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Tender Sheet Pan Salmon with Garlic Butter

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A quick and easy sheet pan salmon recipe featuring tender, flaky salmon infused with rich garlic butter, perfect for weeknight dinners without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin-on or skinless
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter (about 60 g), softened
  • 3 cloves garlic, finely minced or pressed
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (for greasing the sheet pan)
  • Optional: smoked paprika or chili flakes for a subtle kick

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Line a rimmed 9×13-inch sheet pan with parchment paper or foil, then lightly grease with 1 tablespoon olive oil.
  3. In a small bowl, combine softened butter, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well blended.
  4. Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared pan, spaced evenly.
  5. Spread the garlic butter evenly over each fillet using a spoon or spatula.
  6. Optionally sprinkle smoked paprika or chili flakes on top for extra flavor.
  7. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness (about 4-6 minutes per half-inch thickness), until salmon is opaque and flakes easily but remains tender.
  8. Check doneness by gently pressing the thickest part; it should spring back slightly but not feel mushy. Bake an extra minute or two if needed, watching closely.
  9. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the salmon and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

Do not overbake as salmon continues cooking after removal from oven. Use room temperature butter for even flavor distribution. Pat salmon dry before applying garlic butter. Let salmon rest 2-3 minutes after baking. For dairy-free, substitute butter with plant-based spread and olive oil with coconut oil. Avoid oven temperatures above 425°F to prevent drying out the fish.

Nutrition

Keywords: salmon, sheet pan, garlic butter, easy dinner, quick recipe, healthy, weeknight meal, tender salmon

Find it online: https://yumbelle.com/tender-sheet-pan-salmon-with-garlic-butter-easy-never-overcooked-recipe/