Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This step is essential for getting that perfect bake on your salmon without drying it out.

Take a large sheet of aluminum foil, making sure it’s long enough to wrap around the salmon. Lay it on a baking sheet, positioning the longer side parallel to the sheet pan. This will make handling a lot easier.

Lay your salmon fillet, skin-side down, on the foil. The skin will help protect the fish and add a bit of texture, plus, who doesn’t love the buttery skin?

Nestle the thin lemon slices underneath the salmon, spreading them evenly around the fillet. The lemons will infuse their flavor into the fish as it cooks.

In a microwave-safe measuring cup, add the unsalted butter. Heat it in the microwave for about 1 minute or until fully melted.

Once melted, stir in the lemon juice, honey, and minced garlic. Give it a good mix until well combined. This is where the magic happens—sweet, savory, and tangy goodness all in one bowl.

Spoon about three-quarters of the lemon mixture over the salmon fillet, reserving the remainder for later. Ensure it’s evenly coated but don’t overdo it; we don’t want a pool of liquid.

Sprinkle the salmon with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t skimp on this step; the seasoning helps elevate the dish.

Fold the edges of the foil up and around the salmon to create a packet. This keeps all those delightful flavors inside. If needed, lay another sheet of foil over the top to ensure an airtight seal.

If you have the time, let the salmon marinate in its buttery goodness for about 10 to 15 minutes. This adds depth to the flavor.

Place the foil packet on the baking sheet and pop it into your preheated oven. Let it bake for approximately 17 minutes. The salmon should be tender and cooked through but still moist.

After baking, remove the baking sheet from the oven and carefully open the top of the foil packet. Turn your oven to high broil. Spoon the reserved buttery mixture over the salmon, if desired. If the packet is brimming with juice, you can skip this step to avoid overflow.

Broil the salmon for 5 to 10 minutes until it has a beautiful golden hue. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t cook too long!

If you like, finish it off with a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a fresh touch, and then it’s time to serve!