Introduction of Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
When it comes to impressing both family and guests with minimal effort, nothing beats a perfectly cooked salmon. I am Chef Andrew, and today I want to share with you the secrets behind a dish that has become one of my signature favorites: Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon. Imagine tender, flaky salmon infused with the brightness of fresh lemon, the richness of melted butter, and the irresistible aroma of garlic. This is not just another weeknight dinner; it is a restaurant-quality experience made in your own kitchen.
Table of Contents
The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. With just a handful of everyday ingredients and less than thirty minutes from start to finish, you will have a dish that feels both elegant and comforting. Whether you are preparing a healthy weeknight meal for your family or trying to impress dinner guests, this salmon delivers every time. The balance of flavors makes it versatile enough to pair with a wide variety of sides, from roasted vegetables to creamy pastas.
What sets this version apart is the careful layering of flavors and the option to prepare it in multiple styles, including baked, pan-seared, grilled, or broiled. Each method highlights a different quality of the salmon, but all ensure a juicy, flavorful bite that melts in your mouth. If you are ready to transform a simple fillet into something unforgettable, this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon will quickly become your go-to recipe.
Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon 6 Amazing Easy Steps
Equipment
- Sheet Pan
- Aluminum Foil
- Small Bowl or Measuring Cup
- Chef’s knife
- Instant-read thermometer
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 1.5 to 1.75 lb salmon fillet skin on, center cut if possible
- 1 lemon thinly sliced into rounds
For the Lemon Garlic Butter
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter melted
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice about 1 lemon
- 2 to 3 tbsp honey to taste
- 5 cloves garlic finely minced or pressed
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1 tsp kosher salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper or to taste
- 2 tsp fresh parsley finely chopped, optional for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a sheet pan with foil. Place salmon skin side down on the foil, aligning the longer edge of the fillet with the long side of the pan. Fold foil edges up about 2 inches to create a barrier for the sauce.
- Nestle lemon rounds under the salmon, spacing evenly along the fillet to gently infuse citrus aroma as it cooks.
- In a heatproof cup, melt butter. Stir in lemon juice, honey, and garlic until fragrant. Pour or spoon about three quarters of this mixture over the salmon, reserving the rest for finishing. Season with salt and pepper.
- Seal the foil: cover the salmon with a second sheet of foil and crimp edges to form a packet that traps steam. If time allows, let it stand 10 to 15 minutes to lightly marinate.
- Bake the packet on the sheet pan for about 17 minutes, until the flesh looks mostly opaque and flakes at the thickest point. Target 125–135°F (52–57°C) before broil for a moist finish.
- Open the packet to expose the salmon. Switch oven to Hi Broil. Spoon on reserved lemon garlic butter if desired. Broil 5 to 10 minutes until the surface is lightly caramelized. For safety, salmon is done at 145°F (63°C). Garnish with parsley and serve immediately, drizzling pan juices over the top.
Notes
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Or go to my Pinterest.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe -Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon-
There are plenty of salmon recipes out there, but this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon stands out for reasons you will instantly appreciate:
- Quick and effortless to prepare, ready in under 30 minutes
- Uses simple, everyday ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen
- Bursting with vibrant lemon flavor balanced by rich, buttery goodness
- Flexible enough for weeknight family dinners or elegant entertaining
- Consistently delivers tender, flaky salmon that melts in your mouth
Unlike many recipes that lean too heavily on one flavor, this version strikes the perfect balance. The lemon adds brightness without overpowering, while the garlic provides a savory depth that keeps each bite interesting. The butter ties everything together, giving the dish a luxurious feel that never feels heavy.
But beyond the flavors, there is also the emotional connection. Serving this salmon feels special, whether you are plating it alongside roasted asparagus for a refined dinner party or laying it over a bed of rice for a cozy family meal. It’s a dish that speaks of comfort, care, and the joy of sharing something delicious with people you love. This is why, once you try it, it will earn a permanent place in your recipe collection.
Ingredients Needed for Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
To bring this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon to life, you only need a handful of fresh, simple ingredients that combine beautifully. Here is a rephrased and organized list with clarifying notes to guide you:
For the Salmon Base
- 1.5 to 1.75 pounds of salmon fillet, skin on (choose a fresh, firm piece for best results)
- 1 lemon, sliced into thin rounds (adds brightness and fragrance)
For the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted (creates a rich, silky base)
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, about 1 large lemon (for tang and freshness)
- 2 to 3 tablespoons honey (balances the acidity with a touch of natural sweetness)
- 5 garlic cloves, finely minced or pressed (deep savory flavor, adjust to taste)
Seasoning and Garnish
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
- 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, finely chopped (optional, for a pop of color and herbaceous finish)
These simple ingredients come together to create a sauce that soaks into the salmon, leaving it juicy, flavorful, and irresistible. The lemon slices tucked under the fish infuse it with subtle citrus notes, while the garlic butter and honey caramelize gently during cooking for a well-rounded flavor.
How to Make Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Follow these clear and detailed steps to prepare a perfectly juicy, flavorful salmon with lemon garlic butter.
- Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). While it heats, line a baking sheet with foil. Place the salmon on the foil, skin side down, making sure the longer edge of the fish is parallel with the sheet pan. Fold the foil edges upward about 2 inches to create a barrier for the buttery sauce. - Add the lemon slices
Slide thin lemon rounds underneath the salmon, spacing them evenly along the fillet. This not only adds brightness but also infuses a subtle citrus aroma during baking. - Prepare the sauce
In a heatproof measuring cup or small bowl, melt the butter in the microwave (about 1 minute). Stir in the lemon juice, honey, and minced garlic until fully combined. This mixture should smell fragrant and slightly sweet. - Pour and season
Spoon about three-quarters of the buttery mixture evenly over the salmon, reserving the rest for later. Sprinkle the fish generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. - Seal the foil
Place another piece of foil over the salmon and crimp the edges together tightly. The packet doesn’t need to be perfect, but it should hold in the steam and juices. If you have time, let the salmon marinate in this sealed foil for 10 to 15 minutes before baking for deeper flavor. - Bake the salmon
Transfer the foil packet onto the baking sheet and bake for about 17 minutes. The salmon should look opaque on the outside and nearly cooked through. - Uncover and broil
Remove the sheet from the oven, carefully open the foil to expose the salmon, and raise your oven to Hi Broil. If desired, spoon the reserved buttery mixture over the fish for extra flavor. Broil for 5 to 10 minutes, or until the surface is golden and slightly caramelized. Tip: If your broiler runs hot, place the salmon on the second rack instead of the top rack. It will take a little longer but helps prevent burning. - Finish and serve
Garnish with fresh parsley for color and a touch of freshness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides, and drizzle any remaining buttery juices from the foil over the salmon for an irresistible finish.
Serving and Storage Tips of Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Here’s how to make the most out of your Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon once it’s ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair the salmon with light, fresh sides such as roasted vegetables, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad.
- For a vibrant contrast, serve with rice pilaf, couscous, or even buttery pasta to soak up the extra lemon garlic sauce.
- Garnish the dish with extra lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze at the table. This not only enhances presentation but also lets guests adjust the citrus flavor to their taste.
- To create a restaurant-style look, sprinkle chopped parsley or dill on top right before serving.
Storage Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until just heated through. Avoid microwaving for too long since it can dry out the fish. Adding a small drizzle of melted butter before reheating helps restore moisture.
- Freezing: While possible, freezing is not ideal for this recipe because the delicate lemon garlic butter sauce may separate upon thawing. If you must freeze, wrap tightly in foil, then place in a freezer bag. Use within 2 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Helpful Notes of Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
To help you perfect your Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon, here are some extra chef-inspired tips and variations:
Chef’s Tips
- Marinating Boosts Flavor: If time allows, let the salmon sit in the lemon garlic butter mixture for 10 to 15 minutes before baking. This quick step infuses the fish with deeper flavor.
- Foil or Parchment?: While foil works best for sealing in moisture, parchment paper can be used if you prefer a lighter, less intense steam. Just ensure it’s sealed tightly.
- Check Doneness Without Guessing: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Overcooking makes it dry, so watch closely during the final minutes.
Variations to Try
- Add Veggies to the Pack: Slip thinly sliced zucchini, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes into the foil packet for a one-pan meal.
- Switch the Sweetener: Replace honey with maple syrup for a slightly earthier sweetness.
- Herb Upgrade: Swap parsley with fresh dill or thyme for a different layer of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce into the butter mixture for a gentle heat.
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Don’t overcrowd the foil packet. If making multiple fillets, use separate packets to ensure even cooking.
- Avoid broiling too close to the heating element. Keep a slight distance to prevent burning the sauce.
- If your butter separates during reheating, whisk it gently with a splash of lemon juice to restore its texture.
Conclusion of Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
There’s something truly special about a recipe that combines simplicity with restaurant-quality flavor, and this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon delivers exactly that. From the very first bite, you’ll notice the balance of rich, velvety butter paired with the brightness of lemon and the subtle sweetness of honey. It’s proof that the most satisfying meals don’t have to be complicated or time-consuming.
One of the biggest advantages of this recipe is how flexible it is. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner, impressing guests at a dinner party, or planning a healthy family meal, this dish always shines. The foil packet method keeps cleanup minimal while ensuring the salmon remains juicy and tender, while the broiling step creates that irresistible golden finish. Combined, these steps make this recipe foolproof for beginners and rewarding for seasoned home cooks.
What truly sets it apart, however, is its adaptability. You can swap in herbs, add a hint of spice, or include your favorite vegetables without losing the essence of the dish. It’s versatile enough to match your personal taste while maintaining its deliciously comforting foundation.
Now, it’s your turn to give it a try! If you make this Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon, I’d love to hear your experience. Did you add your own twist? Did you serve it with roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or fresh salad? Drop a comment below to share your story and don’t forget to leave a star rating—it helps others discover this recipe too.
And of course, if you enjoyed it, spread the love! Share this recipe on Pinterest, Facebook, or with friends who appreciate quick, flavorful meals. Your feedback and support mean so much and help keep recipes like this coming to your kitchen.
What side dish would you pair with this salmon? Tell me in the comments—I’m always looking for new ideas!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) of Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
How do you bake salmon fillet with lemon butter sauce?
To bake salmon fillet with lemon butter sauce, prepare a simple mixture of melted butter, fresh lemon juice, honey, and garlic. Pour most of this sauce over the salmon before baking it in a foil packet at 375°F until tender and juicy. Reserve a bit of the sauce to drizzle on top right before broiling to create a golden finish and deepen the flavor.
Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400 in the oven?
Both temperatures work, but it depends on your goal. Baking at 350°F results in a slower cook, which is gentler and helps retain moisture in the salmon. Baking at 400°F cooks the fish faster and gives it a slightly firmer texture. For this recipe, 375°F strikes a balance between juicy and flavorful.
How do you pan sear salmon with garlic butter and lemon?
To pan sear salmon, heat a skillet over medium-high with a little oil until hot. Place the salmon skin-side down and sear until the skin is crisp. Flip carefully, then reduce the heat and spoon in butter, garlic, and lemon juice. Continue basting the salmon with the melted butter mixture until cooked through and golden.
When to put lemon juice on salmon?
For the best results, add lemon juice twice: first while mixing it into the butter sauce before cooking, then again lightly at the end as a finishing touch. Adding lemon too early without butter can make the fish taste overly acidic, while finishing with it brightens the flavor.
What temperature should salmon be cooked at?
Salmon is perfectly cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). At this point, the flesh should flake easily with a fork and remain slightly translucent in the center. Overcooking will make it dry, so keep an eye on the cooking time.
Can you put garlic butter on salmon?
Yes, garlic butter is one of the best pairings for salmon. The richness of the butter balances the fish’s natural oils, while the garlic adds depth and the lemon provides freshness. Together, these flavors create a savory and slightly tangy glaze that makes every bite irresistible.