Print

Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

A quick, healthy, and flavorful Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe that combines zesty lemon brightness with savory garlic, baked to tender and flaky perfection. Perfect for an easy weeknight dinner, this dish uses simple ingredients to deliver a nutritious and crowd-pleasing meal with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 fresh salmon fillets (wild-caught preferred, about 6 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat Your Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) ensuring it’s hot and ready to give your salmon a beautifully baked finish as soon as it goes in.
  2. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create the flavorful marinade.
  3. Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet or in a baking dish. Generously brush or spoon the lemon-garlic marinade over each fillet, covering every inch for maximum flavor.
  4. Add Lemon Zest and Herbs: Sprinkle freshly grated lemon zest and chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill over the salmon for added fragrance and color.
  5. Bake to Perfection: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on fillet thickness.
  6. Serve and Enjoy: Remove the salmon from the oven, let it rest for 1-2 minutes, then plate with your favorite sides and a final squeeze of fresh lemon juice.

Notes

  • Choose even thickness fillets to ensure uniform cooking.
  • Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor.
  • Do not overbake to keep the salmon moist and tender.
  • Let the salmon rest briefly before serving to lock in juices.
  • Line your baking pan with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon garlic salmon, healthy dinner, easy salmon recipe, gluten free seafood