This baked salmon recipe truly shines bright. It delivers intensely moist fish with bright, zingy flavors. The Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon comes together so easily. Seriously, the butter melts everything into delicious harmony. You get gorgeous, tender flakes every single time. The aroma while baking is simply heavenly, promising a quick, satisfying meal.
I often rely on this dish after hectic days. It cooks fast, meaning dinner appears quickly on the table. Plus, cleanup becomes practically nonexistent with just one pan involved. Folks always request this simple, flavorful salmon recipe.
Why I Love This Recipe
I adore this weeknight wonder so much. It’s the ultimate easy salmon recipe for busy schedules. The whole process feels effortless, yet tastes gourmet.
- Speedy Weeknight Savior: Dinner finishes faster than takeout.
- Maximum Flavor, Minimal Mess: That rich lemon garlic butter is divine.
- Impressive Taste: It always wows even picky eaters. No one suspects the minimal effort involved!
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Ingredients
The combination here is pure culinary alchemy. Butter, garlic, and bright lemon juice merge beautifully. They create a luscious coating for the beautiful fish. This duo guarantees a moist texture and vibrant taste every time we make this Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon.
Core Components of the Flavor Profile
- Salmon Fillets: This is our incredible canvas. Aim for nice, thick cuts for better moisture retention.
- Unsalted Butter, Melted: Butter brings that rich mouthfeel we all crave. It helps carry all the other flavors deeply.
- Garlic, Minced: Garlic offers that sharp, pungent warmth. It infuses every little crevice of the fish.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon provides necessary acidity and brightness. It cuts through the richness perfectly.
- Dried Dill: Dill lends a subtle, fresh herbal note. It pairs classically well with flaky fish.
Substitutions and Tips
Feel free to customize this base recipe slightly. It’s wonderfully flexible, friends!
- Herb Swaps: Fresh chopped dill is fantastic here too. Try thyme or parsley instead of dill if you prefer.
- Vegetable Companions: Asparagus roasts quickly alongside salmon. Broccoli florets need a little head start, remember that. Thinly sliced zucchini cooks up fast too.
- Flavor Boosts: A tiny dash of smoked paprika adds depth. For a little kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to your sauce mixture.
- Dairy-Free Option: You can swap the butter for a good quality, mild olive oil or avocado oil. Just slightly increase the lemon juice for balance.
Remember, specific amounts for this simple, flavorful Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon are ready on the recipe card below. Happy cooking, everyone!
How to Make Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Making this amazing one-pan dinner is incredibly straightforward. We are aiming for that perfect, flaky result here. Follow these simple steps closely. This ensures your Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon turns out beautifully. Do not let the simple ingredients fool you. Great flavor comes from smart technique.
Step 1: Preparation and Oven Setup
First, let us get the oven hot. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. That is about 200 degrees Celsius. Line a large baking sheet next. Parchment paper is your very best friend here. It makes cleanup truly effortless later. Trust me on this kitchen parchment paper trick.
Step 2: Preparing the Salmon and Vegetables
Now, prepare your salmon fillets. Pat them completely dry using paper towels. Dry fish browns better, which is nice. Place them on one designated side of that lined sheet pan. If you are using veggies, toss them now. Mix your broccoli or asparagus with one tablespoon of olive oil. Add salt and pepper to those vegetables too. Arrange them on the other side of the pan.
Step 3: Creating the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
Time to mix our flavorful topping. Use a small bowl for this job. Whisk your melted butter together immediately. Add the remaining olive oil next. Now, incorporate that minced fresh garlic. Pour in the fresh lemon juice next. Finally, stir in the dill, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything until it looks well combined.
Step 4: Assembling and Seasoning the Sheet Pan
Spoon this creamy butter mixture over each salmon piece. Brush it on evenly if you prefer baking. Make sure the coating covers the tops well. If you wish, place thin lemon slices right on top of the fish. They look pretty when baked, honestly speaking. Consider this the final touch for your baked salmon.
Step 5: Baking to Perfection
Slide the finished sheet pan into the hot oven. Bake time ranges from 12 to 18 minutes. Thickness changes the cooking time considerably. The salmon is done when it flakes easily. You should see the internal temperature hit 145 degrees Fahrenheit. If you added thick broccoli, roast them 5 minutes alone first. This keeps everything cooking evenly, you see.
How to Store Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Leftovers from this flavorful Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon store well. Place cooled salmon and veggies in an airtight container. Refrigerate them promptly after cooking. They stay perfectly good for about three days. Freezing is slightly trickier with butter sauces, though. If you must freeze it, wrap portions tightly first. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Tips for Success
- Always pat salmon very dry first. This helps the butter mixture stick better.
- Do not overcook your fish, please. Overcooked salmon dries out quickly.
- Check the thickness of your fillets. Thicker cuts need longer baking time.
- Using parchment paper simplifies your life immensely. It minimizes scrubbing the pan.
- Make sure your oven is fully preheated before inserting the pan. Temperature matters greatly.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
- A large baking sheet is essential for this one-pan dinner.
- Parchment paper lines the sheet for easy cleanup every time.
- You will need a small bowl for whisking your butter sauce ingredients.
- Measuring spoons help keep your seasonings accurate for the best flavor.
- A sharp knife works well for mincing the fresh garlic cloves.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve immediately with extra fresh lemon wedges nearby.
- Great over fluffy white rice or quinoa for a complete meal.
- A simple, crisp green salad balances the richness beautifully.
- Pair this Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
- Garnish with fresh cracked pepper right before serving to guests.
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-18 minutes
- Total Time: 22-28 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (based on 4-6 oz fillets)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
A simple and flavorful recipe for Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon, which can optionally include vegetables like broccoli or asparagus, all cooked together on one baking sheet for easy preparation and cleanup.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs salmon fillets (4–6 oz each)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- Juice of 1 lemon, plus lemon slices for garnish
- 1 tsp dried dill (or 1 tbsp fresh chopped dill)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional: 1 head broccoli, cut into florets, or 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Arrange them on one side of the prepared baking sheet. If adding vegetables, toss them with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper, and arrange them on the other side of the baking sheet.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
- Spoon or brush the butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets (and vegetables if using). Place lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet if desired.
- Bake for 12-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon and your desired doneness. Salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature reaches 145°F/63°C). If cooking with thicker vegetables like broccoli, you might want to roast them for 5-10 minutes before adding the salmon.
- Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Use parchment paper for the easiest cleanup.
- The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
- Ensure the internal temperature of the salmon reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
