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Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe for Effortless Dinner Delight

Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon Recipe for Effortless Dinner Delight - Featured Image
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Learn how to make delicious Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon. Easy recipe with step-by-step instructions.

Ingredients

Scale

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin on or off as you prefer
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about half a lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, adds a subtle warmth)
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Fresh parsley or dill, chopped for garnish
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional, for roasting alongside salmon)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (if roasting veggies)

Substitution tip: If you don’t have fresh lemon, a teaspoon of lemon zest with bottled lemon juice will still brighten the dish beautifully. And when butter feels too rich, swapping in olive oil gives a lighter finish without losing flavor.

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup — trust me, this little step makes the after-dinner hustle so much easier.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. This garlic butter is where the magic happens, so take a moment to breathe in that aroma — it’s the kind of scent that takes me back to Mama Lu’s kitchen.
  3. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if skin is on) on the prepared baking sheet. Brush each fillet generously with the garlic butter mixture, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. Mama Lu always said, “Don’t be shy with the love — the flavors need room to dance.”
  4. Arrange lemon slices over and around the salmon. If you’re adding cherry tomatoes, toss them in olive oil, sprinkle with a pinch of salt, and scatter them on the pan for a juicy, roasted side.
  5. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. You’re looking for salmon that flakes easily with a fork but still holds its moist, tender texture — a little like the perfect biscuit crumb, just flaky enough without falling apart.
  6. Once out of the oven, spoon any melted garlic butter from the pan over the salmon. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill to add a touch of color and fresh herb flavor, reminiscent of the garden herbs Mama Lu always kept on her windowsill.
  7. Serve immediately, savoring the contrast of buttery richness, bright lemon, and that gentle garlic warmth — a simple yet soulful meal that feels like home on a plate.

Find it online: https://claracooking.com/sheet-pan-lemon-garlic-butter-salmon/