Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon is a simple, delicious meal where tender salmon fillets get coated in a buttery garlic sauce with bright lemon zest and juice. The best part? You cook everything on one pan, making dinner easy and the clean-up quick. The garlic butter keeps the salmon moist and full of flavor, while the lemon adds a fresh, tangy kick that balances perfectly.
I love making this recipe when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take a lot of time or fuss. While the salmon bakes, I usually toss some veggies like green beans or asparagus right on the pan with it, so everything roasts together and picks up those buttery, lemony flavors. It’s such a simple trick that makes the whole meal taste like it took way more work than it did.
One of my favorite things about this dish is how it always impresses guests or family without me having to spend hours in the kitchen. I’ve even made it on busy weeknights, and everyone still says it tastes like a restaurant meal. If you love salmon with fresh herbs and a little zing, this sheet pan recipe will probably become a go-to for you too.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here. Wild-caught offers a richer flavor, but farmed salmon works well too. If you need a substitute, trout or cod can be tasty alternatives.
Butter and Garlic: Butter gives a rich, smooth taste, and garlic adds a punch. For a dairy-free option, use olive oil or vegan butter, and garlic powder works if fresh isn’t handy.
Lemon: Lemon zest and slices give brightness and cut through the richness. Lime can be swapped for a slightly different but still fresh citrus flavor.
Asparagus: It cooks well on the sheet pan alongside salmon. If unavailable, green beans or broccoli florets are good substitutes.
How Do You Make Sure the Salmon Stays Moist and Tasty?
The key to tender, juicy salmon is gentle cooking and layering flavors.
- Use melted butter mixed with garlic and herbs to baste the fish before and during baking.
- Don’t overcook—the salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork, usually about 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C).
- Lemon slices on top keep moisture in and add fresh flavor.
- If you like a crispy top, finish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes, but watch closely to avoid burning.
Cooking the asparagus on the same pan lets everything soak up those delicious lemon garlic butter juices for a simple, satisfying meal.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Baking sheet – essential for roasting the salmon and veggies together in one pan.
- Aluminum foil – helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
- Small mixing bowl – perfect for combining the garlic butter sauce.
- Brush or spoon – to spread the garlic butter evenly over the salmon and asparagus.
- Tongs or spatula – for handling and serving the cooked salmon and veggies gently.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap asparagus for green beans or Brussels sprouts for a different veggie twist.
- Add a sprinkle of paprika or smoked paprika to the butter mix for a smoky note.
- Top the salmon with capers or chopped olives after baking for a briny flavor boost.
- Try swapping salmon with shrimp or chicken breasts if you want a change in protein.
How to Make Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon and Veggies:
- 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce:
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, finely chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Optional: 1 teaspoon paprika or blackened seasoning for extra flavor
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes of preparation time and 12-15 minutes to bake, for a total of approximately 25 minutes from start to finish. That’s all it takes to have a delicious and healthy meal ready to enjoy!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat and Prepare Your Baking Sheet:
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil — this helps with easy cleanup and keeps your salmon from sticking.
2. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together so all the flavors blend nicely.
3. Arrange Salmon and Lemon:
Place the salmon fillets in the center of the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle half of the garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon. Lay thin lemon slices on top of each fillet to infuse a bright, fresh flavor while baking.
4. Add the Asparagus:
Arrange the trimmed asparagus around the salmon on the baking sheet. Drizzle the olive oil along with the remaining garlic butter sauce over the asparagus. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the veggies to season them well.
5. Add Garlic Cloves for Extra Flavor:
Scatter whole peeled garlic cloves around the salmon and asparagus. These will roast and add a mellow garlic taste to the whole dish.
6. Bake Your Dish:
Put the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque. Cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets.
7. Optional Broil for a Golden Finish:
If you like a slightly crispy, caramelized top on your salmon, switch your oven to broil and place the pan under the broiler for 1-2 minutes. Keep a close eye to prevent burning!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Spoon some of the pan juices over the salmon to keep it juicy and flavorful. Serve immediately with extra lemon wedges on the side if you like.
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator overnight before cooking. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps the garlic butter stick and the salmon cook evenly.
Can I Prepare This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can assemble the salmon, asparagus, and garlic butter mixture on the sheet pan and cover it tightly with plastic wrap. Keep it in the fridge for up to 24 hours, then bake fresh when ready to serve.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Place any leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, adding a splash of lemon juice or melted butter to refresh the flavors.
What Vegetables Work Well as Substitutes for Asparagus?
If you don’t have asparagus, green beans, broccoli florets, or snap peas are great alternatives that roast nicely alongside the salmon and soak up the garlic butter flavor.
