Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

Introduction

There are few dishes as elegant yet effortless as Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon. This recipe combines tender, flaky salmon with the vibrant freshness of lemon and the aromatic richness of garlic. Baked to perfection, it’s a dish that feels gourmet while being incredibly simple to prepare.

Salmon is not only flavorful but also a powerhouse of nutrition, loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins. When paired with lemon and garlic, it transforms into a light, healthy, and delicious meal that works for both weeknight dinners and dinner parties.

Unlike complicated fish recipes that require frying or heavy sauces, this baked salmon uses minimal ingredients, a single pan, and results in an irresistible balance of zesty, savory, and buttery flavors.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it embodies the perfect balance of flavor, health, and convenience. The lemon brightens the dish, the garlic adds depth, and the salmon melts in your mouth. It’s:

• Quick and easy – ready in under 30 minutes.
• Nutritious – packed with healthy fats and protein.
• Elegant – beautiful enough to serve to guests but simple enough for everyday meals.
• Versatile – pairs wonderfully with rice, salad, pasta, or roasted vegetables.

This is my go-to recipe when I want something delicious, wholesome, and stress-free.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

• Beginner-friendly: No complicated steps—just season and bake.
• Restaurant-quality at home: A gourmet-tasting dish with pantry ingredients.
• Customizable: Can be made with different herbs and seasonings.
• Family-friendly: Even picky eaters usually love the mild lemon-garlic flavor.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: ~320 kcal

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: American, Mediterranean-inspired

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for topping)

Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Season salmon: Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Brush or spoon the marinade over the top of each fillet.
4. Add lemon slices: Place thin lemon slices on top for extra flavor.
5. Bake: Cook in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

How to Serve

• With roasted vegetables (asparagus, broccoli, or green beans).
• Over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a filling meal.
• With a side salad and crusty bread for a light dinner.
• Flaked over pasta with extra lemon-garlic sauce.

Recipe Tips

• Do not overcook: Salmon is best when slightly pink in the center—juicy, not dry.
• Check internal temperature: It should reach 145°F (63°C).
• Use fresh lemon juice for the brightest flavor.
• Pat salmon dry before baking so the seasoning sticks.

Variations

• Herb Butter Salmon: Swap olive oil for herb butter.
• Spicy Salmon: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne for a kick.
• Honey Garlic Salmon: Replace half the lemon juice with 2 tbsp honey for sweetness.
• Dill & Lemon Salmon: Replace oregano with fresh dill for a Scandinavian twist.
• Foil Packets: Wrap salmon and seasonings in foil for an extra juicy bake.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Wrap fillets in foil and store in a freezer bag.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes or until warmed through (to avoid drying out).

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet or casserole dish
• Parchment paper (optional, for easy cleanup)
• Small mixing bowl
• Pastry brush or spoon

Conclusion

This Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon is proof that you don’t need complicated recipes to make a dish that feels both indulgent and healthy. It’s light, flavorful, and full of freshness, perfect for weeknight dinners yet elegant enough for entertaining. With just a handful of simple ingredients and less than 30 minutes of time, you’ll have a dish that’s guaranteed to impress.

It’s more than just dinner—it’s a healthy, satisfying, and refreshing experience on a plate.

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Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

Author: admin Cuisine: American Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 mins Cook Time 20 mins Total Time 30 mins

Servings: 4 Calories: per serving: ~320 kcal

Description

There are few dishes as elegant yet effortless as Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon. This recipe combines tender, flaky salmon with the vibrant freshness of lemon and the aromatic richness of garlic.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (or melted butter)
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 of Juice large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon slices (for topping)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and pepper.
3. Season salmon: Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Brush or spoon the marinade over the top of each fillet.
4. Add lemon slices: Place thin lemon slices on top for extra flavor.
5. Bake: Cook in the preheated oven for 15–20 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve warm.

Keywords: Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon