Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe

Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Salmon is a simple yet elegant dish that combines the richness of salmon with the irresistible flavors of garlic and butter. Cooking everything on a single sheet pan makes cleanup a breeze while still delivering a meal that looks and tastes like it came from a restaurant.

The salmon turns out tender and flaky, while the garlicky butter sauce infuses every bite with savory goodness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even special occasions when you want something impressive but easy.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s fast, flavorful, and foolproof. The garlic butter brings out the natural richness of salmon, and baking it on a sheet pan allows me to roast vegetables alongside it for a complete meal. It’s light yet satisfying, and it always feels like a treat.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Minimal prep and easy cleanup with one sheet pan.
• A balanced meal with protein, healthy fats, and veggies.
• Perfect for both weeknight dinners and entertaining.
• Easily customizable with different herbs, veggies, or seasonings.

Recipe Details

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: ~420–450 kcal

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, melted
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp paprika (optional, for color)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)

For the Vegetables (Optional):

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 cup asparagus spears (trimmed)
• 1 cup baby potatoes, halved
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Directions (Step-by-Step Preparation)

Step 1: Preheat and Prepare Sheet Pan

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease with oil.

Step 2: Prepare Garlic Butter Sauce

1. In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and paprika.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

1. Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the sheet pan.
2. Brush generously with garlic butter mixture, reserving some for later.

Step 4: Add Vegetables (Optional)

1. Arrange cherry tomatoes, asparagus, and baby potatoes around the salmon.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Bake

1. Place sheet pan in the preheated oven.
2. Bake for 15–18 minutes, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. (Internal temperature should reach 145°F / 63°C.)
3. Halfway through, baste salmon with remaining garlic butter.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

1. Sprinkle salmon with fresh parsley or dill.
2. Serve hot with extra lemon wedges.

How to Serve

• Serve with roasted veggies from the sheet pan for a complete meal.
• Pair with rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes for a heartier dinner.
• Add a side salad or garlic bread for balance.
• Drizzle leftover pan juices over salmon before serving for extra flavor.

Additional Tips & Variations:

• Herb Swap: Try rosemary, thyme, or basil instead of parsley/dill.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne to the garlic butter.
• Citrusy Twist: Use orange or lime instead of lemon for a new flavor profile.
• Vegetable Options: Swap asparagus with green beans, zucchini, or bell peppers.
• Crispy Skin: Broil salmon for the last 2 minutes for golden, crispy skin.

Freezing & Storage

• Storage: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Store cooked salmon in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheating Tip: Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or microwave with a splash of lemon juice to prevent drying out.

Special Equipment Needed

• Sheet pan (large enough to fit salmon and veggies)
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
• Small mixing bowl (for garlic butter sauce)
• Pastry brush (for basting salmon)

FAQ:

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw completely in the fridge before cooking and pat dry.

Q2: How do I know when salmon is done?
It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Q3: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Replace butter with extra olive oil or vegan butter.

Q4: What type of salmon works best?
Both wild-caught and farm-raised salmon work. Wild-caught tends to be leaner and cooks faster, so watch the timing.

Q5: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can mix the garlic butter sauce and prep veggies in advance, but bake salmon fresh for best texture.

Conclusion

Sheet Pan Garlic Butter Salmon is the perfect combination of simplicity, flavor, and nutrition. With minimal effort and cleanup, you get tender, flaky salmon infused with rich garlic butter, plus perfectly roasted vegetables on the side. Whether you’re making it for a quick weeknight meal or serving guests, this recipe never disappoints. Once you try it, it’ll become one of your go-to salmon dishes!