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Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon
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This easy and healthy baked lemon garlic salmon recipe combines zesty lemon and savory garlic flavors with tender, moist salmon fillets. Perfect for busy weeknights, it offers a nutritious meal rich in omega-3s and vitamin C without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Ready in under 20 minutes, it’s a flavorful and versatile dish that suits any dinner rotation.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 4 fresh salmon fillets, skin-on (about 6 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Optional Ingredients

  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper (for a spicy kick)
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup (for glazed version)
  • Herbs such as fresh thyme or rosemary (herb variation)
  • Smoked paprika or splash of soy sauce (for low sodium alternative)
  • Dollop of garlic aioli or lemon yogurt sauce (for creamy option)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Oven and Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil to prevent sticking. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a nice crust during baking.
  2. Make the Lemon Garlic Mixture: In a small bowl, combine freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Whisk them together until well blended. This mixture infuses the salmon with bright, savory flavors as it bakes.
  3. Coat the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared tray. Brush the lemon garlic mixture generously over the top and around the sides, making sure every bite is flavorful.
  4. Bake Until Tender: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking to maintain moisture and tender texture.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Once out of the oven, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or dill on top for color and added freshness. Serve immediately while warm for the best eating experience.

Notes

  • Choose fresh salmon with bright, firm flesh and minimal odor for best quality and flavor.
  • Use freshly squeezed lemon juice and zest instead of bottled for vibrant citrus notes.
  • Let the cooked salmon rest for a couple of minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
  • Keeping the skin on helps lock in moisture; remove before eating if preferred.
  • Check salmon early to avoid overcooking, which causes dryness.
  • Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • For longer storage, wrap cooked salmon tightly and freeze up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
  • Reheat gently in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10 minutes; avoid microwaving to prevent drying out.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, lemon garlic salmon, healthy salmon recipe, easy dinner, quick salmon, omega-3 salmon, gluten free salmon

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