Baked Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon – Sweet, Tangy & Melt-in-Your-Mouth Good

This Baked Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon is the ultimate easy, flavor-packed dinner that tastes like it came from a fancy restaurant. The salmon is perfectly flaky, coated in a sticky-sweet honey lime glaze infused with rich garlic butter and baked to tender, juicy perfection. It comes together in one pan in under 30 minutes—ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

🛒 Ingredients

1–1.5 lb salmon fillet (skin-on or skinless)
3 tablespoons melted butter
2 tablespoons honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
Zest and juice of 1 lime
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh chopped cilantro or parsley for garnish
Optional: red pepper flakes for a little heat

🔄 Substitutions

Salmon: Use trout or cod if preferred
Butter: Swap with ghee or plant-based butter
Honey: Maple syrup or agave can be used for a different sweetness
Lime: Use lemon if that’s what you have on hand
Garlic: Garlic powder works in a pinch (use ½ tsp)

👨‍🍳 How to Make

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper and lightly grease
In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, honey, lime zest, lime juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper
Place salmon fillet on the baking sheet and pour the honey lime garlic butter sauce over the top
Use a spoon or brush to coat the salmon evenly with the sauce
Bake for 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork
For extra caramelization, broil on high for 1–2 minutes at the end (watch carefully!)
Garnish with fresh herbs and an extra squeeze of lime before serving

🍚 Serving Suggestions

Serve with steamed rice, quinoa, or garlic mashed potatoes
Pair with roasted veggies, asparagus, or a simple cucumber salad
Use leftovers in tacos, wraps, or salmon bowls

✅ Recipe Tips

Use fresh salmon for the best flavor and texture
Don’t overbake—remove once the internal temp reaches 135–140°F (57–60°C)
Line your pan for easy cleanup (the glaze can get sticky)
Let salmon rest for 2–3 minutes before serving to retain juices

📦 Storage

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days
Freezer: Freeze leftovers for up to 1 month
Reheat: Warm in a 300°F oven or skillet over low heat to preserve moisture

🌀 Recipe Variations

Spicy Kick: Add sriracha or chili flakes to the glaze
Asian-Inspired: Add soy sauce, ginger, and green onion
Tropical Vibe: Add pineapple chunks and serve with coconut rice
Sheet Pan Style: Add broccoli or green beans to the same tray and roast together

❓ FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes! Just thaw completely and pat dry before baking

Is this recipe sweet or savory?
It’s the perfect balance—sweet from honey, tangy from lime, and savory from garlic butter

Do I need to marinate the salmon?
Nope! The sauce bakes right into the salmon and creates amazing flavor without any marinating

Can I grill instead of bake?
Yes! Wrap salmon in foil and grill for 12–15 minutes over medium heat

Once you try this Baked Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon, there’s no going back—it’s tender, flavorful, and totally foolproof. It might just become your favorite way to make salmon forever. 🍋🔥