notes
- Marinating the salmon in the lemon garlic butter mixture before baking enhances the flavor but is optional if short on time.
- Be cautious while broiling to avoid burning; keep a close eye during the last few minutes.
- The foil packet method keeps the salmon moist and flavorful, but you can also bake the salmon uncovered if you prefer a slightly crispier texture on top.
- Serve with steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover buttery mixture makes a great sauce for drizzling over vegetables or potatoes.
