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Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon
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This Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon recipe offers a juicy and flavorful seafood dish combining fresh lemon, savory garlic, and tender salmon. It is quick to prepare, healthy, and perfect for any meal occasion, delivering vibrant citrus and herb notes with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 4 fresh salmon fillets, skin-on (about 6 ounces each)

Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes for a gentle kick

Garnish

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Rinse salmon fillets under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Mince garlic and zest the lemon to ensure freshness and maximum flavor infusion.
  2. Make the Lemon Garlic Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. This mixture will soak the salmon in bright, savory flavors.
  3. Marinate the Salmon: Place salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade evenly over them. Let the fillets sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
  4. Bake the Salmon: Put the baking dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on fillet thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork but remains moist inside. Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove from oven and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or dill on top to add brightness and appealing color just before serving.

Notes

  • Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon for better flavor and texture.
  • Let salmon rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking for even cooking.
  • Don’t skip the lemon zest; it adds essential citrus oils beyond the juice.
  • Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.
  • Allow salmon to rest 3-5 minutes after baking to lock in juices.
  • If desired, add a pat of butter on top before baking for richer taste.
  • Optional spice variations: smoked paprika or cayenne pepper can be added for extra warmth.

Nutrition

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

Find it online: https://lillysplate.com/baked-lemon-garlic-salmon/