Salmon is like the rock star of the fish world, isn’t it? With its vibrant pink hues and rich, buttery flavor, it’s a seafood lover’s dream. This easy sheet pan lemon garlic butter salmon recipe brings out the best in it, offering a symphony of citrusy notes and savory undertones that might just make you wonder if you’ve been transported to a seaside bistro.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lay a sheet of foil on a baking tray, ensuring the foil edges are raised to keep the sauce contained.
- Position the salmon fillet skin-side down on the foil. Arrange lemon slices evenly beneath the salmon.
- Melt the butter in a microwave-safe bowl. Mix in the lemon juice, honey, and garlic, then pour most of this over the salmon, reserving a portion for later.
- Sprinkle the salmon with salt and pepper. Seal the foil around the salmon, adding another sheet if needed to make it airtight.
- Let the salmon marinate for 10 to 15 minutes if you have time. Place the foil-wrapped salmon on a baking sheet and bake for about 17 minutes.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and open the foil to expose the salmon. Keep the edges raised to contain the sauce.
- Set the oven to broil on high. Optionally, spoon the reserved buttery mixture over the salmon, then broil for 5 to 10 minutes until golden.
- Optionally garnish with parsley before serving. Keep an eye on the broiling process to prevent burning.
Ingredients
- 1.5 to 1.75 pounds of salmon fillet with skin
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds
- ½ cup of unsalted butter, melted
- 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice (approximately from 1 lemon)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons of honey
- 5 cloves of garlic, finely pressed or minced
- 1 teaspoon of kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons of finely chopped fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 2700kcal | Carbohydrates: 68g | Protein: 180g | Fat: 192g | Saturated Fat: 76g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 100g | Cholesterol: 744mg | Sodium: 1776mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 56g
FAQ
- Can I skip broiling the salmon?
- Yes, you can skip the broiling step if you prefer. However, note that the edges of the salmon won’t have the same level of crispiness. The salmon will still be fully cooked and delicious after baking.
- Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice?
- While you can use bottled lemon juice, fresh lemon juice is recommended for the best flavor. It only requires the juice of about one lemon and enhances the buttery sauce significantly.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with lemon garlic butter salmon?
- This salmon pairs well with a variety of sides such as mashed potatoes, roasted potatoes, broccoli salad, superfood salad, or a spinach and apple salad.
- Can I use salted butter instead of unsalted butter?
- Yes, you can use salted butter if that’s what you have on hand. Just be mindful to adjust the amount of kosher salt you add to the salmon to prevent it from becoming too salty.
- How should I store leftovers and for how long?
- Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for up to three days. For best results, reheat it gently to avoid drying it out.
Tips
- Use unsalted butter to have better control over the salt levels in the dish. If using salted butter, consider reducing the added kosher salt.
- Opt for freshly squeezed lemon juice for a more vibrant flavor compared to bottled lemon juice. You only need about one lemon’s worth of juice.
- When broiling the salmon, monitor it closely to prevent burning. You can use the second rack of the oven for broiling to reduce the risk of burning, as broilers can vary in intensity.
- Allow the salmon to marinate in the lemon garlic butter mixture for 10 to 15 minutes before baking. This step enhances the flavor of the dish.
Equipment
- Sheet Pan – If you don’t already have one, a standard sheet pan for baking.
- Microwave-Safe Glass Measuring Cup or Bowl – For melting butter and mixing ingredients.
- Garlic Press – For finely pressing or mincing garlic.
- Broiler-Safe Racks – Optional, but could be useful if you want to broil the salmon on a specific rack level.
