This sheet pan lemon garlic butter salmon is one of those recipes I make when I want dinner to feel special without doing a whole lot of work. It is juicy, buttery, packed with lemon and garlic flavor, and everything cooks together in one foil packet. Minimal cleanup is always a win in my kitchen.
I love how this salmon turns out every single time. The butter melts into the fish, the honey adds just a little sweetness, and broiling at the end gives it that golden finish that feels restaurant worthy. This is one of those dependable recipes I keep coming back to when I want something easy that still tastes amazing.
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Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
This salmon is baked in foil with lemon slices and a garlic butter sauce, then finished under the broiler for a golden top. It is simple, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- One pan and foil for easy cleanup
- Juicy salmon with bold lemon garlic flavor
- Perfect for weeknights or guests
- Easy to adjust sweetness and garlic to taste
This is the kind of recipe that makes salmon night something to look forward to.
Ingredients
For The Salmon
- 1.5 to 1.75 pounds skin on salmon fillet
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
- 5 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
For Garnish
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped, optional
Preparation
Step 1: Prep The Oven And Salmon
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place a large sheet of foil on a sheet pan with the long side running parallel to the pan. Place the salmon on the foil, skin side down. Fold the edges of the foil up about 2 inches so the sauce stays contained.
Nestle the lemon slices underneath the salmon, spacing them evenly.
Step 2: Make The Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
In a microwave safe bowl or glass measuring cup, melt the butter, about 1 minute. Stir in the lemon juice, honey, and garlic until combined.
Pour or spoon about three quarters of the butter mixture over the salmon. Reserve the rest for later.
Step 3: Season And Seal
Season the salmon evenly with salt and black pepper. Seal the foil packet by folding another sheet of foil over the top and crimping the edges together. It does not need to be perfect, just mostly sealed.
If you have time, let the salmon sit for 10 to 15 minutes to marinate for extra flavor.
Step 4: Bake
Place the foil packet on the baking sheet and bake for about 17 minutes.
Step 5: Broil For Color
Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Carefully open the foil so the salmon is exposed, but keep the edges folded up to hold the sauce.
Turn the oven to high broil. Spoon the remaining butter sauce over the salmon if needed.
Broil for 5 to 10 minutes, until the salmon is as golden as you like. Keep a close eye on it so it does not burn.
Step 6: Finish And Serve
Garnish with fresh parsley if using and serve immediately. Spoon the buttery sauce from the foil over the salmon before serving.
Notes And Tips
- You can broil on the second rack instead of the top to reduce the chance of burning.
- Broiling time will vary based on salmon thickness and your oven.
- If there is already plenty of sauce in the foil, skip adding the reserved butter to avoid leaks.
- Leftover salmon keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Extra butter sauce is great drizzled over rice or vegetables.
Nutrition Information
Serving Size: 1 portion
Calories: 675
Carbohydrates: 17g
Protein: 45g
Fat: 48g
Saturated Fat: 19g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 25g
Cholesterol: 186mg
Sodium: 444mg
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 14g
FAQs
Yes, just adjust the cooking time slightly depending on thickness.
It has a mild sweetness from the honey. You can reduce the amount if you prefer it more savory.
No, but broiling adds a beautiful golden finish. You can skip it if you prefer.
📖 Recipe
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
Juicy salmon at home in 30 minutes that’s EASY and tastes BETTER than from a restaurant! The butter is infused with lemon and garlic and adds so much FLAVOR!
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 1.75 pounds skin-on salmon fillet
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
- 5 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 teaspoons chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place salmon on foil-lined sheet pan, skin side down, with edges of foil raised to form a packet.
- Arrange lemon slices underneath and around the salmon.
- Melt butter in a microwave-safe container, then mix in lemon juice, honey, and garlic. Pour ¾ of the mixture over the salmon.
- Season with salt and pepper. Seal the foil packet tightly.
- Bake for 17 minutes, then open foil to expose salmon.
- Set oven to Hi broil. Spoon remaining butter mixture over salmon if needed.
- Broil for 5–10 minutes until golden. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
- Broil on the second rack if you're worried about burning.
- Store leftovers airtight in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Great with rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh green salad.
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Final Thoughts
This sheet pan lemon garlic butter salmon is one of those recipes I always recommend when someone wants an easy but impressive dinner. It is juicy, flavorful, and incredibly simple to make. If you try it, I would love to hear how it turned out for you.
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