The smell of fresh salmon and zesty lemon wafted through our kitchen as I pulled the sheet pan from the oven. My family gathered around the table, eager to dive into this delicious Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon. It’s one of those meals that checks all the boxes – quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful. I’ve been making this recipe for years and it never disappoints. There’s just something about the tender, flaky salmon paired with the bright, garlicky notes that feels like the perfect weeknight dinner.
Why This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe Will Become Your Go-To
The Secret Behind Perfect Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
The key to this Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon is the simple, yet impactful flavor combinations. By roasting the salmon fillets alongside sliced lemons and minced garlic, you end up with an incredibly tender and juicy fish that’s bursting with citrusy, garlicky goodness in every bite. The dried dill, salt, and pepper round out the flavors, creating a truly crave-worthy dish. And the best part? It all comes together in just 15 minutes, start to finish.
Essential Ingredients You’ll Need
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets: The star of the show! Salmon is rich in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids and its delicate, flaky texture pairs beautifully with the bright lemon and garlic.
- 2 lemons, sliced: The lemon slices infuse the salmon with zingy, refreshing flavor as they roast together on the sheet pan.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Aromatic garlic adds a savory depth that complements the salmon and lemon perfectly.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A drizzle of olive oil helps the salmon and vegetables brown and caramelize in the oven.
- 1 teaspoon dried dill: Dried dill lends a lovely herbal note that enhances the overall flavor profile.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: A pinch of salt brings out the natural sweetness of the salmon.
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper: A light dusting of black pepper adds a subtle heat and complexity.
Step-by-Step Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon Instructions
Preparing Your Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
With a prep time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of 10 minutes, this Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe is a total dinnertime lifesaver. All you’ll need is a rimmed baking sheet, a cutting board, and a knife. Let’s get started!
1- First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat for easy cleanup.
2- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Arrange the sliced lemons around the salmon.
3- In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, dried dill, salt, and pepper. Drizzle this flavorful mixture evenly over the salmon and lemon slices.
4- Roast the Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon for 10 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The lemons should be slightly charred and caramelized.
5- Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring your salmon stays moist and tender.
6- Serve the Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon immediately, garnished with the roasted lemon slices. Enjoy this quick and easy 15-minute meal!
Pro Tips for Success
- Be sure to use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Adjust the garlic amount to your personal taste preferences – 4 cloves provides a bold, garlicky punch, but you can use less if you prefer a more subtle flavor.
- For extra crispy skin, broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking time.
- Customize the seasoning blend by swapping the dried dill for other dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
Serving and Storing Your Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
Perfect Pairings for Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe serves 4 people, making it a great choice for a weeknight family dinner or a simple yet elegant meal for guests. Some delicious side dish options include roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a fresh green salad. For a starch, try pairing it with lemon-garlic roasted potatoes or quinoa. And don’t forget a crisp white wine or refreshing sparkling water to complement the bright, citrusy flavors.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
Leftover Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place the salmon on a baking sheet and warm it in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until heated through.
For meal prepping, you can assemble the entire sheet pan in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for an even quicker and easier weeknight dinner. Alternatively, you can bake the salmon and store the individual portions in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat the frozen salmon in the oven or microwave when ready to serve.
Variations and Dietary Adaptations for Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
Creative Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon Variations
- Swap the salmon for trout or arctic char for a different type of oily fish.
- Add thinly sliced onions or halved cherry tomatoes to the sheet pan.
- Sprinkle the salmon with grated Parmesan cheese or breadcrumbs for a crispy topping.
- Use fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or thyme instead of (or in addition to) the dried dill.
Making Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon Diet-Friendly
To make this Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe gluten-free, simply ensure your ingredients (like the spices and any potential breadcrumbs) are certified gluten-free.
For a low-carb or keto-friendly version, skip the roasted potatoes and serve the salmon and vegetables over a bed of leafy greens or zucchini noodles.
If you have a seafood allergy, you can substitute the salmon with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust the cooking time as needed, but the basic preparation will remain the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use fresh dill instead of dried?
A: Absolutely! If you have access to fresh dill, you can use 1 tablespoon of the freshly chopped herb in place of the 1 teaspoon of dried dill.
Q: How long does it take to cook the Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon?
A: This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe has a total time of just 15 minutes – 5 minutes of prep and 10 minutes of cook time in the oven.
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can assemble the entire sheet pan in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes for an even quicker and easier weeknight dinner.
Q: How many servings does this recipe make?
A: This Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe serves 4 people. You can easily scale the recipe up or down depending on your needs.
Q: What should I do if the salmon isn’t flaking easily with a fork?
A: If the salmon is not quite cooked through, simply return the sheet pan to the oven and continue roasting in 2-minute intervals until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. The total cook time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Total Time: 15
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Indulge in the divine, mouthwatering flavors of this quick and easy Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe. Tender, flaky salmon fillets baked to perfection on a sheet pan with lemon slices and garlic – ready in just 10 minutes!
Ingredients
– 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
– 2 lemons, sliced
– 4 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried dill
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Place the salmon fillets on a large sheet pan. Arrange the lemon slices around the salmon.
3. Sprinkle the minced garlic over the salmon and lemon slices.
4. Drizzle the olive oil over the top.
5. Season with dried dill, salt, and black pepper.
6. Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve the Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon immediately, garnished with any remaining lemon slices and fresh herbs if desired.
Notes
For extra flavor, you can also add a sprinkle of lemon zest or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the salmon before serving. This recipe is easily customizable – feel free to adjust the amount of garlic or seasoning to your taste.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 10
- Category: Seafood & Meatless
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Conclusion
Sheet Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon is the ultimate easy, flavor-packed meal that’s sure to become a new family favorite. With its bright, citrusy notes and tender, flaky salmon, this 15-minute recipe checks all the boxes for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner. I hope you’ll give it a try soon – I guarantee it will quickly become a go-to in your recipe rotation. Let me know how it turns out in the comments below, and don’t forget to share your delicious creations on social media!
