Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon — Juicy, tender salmon you can make at home in about 30 minutes. The butter is infused with lemon, garlic, and a touch of honey for bright, savory flavor.
Baked Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter
This recipe uses a lemon-and-garlic butter, with a bit of honey, to keep the salmon exceptionally moist and full of flavor. It’s a simple sheet-pan preparation inspired by other favorite salmon recipes and is perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
What’s in Garlic Butter Salmon?
Key ingredients:
- Skin-on salmon fillet
- One lemon plus additional lemon juice
- Unsalted butter (melted)
- Honey
- Fresh garlic (pressed or minced)
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Lemon garlic butter salmon is quick and straightforward. The method below produces a tender interior with slightly crisped edges when broiled briefly.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and raise the edges slightly to contain the buttery sauce.
- Place the salmon skin-side down on the foil and arrange thin lemon slices underneath the fillet.
- Melt the butter, then stir in lemon juice, honey, and garlic. Pour most of the mixture over the salmon, reserving a little to finish the dish.
- Season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Seal the foil packet; if needed, add a second layer of foil to make a tight seal.
- Bake the sealed packet on a sheet pan for about 17 minutes. If you have time, letting it sit for 10–15 minutes before baking will deepen the flavor.
- Carefully open or remove the top layer of foil to expose the salmon, keeping the foil edges raised to hold juices.
- Switch the oven to the broil setting and spoon the reserved butter over the fish if desired. Broil for 5–10 minutes until the surface reaches your preferred level of golden color. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Do I Have to Broil the Salmon?
No—broiling is optional. Baking the sealed packet fully cooks the fish and keeps it tender. Broiling simply adds a golden, slightly crispy finish to the top and edges.
What to Serve with the Garlic Butter Salmon
This salmon pairs well with simple sides. Try a crisp green salad, roasted or steamed vegetables, or a potato side. Some favorites include mashed potatoes, herb-roasted potatoes, broccoli salad, or a superfood salad. A light grain or steamed rice also complements the buttery lemon sauce.
Tips for Making Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Butter: Unsalted butter is recommended so you can control the seasoning. If using salted butter, reduce the added kosher salt.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice has brighter flavor than bottled and is worth the small extra effort.
Broiling: If you broil, watch the fish closely. You can broil on the second rack to reduce the chance of burning; the top rack will brown faster.
What Readers Are Saying
This lemon garlic butter salmon has received many positive reader reviews. Home cooks praise its flavor, simplicity, and how quickly it comes together.
“Made it for dinner tonight! Very yummy! And so simple!” — Shannah
“My son served himself half before I could take a photo. He wolfed it down and asked me to add this to our list of favorites.” — Romy T.
“I love this recipe. I am a big salmon lover, and this buttery, lemony recipe is a perfect way to cook it. Will definitely make it again.” — Elizabeth
“Made this exactly as directed and thought it was great! Two servings fit nicely in a toaster oven. Recipe is a total keeper!” — Doreen
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients
- about 1.5 to 1.75 pounds skin-on salmon fillet
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
- 5 cloves garlic, finely pressed or minced (or to taste)
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped fresh parsley, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the salmon skin-side down on a sheet of foil with the length running parallel to the sheet pan. Raise the foil edges about 2 inches to contain the sauce.
- Arrange lemon slices underneath the salmon, spaced evenly.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe cup or bowl, about 1 minute. Stir in the lemon juice, honey, and garlic.
- Spoon about three-quarters of the mixture over the salmon and reserve the rest for finishing.
- Season the salmon evenly with salt and pepper. Seal the foil packet; you may need a second sheet to make a tight seal. Let sit 10–15 minutes to marinate if time allows.
- Place the foil packet on a baking sheet and bake for about 17 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet, open or remove the top foil so the salmon is exposed but keep the foil edges raised to hold juices.
- Set the oven to Hi broil. Spoon reserved buttery mixture over the salmon if desired. Broil 5–10 minutes, or until the top is as golden as you like. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
*Tip: You can broil on the second rack to reduce the risk of burning; broiling times vary by oven, salmon thickness, and personal preference. Keep a close eye while broiling.
Storage: Leftovers are best enjoyed warm but can be stored airtight in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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More Easy Salmon Recipes:
Explore other simple salmon recipes for quick, flavorful meals. Try honey-lemon salmon, salmon and potato foil packets, orange-molasses salmon, grilled honey-lemon butter salmon, lime-cilantro foil pack salmon, maple barbecue-glazed salmon, Salmon Niçoise, honey lemon-glazed salmon salad, lemon dill salmon in parchment, Asian salmon with broccoli, Salmon Florentine, and balsamic salmon with vegetables.
Originally posted May 2, 2018; updated April 2, 2021 and March 24, 2023.