Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Baked Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon is a vibrant, flavorful dish that’s quick to make and packed with sweet, tangy, and savory notes. The buttery glaze melts into the flaky salmon as it bakes, infusing every bite with citrusy freshness and garlicky richness. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a simple yet impressive recipe that delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)unsalted buttergarlichoneylime juice and zestolive oilsalt and pepperfresh parsley (for garnish)lime slices (for topping, optional)

directions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper.

Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish, skin-side down if using skin-on.

In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.

Stir in honey, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Simmer briefly to blend the flavors.

Pour the honey lime garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon.

Top with lime slices if desired.

Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.

Spoon some of the pan juices over the salmon before serving and garnish with chopped parsley.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields 4 servings.Preparation time: 10 minutesCooking time: 15-18 minutesTotal time: 25-30 minutes

Variations

Add a dash of chili flakes for a spicy twist.

Use orange juice instead of lime for a sweeter citrus flavor.

Swap butter with ghee or vegan butter for dietary preferences.

Top with chopped nuts like pistachios for added texture.

Serve over rice, quinoa, or salad greens for a complete meal.

storage/reheating

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out.Not recommended for freezing once cooked, as the texture may change.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes, just thaw it completely and pat dry before baking.

Is this dish spicy?

No, but you can add spice with chili flakes or hot sauce.

Can I grill this instead of baking?

Yes, use foil and grill over medium heat until cooked through.

Do I need to marinate the salmon?

Not necessary—this recipe works perfectly with a quick glaze before baking.

What kind of honey should I use?

Any pure honey works, but raw honey adds extra depth.

Can I use bottled lime juice?

Fresh is best for flavor, but bottled works in a pinch.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

It should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temp of 145°F (63°C).

Can I double the sauce?

Absolutely—great for spooning over side dishes too.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, just ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.

Can I cook this in foil packets?

Yes, for easier cleanup and juicier results.

Conclusion

Baked Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon is a fast, flavorful, and foolproof recipe that brings together the richness of butter, the zing of lime, and the sweetness of honey in a beautifully balanced dish. Whether you’re serving it up for a busy weeknight or impressing guests, this salmon delivers delicious results every time.