– **Title**: Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
– **Ingredients**:
– 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 for juicing)
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 lb asparagus, trimmed
– Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
– **Instructions**:
1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, minced garlic, juice of one lemon, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
3. On a large sheet pan, arrange the salmon fillets in the center and place the trimmed asparagus around them.
4. Pour the garlic lemon butter mixture evenly over the salmon and asparagus.
5. Place lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets and scatter a few on the asparagus.
6. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the asparagus is tender.
7. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving. Enjoy your dish with additional lemon wedges if desired!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon Fillets: Fresh salmon is best for flavor and texture. If you can’t find salmon, try using trout or even chicken breast as an alternative, adjusting cooking times as needed for the different proteins.
Butter: Unsalted butter enhances the flavor of the dish beautifully. You can substitute with ghee or olive oil for a healthier option or if you want a dairy-free version.
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key for that punchy flavor. If you’re in a pinch, garlic powder (1/8 teaspoon per clove) will work, though fresh is always better. Personally, I love using roasted garlic for a sweeter, mellower taste!
Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley and thyme brighten the dish. If you don’t have fresh, use dried herbs—just use less (1 teaspoon dried thyme). I often swap parsley for dill as it pairs well with salmon!
Lemon: Fresh lemons provide zest and juice that elevate the dish. If you can’t find lemons, you could use lime or a bit of vinegar for acidity, but the flavor will change. I prefer using organic lemons as they have a more vibrant zest.
How Do You Make Sure Your Salmon is Perfectly Cooked?
Getting perfectly cooked salmon is about timing and temperature. When baking, the key is to keep an eye on the internal temperature.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) as this helps cook the salmon evenly.
- Aim for about 12-15 minutes in the oven, but check for doneness with a fork. It should flake easily when it’s done.
- As a final test, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) on a meat thermometer.
- If you’re unsure, start checking a bit early to avoid overcooking. A little practice makes perfect!
How to Make Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
Optional Vegetables:
- 1 pound asparagus or green beans (for roasting alongside the salmon)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious dish takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 12-15 minutes to cook in the oven, totaling around 25-30 minutes. It’s quick and ensures a flavorful meal in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is warming up, you can get everything else ready.
2. Prepare the Lemon Garlic Butter:
In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, chopped parsley, thyme, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until well combined. This mixture is what gives the salmon its amazing flavor!
3. Arrange the Salmon:
Take a sheet pan and line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly grease it with cooking spray. Place the salmon fillets on the pan, skin side down. If you like, you can add asparagus or green beans around the salmon for a complete meal.
4. Coat the Salmon:
Drizzle half of the lemon garlic butter mixture over the salmon fillets. Use a brush or a spoon to make sure they are nicely coated. Set aside the rest of the butter for later use.
5. Add the Lemon Slices:
Top each salmon fillet with a few thin slices of lemon. This not only adds decoration but also enhances the flavor as it bakes!
6. Bake the Salmon:
Place the sheet pan in the preheated oven. Bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked all the way through and flakes easily with a fork. The fish should be a lovely pink color.
7. Drizzle the Remaining Butter:
Once your salmon is cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Drizzle the reserved lemon garlic butter over the salmon for that extra burst of flavor.
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your salmon right away, garnished with additional lemon slices and fresh herbs if you like. It’s a healthy and delicious meal that you and your family will love!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure it’s completely thawed before cooking! The best way to thaw salmon is to place it in the fridge overnight or to seal it in a plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Pat it dry with paper towels before seasoning to avoid excess moisture.
What if I Don’t Have Fresh Herbs on Hand?
No worries! Dried herbs can be used instead. For this recipe, substitute 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley with 1 teaspoon of dried parsley, and use 1 teaspoon of dried thyme instead of fresh thyme. Just add them along with the other ingredients in the butter mixture.
How Can I Store Leftover Salmon?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or briefly in the microwave. Avoid overcooking it again to keep it moist!
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Sheet Pan?
Absolutely! Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes. Just ensure that they have similar cooking times as the salmon and asparagus or green beans so everything cooks evenly. Cut them into similar sizes to ensure even roasting!
