Tender and flaky Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is a weeknight hero that combines simplicity and elegance. Bursting with citrusy notes and buttery richness, this dish transforms dinner into a flavorful feast in just 30 minutes.

The harmonious blend of garlic, lemon, and honey creates a perfectly balanced glaze for the salmon, while broiling ensures a beautifully caramelized finish. Perfect for family dinners or entertaining, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients for Perfect Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

• Salmon fillet (1.5 to 1.75 pounds) – The star ingredient, tender and naturally rich, holds the vibrant flavors beautifully.
• Lemon slices (1 lemon) – Adds zesty citrus notes and keeps the salmon moist while baking.
• Unsalted butter (½ cup, melted) – Creates a velvety base for the garlic-lemon sauce.
• Honey (2–3 tablespoons) – Adds a subtle sweetness that balances the tangy lemon.
• Garlic (5 cloves, minced) – Infuses bold and savory flavors into every bite.
• Freshly ground black pepper (½ teaspoon) – Provides a hint of spice for depth.
• Lemon juice (3 tablespoons) – Enhances the brightness and complements the lemon slices.
• Kosher salt (1 teaspoon) – Elevates all the flavors and enhances the salmon’s natural taste.
• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish) – Adds a touch of color and freshness to the dish.

How to Make This Lemon Butter Salmon Shine

1. Prepare the Oven and Salmon
   Preheat the oven to 375°F. Place the salmon on foil-lined sheet pan, skin-side down. Arrange lemon slices beneath the salmon.
2. Create the Buttery Mixture
   Melt butter and mix with lemon juice, honey, and garlic. Pour most of this mixture over the salmon, reserving some for later.
3. Season and Bake
   Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the salmon. Seal the foil to form a packet, marinate briefly if possible, then bake for 17 minutes.
4. Broil to Perfection
   Unwrap the foil and broil for 5–10 minutes, adding the reserved buttery sauce for extra flavor. Watch closely to avoid overcooking.
5. Garnish and Serve
   Finish with fresh parsley and serve warm with your favorite sides.

Tips for a Flawless Salmon Dish

For perfectly cooked salmon, always monitor broiling closely; every oven varies slightly. Adding lemon slices beneath the salmon prevents drying and infuses aromatic flavors. Letting the fillet marinate before baking amplifies its taste, especially when short on time.

To add variety, try sprinkling the salmon with chili flakes for a spicy kick or topping with thinly sliced almonds for a crunchy finish. For a side, roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes pair beautifully with the buttery sauce.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F, covered with foil to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it can overcook the fish and diminish its texture. While this dish is best served fresh, reheated portions retain their flavor and charm for a quick and satisfying meal.

Lemon Salmon Recipe

Tender, flavorful salmon in just 30 minutes! Infused with a buttery garlic-lemon blend, this dish is both simple and restaurant-quality.

Print Pin Rate

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Lemon Salmon Recipe

Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

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

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F. Arrange the salmon skin-side down on a large sheet of foil placed on a baking sheet, ensuring the longer side of the foil aligns with the length of the pan. Fold up the edges of the foil approximately 2 inches to create a border that will hold the buttery mixture.
• Position the lemon slices beneath the salmon, distributing them evenly for optimal flavor infusion.
• In a microwave-safe glass container, heat the butter on high for about 1 minute until fully melted. Stir in the lemon juice, honey, and minced garlic until well combined. Pour about three-quarters of this mixture over the salmon, reserving the remainder for later.
• Season the salmon evenly with kosher salt and black pepper. Carefully fold and seal the foil over the fish, adding an extra sheet if necessary to create a tight packet. Allow the salmon to marinate for 10–15 minutes if time permits for enhanced flavor.
• Bake the foil packet on the prepared baking sheet for approximately 17 minutes.
• Remove the salmon from the oven and carefully open the foil, exposing the fillet while keeping the edges raised to contain the juices. Switch your oven to High broil.
• Spoon the reserved buttery mixture over the salmon as desired, ensuring the liquid doesn’t overflow. If there’s already sufficient juice in the foil, you can skip this step or save the mixture to drizzle over the cooked salmon when serving.
• Broil the salmon for 5–10 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve your preferred level of golden color. Keep in mind that broiling time will vary based on the fillet’s thickness and your oven.
• Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Notes

• You can broil the salmon on a lower rack to reduce the risk of burning; it may take a little longer. Always watch closely when broiling.
• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, though this dish is best enjoyed fresh and warm.