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Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon

Tender salmon baked in a lemon-garlic butter sauce and finished under the broiler for a golden top.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1.5 to 1.75 pounds skin-on salmon fillet
  • 1 lemon sliced into thin rounds, plus extra for juice
  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice from about 1 lemon
  • 2 to 3 tablespoons honey
  • 5 cloves garlic finely pressed or minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt or to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper or to taste
  • 2 teaspoons fresh parsley finely chopped, optional for garnish

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with a sheet of foil, placing the salmon skin-side down with the long side of the fillet parallel to the long side of the pan; fold the foil edges up about 2 inches to contain juices.
  • Tuck the thin lemon slices under and around the salmon so they are evenly spaced beneath the fillet; set aside.
  • In a microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan, melt the butter. Stir in the lemon juice, honey, and minced garlic until combined.
  • Pour or spoon about three-quarters of the butter mixture evenly over the salmon, reserving the remainder to finish after baking. Season the top of the salmon with the kosher salt and black pepper.
  • Seal the foil over the salmon, adding a second sheet of foil on top if needed, and crimp the edges to make a mostly airtight packet. If desired, let the salmon marinate in the packet for 10–15 minutes for more flavor.
  • Place the foil packet on the prepared baking sheet and bake at 375°F for about 17 minutes, or until the salmon is nearly cooked through.
  • Carefully remove the baking sheet from the oven and open the top of the foil so the salmon is exposed while keeping the foil edges raised to hold juices.
  • Set the oven to high broil. Spoon the reserved butter mixture over the salmon if there is not an excessive amount of pan juices.
  • Broil the salmon for 5–10 minutes, watching closely, until the top is as golden as you like and the salmon reaches your preferred doneness.
  • Remove from the oven, garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve immediately.

Equipment

  • rimmed baking sheet
  • Aluminum Foil
  • Microwave-safe bowl or small saucepan
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Knife
  • Cutting Board
  • spoon or brush

Notes

  • You can broil on the second rack to reduce the risk of burning.
  • Broiling time varies by oven and fillet thickness; watch closely.
  • Letting the salmon sit in the butter mixture 10–15 minutes enhances flavor.
  • Use the reserved buttery mixture as a sauce if desired.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste before baking.