EASY SHEET PAN LEMON GARLIC BUTTER SALMON

Imagine the bright, zesty aroma of lemon mingling with rich garlic butter, blanketing a perfectly cooked salmon fillet. This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is not only bursting with flavor but also incredibly simple to make, ready in under 30 minutes! I promise, even on the busiest weeknights, you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without the fuss.

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 1.5 lbs Salmon fillet, skin on or off
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Butter, melted
• 2 Lemons, one juiced and one sliced
• 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Vegetables (Optional):

• 1 lb Asparagus, trimmed
• 1 Red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 Zucchini, sliced
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Let’s Talk Salmon: Choosing the Best Cut

Okay, girlfriend, let’s get real about salmon. The type you choose makes a HUGE difference! I always recommend wild-caught salmon when possible because it tends to have a richer flavor and a firmer texture. However, farmed salmon is more readily available and can still be delicious. Look for salmon that’s vibrant in color and doesn’t smell overly fishy. If you’re buying a whole fillet, make sure it’s evenly thick so it cooks evenly. I usually opt for skin-on because it helps keep the salmon moist and adds a lovely crispiness when roasted, but skin-off works just fine too!

Gear Up: What You’ll Need

Before we dive in, let’s make sure you have everything you need. This is a sheet pan dinner, so obviously, you’ll need a sheet pan! I recommend a large one (about 12×18 inches) so you have plenty of room to spread everything out. You’ll also need:

• A good cutting board
• A sharp knife
• A lemon juicer (if you don’t have one, you can squeeze it by hand!)
• A mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil (for easy cleanup!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Get Started: Preheat and Prep

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This makes cleanup a breeze, trust me!
2. If using vegetables, toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on one side of the prepared sheet pan.

Make the Magic Sauce: Lemon Garlic Butter

1. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside.

Salmon Time: Season and Place

1. Place the salmon fillet on the other side of the sheet pan, next to the vegetables. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. This helps it get a nice sear.
2. Brush the lemon garlic butter sauce generously over the salmon fillet.
3. Arrange lemon slices over the salmon.

Bake It ‘Til You Make It: Roasting the Salmon

1. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillet.
2. If you want to add a little crispness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!

Serve and Enjoy: The Grand Finale

1. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes.
2. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
3. Serve immediately and bask in the glory of your delicious creation!

Troubleshooting Tips: No More Salmon Fails!

Okay, let’s be real. Sometimes things don’t go as planned. Here are a few common salmon snafus and how to fix them:

• Dry Salmon: The biggest culprit here is overcooking! Use a meat thermometer to ensure your salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Also, make sure you’re using enough sauce to keep it moist.
• Fishy Smell: If your salmon smells too strong, it might not be fresh. Always buy salmon from a reputable source and check the expiration date. Soaking it in milk for 30 minutes before cooking can also help reduce the fishy smell.
• Salmon Sticks to the Pan: Always use parchment paper or aluminum foil! If you’re not using a liner, make sure your pan is well-greased.
• Uneven Cooking: Make sure your salmon fillet is evenly thick. If one end is much thinner than the other, fold it under to create a more uniform thickness.

Spice It Up: Variations and Additions

Want to put your own spin on this recipe? Go for it! Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Add Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary.
• Spice It Up: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat.
• Add a Glaze: Brush the salmon with a honey-garlic glaze during the last few minutes of cooking.
• Different Veggies: Swap out the asparagus, bell pepper, and zucchini for your favorite vegetables. Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or green beans would all be delicious.
• Add Parmesan: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan cheese over the salmon during the last few minutes of cooking.

Serving Suggestions: Complete the Meal

This Garlic Butter Salmon is fantastic on its own, but it’s even better when paired with some delicious sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Quinoa or Rice: These grains are a great way to soak up all that delicious lemon garlic butter sauce.
• Roasted Potatoes: Keep the sheet pan theme going with some roasted potatoes.
• Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing complement to the rich salmon.
• Steamed Green Beans: A classic and healthy side dish.

Other Salmon Sensations You’ll Adore

If you loved this sheet pan salmon recipe, you’re in for a treat! Here are a few other salmon recipes that are sure to become family favorites:

• Craving something incredibly simple? Try this Oven Roasted Salmon for a classic and easy meal.
• For an Italian-inspired dish, this Tuscan Salmon is bursting with creamy tomato flavor.
• If you’re in the mood for Asian flavors, this Baked Teriyaki Salmon is a winner.
• And for a fun and flavorful appetizer or snack, you can’t go wrong with these Bang Bang Salmon Bites.

Storage and Reheating: Salmon Leftovers Done Right

If you happen to have any leftovers (which is rare in my house!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave. Be careful not to overcook it, or it will dry out.

Final Thoughts: Your Salmon Journey Starts Now!

There you have it – a foolproof recipe for Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon that’s easy enough for a weeknight but impressive enough for company. I hope you give it a try and enjoy every delicious bite. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Easy Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

This Easy Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon recipe delivers a flavorful and effortless dinner option. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines succulent salmon with a zesty lemon garlic butter sauce, all cooked on a single sheet pan for easy cleanup.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs Salmon fillet, skin on or off
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil
• 4 cloves Garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup Butter, melted
• 2 Lemons, one juiced and one sliced
• 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon Red pepper flakes optional
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste
• 1 lb Asparagus, trimmed optional
• 1 Red bell pepper, sliced optional
• 1 Zucchini, sliced optional
• 1 tablespoon Olive oil for vegetables, optional
• Salt to taste for vegetables, optional
• Pepper to taste for vegetables, optional

Equipment

• Large sheet pan (12×18 inches)
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Lemon juicer
• Mixing bowl
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• Whisk
• Fork

Method

 

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
2. If using vegetables, toss them in a bowl with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on one side of the prepared sheet pan.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. Set aside.
4. Place the salmon fillet on the other side of the sheet pan, next to the vegetables. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel.
5. Brush the lemon garlic butter sauce generously over the salmon fillet.
6. Arrange lemon slices over the salmon.
7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillet.
8. If you want to add a little crispness, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, but keep a close eye on it to prevent burning!
9. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes.
10. Garnish with extra fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
11. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, use wild-caught salmon. Farmed salmon is also acceptable. Ensure the salmon is fresh and doesn’t have an overly fishy smell. To avoid dry salmon, use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying out. Variations include adding herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary, or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes for a spicier dish. A honey-garlic glaze can be brushed on during the last few minutes of cooking. Parmesan cheese can also be sprinkled over the salmon. Serve with quinoa, rice, roasted potatoes, salad, or steamed green beans.