Honey Lime Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe | Zesty, Juicy Dish

I just baked this Honey Lime Garlic Butter Salmon and wow—it turned out gorgeous. The outside caramelized lightly, while the inside stayed moist and flaky. I love how easy it was to throw together, yet it tastes like something from a fancy restaurant.

Whenever I have this on the table, people ask for seconds. If you enjoy salmon dishes like a creamy Cajun pepper salmon recipe, this honey-lime version will be another favorite for sure.

Honey Lime Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

Ingredients Section

Here are all the ingredients I used, how much of each, and some pro tips on why they matter:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each) — fresh fillets work best; avoid fish that smells “off.”
Salt and pepper, to taste — basic seasoning; helps bring out the natural salmon flavor.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted — unsalted lets you adjust salt; melted butter helps coat the salmon evenly.
4 cloves garlic, minced — fresh garlic gives better aroma and flavor than powder.
2 tablespoons honey — balances the tartness of lime with sweetness.
1 tablespoon lime juice — fresh squeezed is brighter; bottled works only if that’s all you have.
Zest of 1 lime — adds extra citrus fragrance and flavor.
2 tablespoons freshly chopped parsley (for garnish) — fresh herbs at the end bring freshness and color.
Lime wedges, for serving — extra citrus on the side lets each person add brightness.

Note: several servings — This recipe yields about 6 servings when using the quantities above.

Variations

Here are some ways I sometimes tweak this recipe to suit different tastes or dietary needs:

Dairy-free option: Replace butter with a good quality olive oil or coconut oil.
Reduced sugar / sugar-free swap: Use a sugar substitute or reduce the honey slightly; or try agave or a mild syrup instead.
Add heat: If I’m craving spice, I stir in red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to the garlic butter mix.
Herbs twist: Swap parsley for cilantro, basil, or even dill to change the flavor profile.
Citrus variation: Use lemon juice/zest instead of lime if you prefer sharper acidity; or mix lemon + lime for balanced citrus.

Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: About 35 minutes from start to finish.

Equipment You Need

Baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper — for easier cleanup and to catch drippings.
Small bowl — to mix together melted butter, garlic, honey, lime juice, and zest.
Oven with reliable temperature control — makes a difference for proper baking and browning.
Baking spatula or fish spatula — to move the salmon without breaking it.
Knife and cutting board — for zesting the lime, mincing garlic, chopping parsley.

How to Make Honey-Lime Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

Preparing the Oven and Salmon

I first preheat my oven to 375°F (about 190°C). While it heats, I line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Then I season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper and place them skin-side down on the baking sheet.

Making the Sauce

Next, I melt the butter in a small bowl. Into it, I stir in minced garlic, honey, lime juice, and lime zest. I whisk gently until it’s blended, making sure the garlic is evenly distributed but not burnt. This is the flavor base—the sauce that will coat the salmon.

Baking & Finishing

I spoon or drizzle the honey-lime garlic butter over each salmon fillet, making sure they’re well coated. Then I bake for about 15-18 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

For a golden, slightly caramelized top, I switch the heat to broil for the last 2-3 minutes, watching closely so nothing burns. Once done, I garnish with freshly chopped parsley and lime wedges before serving.

Additional Tips for Making this Recipe Better

Let the salmon sit out for 10-15 minutes before baking so it’s not cold—it cooks more evenly that way.
Use the broil step at the end I mentioned—just a few minutes makes the top caramelize beautifully, giving texture contrast.
Always taste the sauce before drizzling—sometimes I adjust salt or add a drop more lime if I want extra brightness.
Don’t overcook: when the salmon flakes but still feels moist in the center, that’s ideal.
If you want a richer flavor, marinate the salmon for 10-15 minutes in the sauce before baking (but not necessary).

How to Serve Honey-Lime Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

Serve the salmon garnished with lime wedges and a sprinkle of fresh parsley to make it look vibrant. I often place it on a platter lined with leafy greens or alongside roasted veggies.

For sides, I like pairing it with dishes from my own collection of dinner recipes—think roasted potatoes or a crisp salad. A drizzle of the leftover butter sauce keeps the salmon glossy and flavorful.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (about six servings total):

Calories: Approximately 350-400 kcal
Protein: Around 25-30 g
Carbohydrates: Roughly 6-10 g
Fat: Probably 20-25 g

Make Ahead and Storage

Freezing:
I prefer not to freeze the fully cooked salmon once glazed in the sauce—textures change and sauce separation can happen.

Reheating:
To reheat, I gently warm it in the oven at a low temp (around 275-300°F / 135-150°C), covered with foil to prevent drying out.

Storage Duration:
Cooked salmon with sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 2-3 days.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

It’s simple and fast: minimal prep, under 40 minutes total.
The flavor is layered: sweet honey, sharp garlic, tangy lime, and rich butter all together—balanced, not overpowering.
Flexibility: I can adjust sweetness, spice, or herbs to suit different preferences or dietary needs.
Looks impressive: caramel-coloured top, fresh garnish, and bright lime make it perfect for sharing or even for a smoked salmon bowl-style presentation.
Nutritious: rich in protein and healthy fats, plus the citrus and garlic add antioxidants and vitamins.

Ash Tyrrell