Description
This easy baked salmon with lemon is perfectly tender, flaky, and bursting with bright citrus flavor. Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal cleanup, it’s a healthy weeknight dinner that tastes like it came from a restaurant. Simple ingredients, foolproof method, and delicious results every time!
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each, about 1–1.5 inches thick)
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 lemon)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped (or ½ teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced into rounds
- Optional: ½ teaspoon paprika for color
- Optional: red pepper flakes for heat
Instructions
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking dish or rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lightly spray or brush with a small amount of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This is important for getting a nice surface on the fish and helping the seasonings stick. Place the fillets skin-side down (if using skin-on) in the prepared baking dish, spacing them about an inch apart so air can circulate.
Step 3: Make the Lemon Garlic Mixture
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, pepper, dill, and paprika if using. Mix until well combined and the salt has dissolved slightly.
Step 4: Season the Salmon
Brush or drizzle the lemon garlic mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, making sure to coat the top and sides. Use all of the mixture – don’t be shy! This is where all the flavor comes from. Let the salmon sit for 2-3 minutes to allow the flavors to start penetrating.
Step 5: Add Lemon Slices
Place 2-3 thin lemon slices on top of each fillet. These will infuse more lemon flavor and create a beautiful presentation. You can also tuck a few slices underneath or around the salmon.
Step 6: Bake the Salmon
Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part and flakes easily with a fork. The flesh should be opaque and slightly pink in the center. Start checking at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking.
Step 7: Broil for Extra Color (Optional)
If you want a slightly caramelized top, turn on the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch carefully to prevent burning. This step is optional but adds a nice finishing touch.
Step 8: Rest and Serve
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately with your favorite sides. Drizzle any pan juices over the salmon for extra flavor.
Notes
- Salmon thickness affects cooking time: thinner fillets (¾ inch) need about 10-12 minutes, while thicker fillets (1.5 inches) may need 15-17 minutes
- Don’t overcook! Salmon continues cooking after you remove it from the oven, so take it out when it’s just barely done
- If your fillets are different sizes, you may need to remove smaller ones earlier
- Room temperature salmon cooks more evenly – let it sit out for 15 minutes before baking if time allows
- For crispier skin (if using skin-on), place the baking dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes after baking
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (6 oz)
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg