There’s something special about salmon nights in my kitchen. It’s the kind of dinner that feels a little fancy but doesn’t take much effort — perfect for busy weeknights or even a casual weekend dinner with friends. This lemon garlic butter salmon is one of those recipes I turn to when I need something fast, flavorful, and reliable.
What I love most is how the garlic butter melts into the salmon, keeping it moist while infusing it with that perfect balance of tangy lemon and a hint of sweetness from the honey. Every time I make it, someone at the table says, “This tastes better than a restaurant,” and honestly, they’re not wrong.
Why You’ll Love This Salmon
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Ready in 30 minutes – Perfect for weeknights when you want something quick but satisfying.
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Restaurant-quality flavor – Juicy, tender salmon with that buttery, garlicky goodness.
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Easy cleanup – One pan lined with foil means no scrubbing afterward.
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Versatile – Pairs well with simple sides like roasted veggies, rice, or salad.
Ingredients That Make It Shine
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Salmon fillet – Skin-on works best to keep it juicy while cooking.
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Lemon – Slices for layering and juice for the sauce — fresh is best.
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Unsalted butter – Richness without overpowering the fish.
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Honey – Adds a subtle sweetness and helps the edges caramelize.
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Garlic – Freshly minced for the best flavor.
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Salt and black pepper – Simple seasonings to balance everything out.
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Fresh parsley – For a pop of color and freshness at the end.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
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Prep the pan – Line a sheet pan with foil and fold up the edges to hold in the sauce.
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Layer the salmon and lemon slices – Nestle thin lemon slices under the salmon fillet to infuse it with citrusy brightness.
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Mix the sauce – Combine melted butter, lemon juice, honey, and garlic. Pour most of it over the salmon, reserving a little to drizzle on right before serving.
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Season and bake – Sprinkle with salt and pepper, fold the foil around the salmon, and bake at 375°F for about 17 minutes.
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Optional broil – Uncover the salmon and broil for a few minutes to crisp up the top and edges for that perfect finish.
My Tips for Success
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Use fresh lemon juice – It’s brighter and more flavorful than bottled.
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Keep an eye on the broiler – It can go from golden to burnt in a flash, so stay close.
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Don’t overcook – Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
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Rest before slicing – Let it sit for a couple of minutes so the juices settle and the fish stays moist.
Easy Sides to Serve With It
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Herb-roasted potatoes or simple mashed potatoes
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Roasted asparagus, green beans, or broccoli
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A crisp spinach and apple salad or simple mixed greens
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Steamed jasmine rice or Greek-seasoned rice for something hearty
Storage and Reheating
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Refrigerate – Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently – Warm in the oven at a low temperature or in a covered skillet to avoid drying it out.
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Freeze – Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
FAQs About Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Can I make this with individual salmon portions instead of a whole fillet?
Yes! Just adjust the cooking time — smaller pieces will cook faster, so start checking for doneness around the 12-minute mark.
Do I have to broil the salmon?
No, it’s optional. Broiling gives the edges a little crispness, but it’s just as delicious baked through.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
If that’s what you have, it’ll work, but fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
Can I make this with other fish?
Absolutely! This recipe works beautifully with cod, halibut, or even trout — just keep an eye on cooking times since thinner fish will cook faster.
How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
The flesh should flake easily with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F in the thickest part of the fillet.
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Juicy, flaky salmon baked in a rich lemon-garlic butter sauce—all ready in just 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 1.75 pounds salmon fillet, skin-on
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 2–3 tablespoons honey
- 5 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a sheet pan with foil and place the salmon skin-side down, ensuring the long edge of the fish aligns with the long edge of the pan. Fold the foil edges up slightly to create a shallow “boat” to hold the juices
- Slide the lemon slices under the salmon, spacing them evenly.
- In a small bowl or heatproof measuring cup, whisk together the melted butter, lemon juice, honey, and garlic until well combined. Pour about three-quarters of this buttery mixture over the salmon, reserving the rest for later. Season the fish with salt and black pepper.
- Seal the salmon tightly in foil (adding another piece on top if needed) and let it rest for 10–15 minutes to absorb the flavors if you have time.
- Place the foil packet on a baking sheet and bake for 17–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet, until the salmon is nearly cooked through.
- Carefully open the foil to expose the top of the salmon, keeping the edges folded up to catch the juices. Spoon on the reserved butter mixture if desired, then switch the oven to broil (high). Broil for 5–10 minutes, keeping a close eye on it, until the top is lightly golden and the edges are slightly caramelized.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve warm with your favorite sides.
Notes
- For more even broiling, place the salmon on the second rack—this reduces the risk of burning while still giving a nice color.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat to maintain tenderness.
Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 996Total Fat 48gSaturated Fat 19gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 186mgSodium 445mgCarbohydrates 104gFiber 1gSugar 100gProtein 45g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
This sheet pan lemon garlic butter salmon is one of those recipes that never disappoints. It’s fast, foolproof, and always tastes like a special occasion — even if you’re just making it on a random Tuesday night.
Pair it with a couple of easy sides, pour yourself a glass of white wine or sparkling water, and enjoy a dinner that feels like it came straight out of a restaurant kitchen — only fresher, faster, and better.
