Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon is the perfect blend of sweet, citrusy, and savory flavors, making it a standout dish for weeknights or special occasions. The salmon caramelizes beautifully while staying tender inside.
With a 30-minute cook time, it’s a quick, flavor-packed option that doesn’t sacrifice elegance. Fresh lime, golden honey, and rich butter elevate this dish into a crave-worthy favorite.
Star Players in Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon
- Salmon fillet – The heart of the dish, this fatty, tender fish soaks up all the sweet and zesty flavors while staying moist and flaky.
- Unsalted butter – Adds richness and helps develop a silky glaze that coats the salmon as it bakes and broils.
- Honey – Brings natural sweetness and helps caramelize the top for a beautiful golden finish.
- Garlic – Crushed and aromatic, it adds a savory punch that balances the lime and honey.
- Fresh lime juice – Brightens the entire dish with acidity, cutting through the butter and honey for balance.
- Fresh parsley – Sprinkled before and after baking, it adds color and herbaceous freshness that lifts every bite.
Quick and Flavorful Steps to Make Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon
Start by preheating your oven and lining a sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Melt butter gently and mix in honey, lime juice, and garlic to create the glaze.
Lay your salmon fillet on the foil, pour the glaze evenly over the top, and season generously with salt, pepper, and parsley. Fold the foil edges up to cradle the sauce.
Bake until the salmon is tender, then broil briefly to caramelize the top for added texture and flavor. Finish with more parsley and fresh lime slices for brightness.
Tips for Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon Perfection
For best results, use wild-caught salmon with the skin on to help lock in moisture. Don’t skip the broiling step—it creates a glossy, caramelized top that contrasts beautifully with the tender fish.
You can swap parsley with fresh cilantro for a different herbal profile or add a pinch of chili flakes to the glaze if you like a bit of heat. Serving with rice or roasted vegetables rounds out the meal without overshadowing the salmon’s bold flavors.
Keep It Fresh: How to Store and Reheat
If you have leftovers, store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven at 300°F covered with foil to retain moisture. Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the fish.
You can also freeze portions of cooked salmon wrapped tightly in foil and stored in freezer bags for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley divided
- Sea salt to taste
- 2 1/2 pounds salmon fillet whole side
- Juice of 2 limes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1/3 cup unsalted butter
- 4 large garlic cloves crushed
- Cracked black pepper to taste (optional)
- Lime slices for serving
Instructions
- Adjust an oven rack to the center and preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Prepare a baking tray by lining it with a generous sheet of foil, using two overlapping pieces if the salmon is particularly wide.
- Gently melt the butter in a small saucepan over low to medium heat. Incorporate the honey, garlic, and lime juice, whisking until fully blended and the honey has dissolved into the butter.
- Lay the salmon onto the prepared baking tray. Drizzle the warm honey-lime sauce evenly across the fish. Season generously with sea salt (approximately 2 teaspoons), scatter some cracked pepper if desired, and top with half of the parsley. Fold the edges of the foil slightly to keep the glaze surrounding the fillet.
- Bake the salmon for approximately 15 to 18 minutes, adjusting based on thickness and your desired level of doneness. Switch the oven setting to broil (or grill) and cook an additional 2 to 3 minutes over medium heat to achieve a caramelized surface.
- Sprinkle with the remaining parsley and serve at once, accompanied by fresh lime slices.
