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Garlic Butter Salmon Sheet Pan Quick and Tasty Meal

by on May 23, 2025

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Are you ready for a quick and tasty meal? This Garlic Butter Salmon Sheet Pan recipe will be your new go-to! It combines fresh salmon, vibrant veggies, and a rich garlic butter sauce, all cooked on one pan for easy cleanup. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish is packed with flavor and can be ready in no time. Let’s dive into the details and make dinner a breeze!

- 4 salmon fillets - 2 tablespoons butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 2 cups asparagus spears, trimmed - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved The star of this dish is the salmon fillets. They provide a rich flavor and are packed with nutrients. The butter and garlic make a sauce that adds a tasty punch. The lemon brings brightness, while asparagus and cherry tomatoes add color and nutrition. - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Olive oil helps the veggies roast nicely, while salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness on top once the dish is ready. This simple mix of ingredients creates a delicious meal that is easy to prepare. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking the salmon perfectly. Next, let’s make the garlic butter sauce. In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of melted butter, four minced garlic cloves, the zest of one lemon, and the juice of that same lemon. This sauce will add great flavor to your dish. Now, grab a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Place four salmon fillets in the center of the pan. Make sure they have some space around them. Next, add two cups of trimmed asparagus spears and one cup of halved cherry tomatoes around the salmon. This colorful mix will look great and taste even better. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce evenly over both the salmon and vegetables. Don’t forget to drizzle a little olive oil over the asparagus and tomatoes too. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know the salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the veggies are tender. Once done, take it out and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your meal! To know when your salmon is done, look for a few signs. The salmon should flake easily with a fork. The center should be opaque and not shiny. If you see this, your salmon is ready. If you have thicker fillets, adjust the time slightly. Thicker pieces may need 1-2 more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Use a fork to check for flakiness in the middle. You can switch up the garlic and lemon if you like. Try shallots instead of garlic for a milder taste. For lemon, lime juice can add a fun twist. Adding herbs can give extra depth. Fresh dill or parsley brightens the dish. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a kick. Experiment with spices that you enjoy. Plating is all about color and arrangement. Place the salmon in the center of the plate. Surround it with asparagus and cherry tomatoes. This creates a feast for the eyes. Use colorful veggies for vibrancy. Bright red tomatoes and green asparagus make the dish pop. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of green. This adds both flavor and beauty to your meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon and seasonal vegetables will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly. Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Keep an eye on the salmon while it bakes; it should be just opaque and flake easily when done. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, for a personal touch. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing. {{image_2}} You can swap out salmon for other proteins. Chicken breasts work well and stay juicy. Shrimp is another great option. It cooks quickly and adds a nice touch. Feel free to change the veggies too! You can use broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini. Keep the mix colorful for a fun meal. Want to change the flavor? Add spices like paprika or dill to the garlic butter. These spices give the dish a nice kick. You can also try different sauces. Teriyaki adds sweetness, while pesto brings a fresh taste. Mix and match to find your favorite combination! If you need gluten-free options, check your sauces. Many are gluten-free. You can use gluten-free soy sauce as an easy swap. For keto-friendly choices, skip the cherry tomatoes. Instead, add more asparagus or other low-carb veggies. This will keep your meal tasty and in line with your diet. To keep your garlic butter salmon fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal them tightly. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. However, salmon is best enjoyed fresh. To reheat salmon without drying it out, use the oven. Preheat it to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes, or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Set it to low power and heat for short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. With leftovers, you can create new meals. Flake the salmon into salads or pasta dishes. It also works in tacos or on top of rice bowls. These ideas help you enjoy your meal in different ways. You bake salmon in the oven for 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This time gives you tender, flaky fish. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If your fillets are thicker, you may need a minute or two more. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing helps it cook evenly. You can leave it in the fridge overnight or place it in cold water for quicker thawing. Adjust the baking time slightly if the fillets are still cold. I like to serve garlic butter salmon with simple sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Mashed potatoes - A fresh salad These sides complement the flavors of the salmon and make for a well-rounded meal. Absolutely! Sheet pan cooking is perfect for meal prep. It saves time and cuts down on cleanup. You can cook a full meal in one pan. Plus, it allows for easy portioning. This method works well for busy weeknights or prep for lunch. You can make a tasty garlic butter salmon dish with ease. We covered key ingredients, like salmon, butter, and veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions to make cooking simple. We also explored tips for flavor and presentation. Plus, I offered ideas for variations and storage. In summary, this meal is quick, healthy, and flexible. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe. Happy cooking!

Why I Love This Recipe

  1. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 25 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

  2. Healthy and Delicious: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins from the salmon and vegetables, it’s a nutritious meal that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

  3. One-Pan Wonder: With everything cooked on a single sheet pan, cleanup is a breeze, allowing you to enjoy more time with loved ones.

  4. Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is not only visually appealing but also satisfies both adults and kids alike with its savory garlic butter flavor.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

– 4 salmon fillets

– 2 tablespoons butter, melted

– 4 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 lemon, zested and juiced

– 2 cups asparagus spears, trimmed

– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

The star of this dish is the salmon fillets. They provide a rich flavor and are packed with nutrients. The butter and garlic make a sauce that adds a tasty punch. The lemon brings brightness, while asparagus and cherry tomatoes add color and nutrition.

Seasoning and Garnish

– 1 tablespoon olive oil

– Salt and pepper to taste

– Fresh parsley for garnish

Olive oil helps the veggies roast nicely, while salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness on top once the dish is ready. This simple mix of ingredients creates a delicious meal that is easy to prepare.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepping the Oven and Ingredients

First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking the salmon perfectly. Next, let’s make the garlic butter sauce. In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of melted butter, four minced garlic cloves, the zest of one lemon, and the juice of that same lemon. This sauce will add great flavor to your dish.

Arranging on the Sheet Pan

Now, grab a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Place four salmon fillets in the center of the pan. Make sure they have some space around them. Next, add two cups of trimmed asparagus spears and one cup of halved cherry tomatoes around the salmon. This colorful mix will look great and taste even better.

Baking Instructions

Drizzle the garlic butter sauce evenly over both the salmon and vegetables. Don’t forget to drizzle a little olive oil over the asparagus and tomatoes too. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know the salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the veggies are tender. Once done, take it out and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your meal!

Tips & Tricks

Perfect Cooking Times

To know when your salmon is done, look for a few signs. The salmon should flake easily with a fork. The center should be opaque and not shiny. If you see this, your salmon is ready.

If you have thicker fillets, adjust the time slightly. Thicker pieces may need 1-2 more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Use a fork to check for flakiness in the middle.

Enhancing Flavor

You can switch up the garlic and lemon if you like. Try shallots instead of garlic for a milder taste. For lemon, lime juice can add a fun twist.

Adding herbs can give extra depth. Fresh dill or parsley brightens the dish. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a kick. Experiment with spices that you enjoy.

Visual Appeal

Plating is all about color and arrangement. Place the salmon in the center of the plate. Surround it with asparagus and cherry tomatoes. This creates a feast for the eyes.

Use colorful veggies for vibrancy. Bright red tomatoes and green asparagus make the dish pop. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of green. This adds both flavor and beauty to your meal.

Pro Tips

  1. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon and seasonal vegetables will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly.

  2. Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Keep an eye on the salmon while it bakes; it should be just opaque and flake easily when done.

  3. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, for a personal touch.

  4. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing.

Variations

Recipe Substitutions

You can swap out salmon for other proteins. Chicken breasts work well and stay juicy. Shrimp is another great option. It cooks quickly and adds a nice touch. Feel free to change the veggies too! You can use broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini. Keep the mix colorful for a fun meal.

Flavor Variations

Want to change the flavor? Add spices like paprika or dill to the garlic butter. These spices give the dish a nice kick. You can also try different sauces. Teriyaki adds sweetness, while pesto brings a fresh taste. Mix and match to find your favorite combination!

Dietary Modifications

If you need gluten-free options, check your sauces. Many are gluten-free. You can use gluten-free soy sauce as an easy swap. For keto-friendly choices, skip the cherry tomatoes. Instead, add more asparagus or other low-carb veggies. This will keep your meal tasty and in line with your diet.

Storage Info

Storing Leftovers

To keep your garlic butter salmon fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal them tightly. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. However, salmon is best enjoyed fresh.

Reheating Instructions

To reheat salmon without drying it out, use the oven. Preheat it to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes, or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Set it to low power and heat for short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking.

With leftovers, you can create new meals. Flake the salmon into salads or pasta dishes. It also works in tacos or on top of rice bowls. These ideas help you enjoy your meal in different ways.

FAQs

How long do I bake salmon in the oven?

You bake salmon in the oven for 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This time gives you tender, flaky fish. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If your fillets are thicker, you may need a minute or two more. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing helps it cook evenly. You can leave it in the fridge overnight or place it in cold water for quicker thawing. Adjust the baking time slightly if the fillets are still cold.

What should I serve with garlic butter salmon?

I like to serve garlic butter salmon with simple sides. Here are some great options:

– Steamed rice

– Quinoa

– Mashed potatoes

– A fresh salad

These sides complement the flavors of the salmon and make for a well-rounded meal.

Is sheet pan cooking good for meal prep?

Absolutely! Sheet pan cooking is perfect for meal prep. It saves time and cuts down on cleanup. You can cook a full meal in one pan. Plus, it allows for easy portioning. This method works well for busy weeknights or prep for lunch.

You can make a tasty garlic butter salmon dish with ease. We covered key ingredients, like salmon, butter, and veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions to make cooking simple. We also explored tips for flavor and presentation. Plus, I offered ideas for variations and storage.

In summary, this meal is quick, healthy, and flexible. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe. Happy cookin

- 4 salmon fillets - 2 tablespoons butter, melted - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 2 cups asparagus spears, trimmed - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved The star of this dish is the salmon fillets. They provide a rich flavor and are packed with nutrients. The butter and garlic make a sauce that adds a tasty punch. The lemon brings brightness, while asparagus and cherry tomatoes add color and nutrition. - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley for garnish Olive oil helps the veggies roast nicely, while salt and pepper bring out all the flavors. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness on top once the dish is ready. This simple mix of ingredients creates a delicious meal that is easy to prepare. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, you need to preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step is key for cooking the salmon perfectly. Next, let’s make the garlic butter sauce. In a small bowl, mix two tablespoons of melted butter, four minced garlic cloves, the zest of one lemon, and the juice of that same lemon. This sauce will add great flavor to your dish. Now, grab a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Place four salmon fillets in the center of the pan. Make sure they have some space around them. Next, add two cups of trimmed asparagus spears and one cup of halved cherry tomatoes around the salmon. This colorful mix will look great and taste even better. Drizzle the garlic butter sauce evenly over both the salmon and vegetables. Don’t forget to drizzle a little olive oil over the asparagus and tomatoes too. Season everything with salt and pepper to taste. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes. You’ll know the salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and the veggies are tender. Once done, take it out and garnish with fresh parsley. Enjoy your meal! To know when your salmon is done, look for a few signs. The salmon should flake easily with a fork. The center should be opaque and not shiny. If you see this, your salmon is ready. If you have thicker fillets, adjust the time slightly. Thicker pieces may need 1-2 more minutes. Keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. Use a fork to check for flakiness in the middle. You can switch up the garlic and lemon if you like. Try shallots instead of garlic for a milder taste. For lemon, lime juice can add a fun twist. Adding herbs can give extra depth. Fresh dill or parsley brightens the dish. A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a kick. Experiment with spices that you enjoy. Plating is all about color and arrangement. Place the salmon in the center of the plate. Surround it with asparagus and cherry tomatoes. This creates a feast for the eyes. Use colorful veggies for vibrancy. Bright red tomatoes and green asparagus make the dish pop. Garnish with fresh parsley for a touch of green. This adds both flavor and beauty to your meal. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon and seasonal vegetables will enhance the flavor of the dish significantly. Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Keep an eye on the salmon while it bakes; it should be just opaque and flake easily when done. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap in your favorite vegetables, such as broccoli or bell peppers, for a personal touch. Garnish for Presentation: Fresh parsley not only adds flavor but also makes the dish visually appealing. {{image_2}} You can swap out salmon for other proteins. Chicken breasts work well and stay juicy. Shrimp is another great option. It cooks quickly and adds a nice touch. Feel free to change the veggies too! You can use broccoli, bell peppers, or zucchini. Keep the mix colorful for a fun meal. Want to change the flavor? Add spices like paprika or dill to the garlic butter. These spices give the dish a nice kick. You can also try different sauces. Teriyaki adds sweetness, while pesto brings a fresh taste. Mix and match to find your favorite combination! If you need gluten-free options, check your sauces. Many are gluten-free. You can use gluten-free soy sauce as an easy swap. For keto-friendly choices, skip the cherry tomatoes. Instead, add more asparagus or other low-carb veggies. This will keep your meal tasty and in line with your diet. To keep your garlic butter salmon fresh, use an airtight container. Glass or plastic containers work well. Make sure to seal them tightly. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 3 days. If you want to keep them longer, consider freezing. However, salmon is best enjoyed fresh. To reheat salmon without drying it out, use the oven. Preheat it to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes, or until warm. You can also use the microwave. Set it to low power and heat for short bursts. Check often to avoid overcooking. With leftovers, you can create new meals. Flake the salmon into salads or pasta dishes. It also works in tacos or on top of rice bowls. These ideas help you enjoy your meal in different ways. You bake salmon in the oven for 12-15 minutes at 400°F (200°C). This time gives you tender, flaky fish. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If your fillets are thicker, you may need a minute or two more. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking. Yes, you can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawing helps it cook evenly. You can leave it in the fridge overnight or place it in cold water for quicker thawing. Adjust the baking time slightly if the fillets are still cold. I like to serve garlic butter salmon with simple sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed rice - Quinoa - Mashed potatoes - A fresh salad These sides complement the flavors of the salmon and make for a well-rounded meal. Absolutely! Sheet pan cooking is perfect for meal prep. It saves time and cuts down on cleanup. You can cook a full meal in one pan. Plus, it allows for easy portioning. This method works well for busy weeknights or prep for lunch. You can make a tasty garlic butter salmon dish with ease. We covered key ingredients, like salmon, butter, and veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions to make cooking simple. We also explored tips for flavor and presentation. Plus, I offered ideas for variations and storage. In summary, this meal is quick, healthy, and flexible. I hope you feel inspired to try this recipe. Happy cooking!

Garlic Butter Salmon Sheet Pan

A delicious and easy sheet pan recipe featuring salmon fillets, asparagus, and cherry tomatoes, all drizzled with a flavorful garlic butter sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon
  • 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 lemon zested and juiced
  • 2 cups asparagus spears, trimmed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • for garnish fresh parsley

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • In a small bowl, mix the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice to create the garlic butter sauce.
  • On a large sheet pan lined with parchment paper, place the salmon fillets in the center.
  • Arrange the asparagus and cherry tomatoes around the salmon on the sheet pan.
  • Drizzle the garlic butter sauce evenly over the salmon and vegetables.
  • Drizzle olive oil over the asparagus and tomatoes, and season everything with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the vegetables are tender.
  • Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve immediately for the best flavor.
Keyword easy recipe, garlic butter, salmon, sheet pan

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