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Easy 5-Ingredient Sheet Pan Salmon with Lemon Butter

Easy 5-Ingredient Sheet Pan Salmon - featured image

A quick and simple sheet pan salmon recipe featuring a buttery lemon garlic sauce, perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • Four 6-ounce salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 large fresh lemon, zested and juiced
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes or substitute parsley with fresh dill

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
  2. In a small bowl, combine softened unsalted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir until smooth.
  3. Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared sheet pan, spacing evenly.
  4. Spread the lemon butter mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.
  5. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top.
  6. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork but remains moist. Start checking at 10 minutes for thinner fillets.
  7. Optional: For a crispier top, broil for the last 1-2 minutes, watching carefully to avoid burning.
  8. Let the salmon rest on the pan for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Let salmon sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes before cooking for even cooking. Avoid overbaking to keep salmon moist. Fresh garlic and lemon zest are recommended for best flavor. Butter can be spread under the skin for extra moisture. For dairy-free, substitute butter with olive oil or vegan butter alternative. Watch garlic carefully if broiling to prevent burning.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, sheet pan, lemon butter, quick dinner, easy recipe, healthy, seafood