Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Wow, have you tried Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon yet? It’s so amazing. I just can’t wait to share my story! I love how easy it is. You toss salmon, lemon, and garlic on one tray. Then magic happens in the oven! Every bite is flaky and buttery. The lemon and garlic make it pop. It feels fancy, but it’s really simple! You’ve got to try this soon. It’s my new go-to dinner. Let’s start cooking right now!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple and Fast: Everything cooks on one pan — ready in less than 30 minutes from start to finish.
• Rich and Flavorful: A buttery lemon garlic sauce makes this salmon melt in your mouth.
• Healthy and Light: Salmon is rich in protein and omega-3s, and this recipe keeps it fresh and light.
• Perfect for Beginners: No special skills required — just basic ingredients and a sheet pan.
• Versatile: Easy to pair with veggies, rice, or potatoes for a complete meal.

What You Need to Know Before You Start

Prep Time & Cook Time:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: About 25 minutes

Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people as a main dish. Need more? You can easily double the recipe by using a larger sheet pan.

Difficulty:
Easy — great for beginner cooks or anyone looking for a quick, delicious meal without much fuss.

Required Kitchen Tools

To make this recipe smooth and easy, you’ll need:

• Large sheet pan (rimmed baking sheet)
• Small saucepan (for melting butter mixture)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Sharp knife (for slicing lemon and garlic)
• Basting brush or spoon (optional, for spreading butter sauce)
• Parchment paper or foil (for lining the sheet pan, optional for easy cleanup)

Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Here’s everything you need to create this simple yet flavorful dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):

• Salmon Fillet: About 1.5 to 2 pounds, skin on or off as preferred, cut into 4 portions.
• Unsalted Butter: Adds richness and helps carry the flavors of garlic and lemon.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed for a bright, tangy flavor.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of lemon.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves, minced for full flavor.
• Kosher Salt: To enhance all the natural flavors of the dish.
• Black Pepper: Freshly cracked for a hint of spice.
• Lemon Slices: For garnish and added flavor as they roast with the salmon.
• Fresh Parsley (Optional): Chopped for a burst of color and freshness when serving.

Variations for Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

• Add Herbs: Sprinkle fresh dill, thyme, or rosemary over the salmon before baking for a more herbal flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the butter mixture for a mild heat.
• Use Maple Syrup: Swap honey for maple syrup for a deeper sweetness.
• Add Veggies: Arrange asparagus, green beans, or broccoli around the salmon on the sheet pan to make it a full one-pan meal.
• Citrus Twist: Mix in orange zest or juice along with lemon for a different citrus note.

How to Make Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon – Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Pan

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil for easier cleanup. Lightly grease the paper or foil with cooking spray or a thin layer of oil to prevent sticking.

2. Prepare the Butter Sauce

In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the butter. Once melted, remove from heat and stir in lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until the honey dissolves and everything is well combined. Set aside.

3. Arrange Salmon on the Sheet Pan

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) on the prepared sheet pan. Space them out so they cook evenly. Pat dry with a paper towel to help the sauce stick better.

4. Brush the Butter Mixture

Using a spoon or basting brush, spread the lemon garlic butter mixture evenly over each piece of salmon. Make sure to cover the tops and sides of the fish for maximum flavor.

5. Add Lemon Slices

Lay a couple of thin lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet. These will roast as the fish bakes, adding more flavor and a nice look for serving.

6. Bake the Salmon

Place the sheet pan in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. The fish should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) when fully cooked.

Serving and Decoration

How to Serve Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

This salmon is flexible and can be served in many ways:

• With Rice: Serve over steamed white rice, brown rice, or wild rice for a filling meal.
• With Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad.
• With Potatoes: Try it with mashed potatoes, roasted baby potatoes, or lemon herb couscous.
• As a Sandwich: Flake the salmon and serve in a warm bun with lettuce and lemon mayo for a simple sandwich.

You can also sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top before serving for a pop of color and a hint of fresh flavor.

Storing Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

• Refrigerate: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: To keep it moist, reheat gently in the microwave in 30-second bursts, or cover and warm in a low oven (about 300°F) until heated through.
• Freeze: You can freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Wrap portions tightly in plastic wrap and foil, or use freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Tips and Tricks for Success

• Pat Salmon Dry: Always pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel before adding the butter mixture. This helps the sauce stick better and promotes even cooking.
• Don’t Overcook: Keep a close eye during the last few minutes. Salmon cooks quickly, and overcooked salmon can become dry.
• Use Fresh Lemon and Garlic: Fresh lemon juice and garlic bring bright and natural flavors that bottled or powdered versions can’t match.
• Adjust Honey: If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey to 1 teaspoon, or skip it for a more savory profile.
• Add Veggies to the Pan: Toss quick-cooking veggies like asparagus or zucchini in olive oil and roast them alongside the salmon for a complete meal.

Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrient	Amount (Approximate)
Calories	320 kcal
Protein	34 g
Carbohydrates	4 g
Fat	18 g
Saturated Fat	7 g
Fiber	0 g
Sugar	2 g
Sodium	320 mg

Sheet Pan Salmon FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but thaw it completely before cooking. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture so the butter sauce sticks well.

What vegetables can I add to the sheet pan?

Quick-cooking vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, zucchini, or green beans work well. Toss them lightly with olive oil, salt, and pepper before adding them to the sheet pan. They will roast alongside the salmon and be ready at the same time.

How do I know when salmon is fully cooked?

Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque in color. For best results, use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature has reached 145°F (63°C).

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes. To make it dairy-free, replace butter with olive oil or dairy-free butter alternatives. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious.

Is there a substitute for honey?

If you don’t want to use honey, you can swap it with maple syrup or leave it out for a more savory, tangy salmon without sweetness.

Conclusion

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is an easy, flavorful dinner option that brings together fresh, simple ingredients. With just a handful of steps, you get moist, flaky salmon paired with a buttery lemon-garlic sauce — all cooked on one pan for easy cleanup. Whether you’re cooking for family or guests, this salmon dish is sure to be a reliable go-to meal. Serve it with rice, veggies, or salad, and you’ll have a complete dinner ready in minutes.

Enjoy cooking, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley for that final bright touch!