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Juicy Sheet Pan Salmon with Lemon Garlic Butter

juicy sheet pan salmon with lemon garlic butter - featured image

A quick and easy 30-minute weeknight dinner featuring moist, flaky salmon baked on a sheet pan with a rich lemon garlic butter sauce. Minimal cleanup and maximum flavor make this the perfect solution for busy evenings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 to 2 pounds salmon fillets
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Sea salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 to 4 cloves garlic, minced finely
  • 1 large lemon (juice and zest)
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • Red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large sheet pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  2. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet pan.
  3. Season both sides of the salmon generously with sea salt and black pepper. Drizzle with olive oil and rub gently.
  4. In a small saucepan over low heat or in a microwave-safe bowl, melt the butter. Stir in minced garlic, lemon zest, and dried parsley until combined.
  5. Pour the lemon-garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, basting the top to ensure it is well-coated.
  6. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  7. Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Serve immediately, spooning pan juices over the fish. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top if desired.

Notes

Ensure salmon is at room temperature before baking for even cooking. Do not overcrowd the pan to prevent steaming. Keep heat low when melting butter to avoid burning the garlic. Salmon continues to cook after removal from the oven, so pull it out when it looks just barely done.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, sheet pan dinner, lemon garlic butter, quick dinner, healthy seafood, weeknight meal, gluten-free, low-carb