How to Make Sheet Pan Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon in 25 Minutes: A Simple and Healthy Fish Dinner

If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and delicious fish dinner, Sheet Pan Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon is the perfect healthy salmon recipe to try! This easy salmon recipe combines the rich flavor of salmon with a zesty garlic butter sauce and fresh lemon, all cooked on one sheet pan for minimal cleanup. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned pro, this baked salmon recipe is sure to become a go-to fish dinner option.

Packed with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and a burst of citrus flavor, this dish is not only tasty but also nutritious. In this article, we’ll show you how to make this garlic butter salmon in no time, along with tips for serving, storing leftovers, and making variations to suit your taste.

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Ingredients for Sheet Pan Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon

To make this garlic butter salmon, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering meal. Here’s what you’ll need:

What You Need for the Perfect Garlic Butter Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off, your choice)
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest (optional for an extra citrus punch)
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling on the salmon)
• 1 lemon, sliced into rounds (for garnish and extra flavor)

This simple yet flavorful combination of ingredients makes for a perfect dinner that’s quick to prepare and incredibly satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon

Making Sheet Pan Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon is quick and easy. Here’s how you can prepare it:

How to Prepare the Salmon for Baking

1. Preheat your oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will give you a perfectly roasted salmon with crispy edges and tender meat.
2. Prepare the salmon fillets: Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Drizzle the fillets with a little olive oil to help them cook evenly and prevent sticking. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

How to Make the Garlic Lemon Butter Sauce

3. Make the garlic butter sauce: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, and lemon zest (if using). Mix it together until the garlic is evenly incorporated into the butter.
4. Pour the sauce over the salmon: Spoon the garlic lemon butter sauce over the salmon fillets, making sure each piece is generously covered. You can use a brush to evenly coat the salmon if you prefer a more precise application.

How to Bake the Salmon

5. Bake the salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s done. If you like a crispy top, you can broil the salmon for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of the baking time.
6. Garnish and serve: Once the salmon is cooked through, remove it from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Pro Tip: For a complete meal, you can add vegetables like asparagus or broccoli to the sheet pan during the last 10 minutes of baking. The garlic lemon butter will infuse the vegetables with delicious flavor.

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Variations You Can Try with Garlic Butter Salmon

While the classic garlic butter salmon is delicious, there are plenty of ways to mix things up depending on your tastes. You can experiment with different seasonings, herbs, or even try baked salmon recipes with various flavor profiles to keep things exciting. Whether you prefer a spicier kick or a tangy twist, healthy salmon recipes can be adapted to suit your mood and dietary preferences.

How to Adjust the Flavor of Garlic Butter Salmon

• Spicy option: If you like a little heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce. This will add a nice spicy kick to your salmon without overwhelming the flavor.
• Herb variations: Swap the parsley for other fresh herbs like thyme, dill, or basil for a unique flavor profile. Each herb brings its own freshness to the dish, making it easy to customize.
• Honey garlic butter: For a sweet and savory variation, add a tablespoon of honey to the garlic butter sauce. The honey will caramelize in the oven, creating a deliciously sticky glaze over the salmon.

Substituting Salmon with Other Fish or Proteins

• Other fish: If you prefer a different type of fish, you can use cod, trout, or tilapia instead of salmon. These fish will still pair wonderfully with the garlic lemon butter sauce.
• Chicken: For a non-fish option, you can substitute the salmon with chicken breasts or thighs. The garlic lemon butter sauce will work just as well, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time for chicken, as it typically takes longer to cook.

Mistakes to Avoid When Making Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon

While this recipe is simple, there are a few mistakes that can affect the final result:

1. Overcooking the salmon: Overcooked salmon can be dry and tough. Be sure to monitor the cooking time and check for doneness by gently flaking the salmon with a fork. It should be opaque and tender but not dry.
2. Using too much butter: While the garlic lemon butter is a key part of the flavor, using too much butter can make the dish overly greasy. Stick to the recommended amount for the best balance of richness.
3. Skipping the garnishes: Garnishes like fresh parsley and lemon slices may seem optional, but they add a bright, fresh flavor that balances the richness of the salmon. Don’t skip these finishing touches.

How to Serve Sheet Pan Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon

This dish is delicious on its own, but it pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas for serving your garlic butter salmon:

Creative Presentation Ideas for Garlic Butter Salmon

• Serve with vegetables: Pair the salmon with roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, asparagus, or cauliflower rice. These sides complement the garlic lemon butter flavor perfectly.
• On a bed of greens: Serve the salmon over a bed of mixed greens or spinach for a light, fresh salad. Add a squeeze of lemon juice for extra zest.
• With a side of grains: Pair the salmon with quinoa, brown rice, or couscous for a more filling meal. The grains will soak up the garlic butter sauce, making each bite even more delicious.

How to Store Leftover Garlic Butter Salmon

If you have leftover salmon, here’s how to store it:

• Refrigeration: Place the leftover salmon in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little drizzle of olive oil or butter to keep it moist.
• Freezing: You can also freeze leftover garlic butter salmon for up to 3 months. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap or foil, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.

What to Pair with Garlic Butter Salmon

Looking for some side dishes to complement your garlic butter salmon? Here are a few pairing suggestions:

• Healthy Pumpkin Bread: This moist and flavorful bread adds a sweet contrast to the savory salmon. Perfect for a cozy meal.
• Healthy Oatmeal Bars: These bars make for a light, healthy dessert after a delicious meal of garlic butter salmon.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
   While salmon is best served fresh, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just reheat it when you’re ready to cook the salmon.
2. Can I use frozen salmon?
   Yes! You can use frozen salmon fillets. Just be sure to thaw them in the fridge overnight before cooking for the best texture.
3. Can I use a different type of butter?
   If you prefer, you can use ghee or plant-based butter for a dairy-free version of this recipe.
4. What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
   You can use garlic powder as a substitute for fresh garlic, though fresh garlic will give the best flavor. Use about 1 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of garlic.

Conclusion: Why Sheet Pan Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon is the Ultimate Easy Fish Dinner

Sheet Pan Garlic Lemon Butter Salmon is the ultimate healthy and easy fish dinner. With minimal prep, a handful of ingredients, and just one pan to clean, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep. The garlic butter sauce is a game-changer, adding rich flavor that enhances the natural taste of the salmon without overpowering it.

Make this dish tonight for a quick and satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious. Don’t forget to share the recipe with friends and family and subscribe for more tasty fish dinner ideas and healthy salmon recipes!

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