Craving a healthy, delicious meal that comes together in a flash? This baked salmon with lemon garlic recipe is your answer! It’s incredibly flavorful, packed with wholesome ingredients, and perfect for busy weeknights. You’ll love how quickly this dish preps and how minimal the cleanup is, making it ideal for both seasoned cooks and kitchen novices alike. Get ready to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal at home.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon with Lemon Garlic
You will absolutely adore this recipe for many reasons, making it a go-to in your meal rotation.
- Quick & Easy: This dish comes together in just about 30 minutes from start to finish. It’s perfect for busy evenings.
- Wholesome Ingredients: You only need a few simple, fresh ingredients to create a truly spectacular meal.
- Perfectly Cooked Salmon: Our method ensures a moist, flaky salmon fillet every single time, without fuss.
- Bursting with Flavor: The vibrant lemon-garlic herb sauce infuses the salmon, creating an irresistible taste.
- Effortless Cleanup: Baking in foil means virtually no mess, which busy parents and beginners will truly appreciate.
- Healthy Choice: This recipe is naturally Mediterranean diet friendly, rich in omega-3s and lean protein.
Ingredients
Gather these fresh, simple ingredients to create your mouthwatering baked salmon with lemon garlic:
- 2 pounds salmon fillet, skin-on
- Kosher salt, to taste
- 3 large lemons, for zest, juice, and slices
- 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
Notes & Substitutions
Selecting the right ingredients makes a difference in your final dish.
- Choosing Salmon: Look for King, Sockeye, or Atlantic salmon. Skin-on salmon protects the fish from drying out and is easier to handle on the pan.
- Lemon Varieties: Regular lemons work perfectly, but consider Meyer lemons for a slightly sweeter, less acidic flavor profile.
- Garlic Prep: For the best flavor, finely chop or mince your garlic rather than using pre-minced jars. This ensures a fresh, pungent taste.
- Paprika Variations: Sweet paprika offers a mild, slightly sweet, and fruity flavor. Smoked paprika adds a deeper, smoky complexity if you prefer.
- Herb Swaps: Feel free to substitute dried oregano with other dried herbs like dill, thyme, or rosemary for a different aromatic twist.
- Other Fish: This method works beautifully for other firm white fish, such as cod, halibut, or trout. Adjust baking times as needed for thickness.
- Quality Olive Oil: Using a good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances the overall flavor of your lemon-garlic sauce.
Equipment
You’ll need a few basic kitchen tools to make this easy baked salmon with lemon garlic:
- Sheet pan
- Aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring spoons/cups
- Citrus zester/grater
- Garlic press (optional)
- Pastry brush (optional)
- Instant-read thermometer (optional)
Instructions
Follow these straightforward steps to prepare your delicious baked salmon with lemon garlic.
- Get Ready: Position one oven rack in the center and one rack about 6 inches from the broiler. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a large sheet pan with a long piece of aluminum foil, ensuring it’s long enough to fold over the salmon. Lightly brush the foil with a bit of extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Lemon-Garlic Sauce: Zest one of the lemons directly into a small bowl or measuring cup. Then, slice and squeeze the juice from both lemons into the same bowl, ensuring no seeds get in. Add the extra virgin olive oil, finely chopped garlic, dried oregano, sweet paprika, and black pepper. Whisk all these ingredients together until well combined. This creates your flavorful lemon-garlic sauce for the salmon.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillet completely dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the seasoning adhere and promotes even cooking. Season both sides of the salmon generously with kosher salt. Place the salmon, skin-side down, onto the prepared foil on the sheet pan.
- Add Sauce & Lemon Slices: Carefully pour the prepared lemon-garlic sauce evenly over the top of the salmon. You might need to gently bend the foil upwards around the fish to contain the liquid. Use a spoon or a pastry brush to ensure the sauce spreads across the entire surface. Slice half of the remaining lemon into thin rounds and arrange them on top of the salmon. Cut the other half into wedges for serving.
- Wrap in Foil: Bring the loose end of the aluminum foil up and over the salmon. Tent the foil high enough to create a small air pocket between the foil and the lemon slices on top of the fish. Crimp the foil tightly closed at the top and sides to completely encase the salmon and trap the steam. If your foil wasn’t quite long enough, simply use another piece and crimp the two sheets together.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the sheet pan with the wrapped salmon in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the salmon is almost cooked through at its thickest part. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillet.
- Broil to Finish: Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Gently open the foil, folding it back to expose the top of the salmon. Turn your oven’s broiler to high. Place the salmon under the broiler for about 2 to 3 minutes, just until the top is lightly browned and the salmon is cooked through to your desired doneness. Watch it very closely during this step to prevent the lemons and garlic from burning. Remove the salmon from the oven immediately.
- Garnish & Serve: Carefully transfer the baked salmon with lemon garlic to a serving platter. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with the reserved lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of brightness. Enjoy your perfectly cooked, flavorful salmon!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Ensure your baked salmon with lemon garlic turns out perfect every time with these helpful hints.
- Checking Doneness: The easiest way to check if salmon is done is with an instant-read thermometer. For food safety, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) provides guidelines on the minimum internal temperature for cooked fish. USDA safe minimum internal temperatures for seafood USDA recommends 145°F (63°C), but many prefer salmon cooked to 135-140°F (57-60°C) for a flakier, moister result. Alternatively, insert a fork into the thickest part; the flesh should easily flake.
- Preventing Overcooking: Salmon can go from perfect to dry very quickly. Adjust your baking time based on the salmon’s thickness. Thinner fillets need less time. Keep a close eye on it, especially during the broiling stage.
- If Salmon is Underdone: If your salmon isn’t quite done after broiling, simply re-tent it with foil for 5 minutes. The residual heat will continue to cook it gently. You can also return it to the oven for a few extra minutes if needed.
- Crispy Skin (Optional): If you enjoy crispy salmon skin, after baking, you can place the salmon skin-side up on the pan. Broil until the skin is golden and crisp, watching carefully to prevent burning.
- Flavor Boost: For an even deeper flavor, you can marinate the salmon in the lemon-garlic sauce for 30 minutes in the refrigerator before baking.
Serving, Storage, & Variations
Maximize your enjoyment of this delicious baked salmon with lemon garlic with these ideas.
- Serving Suggestions: This versatile baked salmon pairs wonderfully with many sides. Serve it alongside fluffy Basmati rice, Greek lemon rice, or a light couscous. Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or a simple green salad with vinaigrette are also excellent choices.
- Make Ahead: You can prepare the lemon-garlic sauce up to a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This saves you precious minutes on busy weeknights.
- Storage: Store any leftover baked salmon with lemon garlic in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s still delicious the next day!
- Reheating: For best results, gently reheat leftover salmon in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for 10-15 minutes, or until just warmed through. You can also use a microwave on a low setting, but be careful not to overcook it.
- Flavor Variations: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a subtle kick. Experiment with different fresh herbs like fresh dill or chives, chopped and sprinkled on before serving, for a brighter finish.
Nutrition
Leading health organizations recognize the significant health advantages associated with consuming omega-3 fatty acids. benefits of omega-3 fatty acids for heart and brain health Baked salmon with lemon garlic offers a fantastic array of nutritional benefits. Salmon is celebrated for being an excellent source of healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart and brain health. It’s also packed with high-quality protein, essential vitamins like B12 and D, and minerals such as selenium. This dish combines lean protein with antioxidant-rich garlic and Vitamin C from lemons, creating a truly nourishing meal.
| Nutrient | Amount Per Serving (approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350-400 kcal |
| Protein | 45-50 g |
| Fat | 15-20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3-4 g |
| Cholesterol | 100-120 mg |
| Sodium | 400-500 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 5-7 g |
| Fiber | 1-2 g |
| Sugars | 1-2 g |
Values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
FAQ
Got questions about making perfect baked salmon with lemon garlic? We have answers!
- Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, absolutely! Thaw frozen salmon thoroughly in the refrigerator overnight before patting dry and proceeding with the recipe.
- How long to bake salmon per inch of thickness? A general rule is 10 minutes of baking time per inch of thickness at 400°F. For 375°F, slightly extend this, usually 12-15 minutes per inch.
- Is it necessary to use foil? Using foil helps steam the salmon, locking in moisture and flavor. It also makes cleanup incredibly easy, which is a major benefit for quick meals.
- Can I prepare this without the skin on? You can, but skin-on salmon helps keep the fish moist and prevents it from sticking to the foil. If using skinless, ensure you oil the foil generously.
- How do I prevent garlic from burning during broiling? Keep a close eye on the salmon during broiling, as garlic can burn quickly. Broil for only 2-3 minutes, just enough to lightly brown the top.
Conclusion
This baked salmon with lemon garlic recipe proves that incredibly delicious and healthy meals don’t need to be complicated. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you can create a flavorful, flaky salmon dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from a busy weeknight to a special dinner. We hope this recipe becomes a new family favorite, simplifying your meal prep and bringing joy to your table. Give it a try tonight and let us know what you think – we love hearing your feedback and other favorite easy salmon recipes!