Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is the ultimate quick and flavorful dinner option. This recipe combines tender salmon fillets with the bright zest of lemon, the savory richness of garlic butter, and a touch of fresh herbs.

Perfectly roasted alongside your favorite veggies, it’s a complete meal made in just one pan—ideal for busy weeknights or a fuss-free yet elegant dinner.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Sheet pan
• Parchment paper or aluminum foil
• Small mixing bowl
• Pastry brush (optional)

Ingredients Overview

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, skin-on salmon fillets are best for this dish, as they hold their shape while cooking and offer a crispy, flavorful finish.
• Butter: Adds richness and helps the salmon stay moist while roasting.
• Garlic: Provides a savory, aromatic base to the butter sauce.
• Lemon: Balances the flavors with its bright acidity and fresh aroma.
• Fresh Herbs: Parsley or dill add a vibrant, earthy touch to enhance the dish.
• Vegetables (optional): Asparagus, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes roast beautifully alongside the salmon.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
• Optional: Vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or cherry tomatoes

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.

2. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter

• In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

3. Arrange the Salmon and Vegetables

• Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet pan. Arrange your choice of vegetables around the salmon.

4. Brush with Butter Sauce

• Use a pastry brush or spoon to generously coat the salmon and vegetables with the lemon garlic butter mixture.

5. Roast the Salmon

• Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

6. Broil for a Crispy Finish (Optional)

• For a golden, crispy top, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.

7. Garnish and Serve

• Sprinkle fresh parsley or dill over the salmon and vegetables before serving.

Recipe Tips

• Room Temperature Salmon: Allow the salmon fillets to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even results.
• Vegetable Options: Choose quick-roasting vegetables like asparagus or green beans to ensure they cook evenly with the salmon.
• Aluminum Foil Packets: For even easier cleanup, wrap each salmon fillet and vegetables in individual foil packets before baking.
• Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the butter sauce for a subtle kick.

What to Serve With This Recipe

• Grains: Pair with fluffy rice, quinoa, or orzo for a satisfying base.
• Salads: A light green salad or tangy coleslaw complements the richness of the salmon.
• Bread: Serve with warm crusty bread to soak up the garlic butter sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator and pat it dry before cooking to ensure even roasting.

How do I know the salmon is cooked?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and have an opaque appearance. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Can I use other types of fish?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with cod, halibut, or trout, though cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair this dish with roasted potatoes or a simple lemon herb pasta for a more substantial meal.
• Drizzle extra lemon garlic butter over the salmon for added richness.
• Add a glass of chilled white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay, for a restaurant-worthy dining experience.

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is an effortless yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. It’s quick to make, easy to clean up, and always a hit at the dinner table!

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is the ultimate quick and flavorful dinner option. This recipe combines tender salmon fillets with the bright zest of lemon, the savory richness of garlic butter, and a touch of fresh herbs.

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Ingredients

  

• 4 salmon fillets about 6 ounces each
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter melted
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill chopped
• Optional: Vegetables like asparagus broccoli, or cherry tomatoes

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven
• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
• Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter
• In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.
• Arrange the Salmon and Vegetables
• Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet pan. Arrange your choice of vegetables around the salmon.
• Brush with Butter Sauce
• Use a pastry brush or spoon to generously coat the salmon and vegetables with the lemon garlic butter mixture.
• Roast the Salmon
• Place the sheet pan in the oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
• Broil for a Crispy Finish (Optional)
• For a golden, crispy top, switch the oven to broil and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes. Watch closely to prevent burning.
• Garnish and Serve