Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon Recipe
If you crave a meal that’s healthy, flavorful, and effortless, Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon stands out as the perfect choice. With its vibrant citrus notes and rich, buttery texture, this dish comes together beautifully in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re prepping a quick weekday dinner or serving guests on the weekend, this recipe never fails to impress. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process to create the most delicious baked salmon you’ve ever tasted.
Ingredients You Will Need
Before starting, make sure you gather all the ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (each about 6 oz or 170 g)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 large lemon, juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Lemon slices (for topping)
How to Make Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
1. Preheat the Oven
First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. Preparing the baking sheet ahead saves time and ensures the salmon lifts off easily after baking.
2. Prepare the Marinade
Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and black pepper. The fresh lemon zest intensifies the flavor, creating a beautiful balance between bright and savory notes.
You want the marinade to be well combined, almost creamy, so it sticks nicely to the salmon.
3. Marinate the Salmon
Next, place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Spoon the marinade generously over each piece, making sure every fillet gets a good coating.
For maximum flavor, let the salmon marinate at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before baking. This quick marination helps the garlic and lemon penetrate the fish without needing hours of prep.
4. Bake the Salmon
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake the salmon for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. Thicker pieces might need a minute or two more, but you want the salmon to flake easily with a fork without becoming dry.
If you prefer a slightly crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 1–2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning — the lemon and garlic can brown quickly under the broiler.
5. Garnish and Serve
Once done, remove the salmon from the oven. Let it rest for a couple of minutes to settle the juices.
Garnish each fillet with chopped fresh parsley and a couple of lemon slices. Serve immediately while warm for the best texture and flavor.
Pair it with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad to complete a well-rounded, nutrient-dense meal.
Tips for the Best Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Use fresh lemon juice and zest instead of bottled lemon juice. Fresh citrus adds a much brighter, cleaner flavor.
- Don’t overbake the salmon; check for doneness at the 12-minute mark.
- Choose wild-caught salmon whenever possible. It tends to have better flavor and a healthier fat profile than farmed varieties.
- Marinate for 10–15 minutes only; fish absorbs flavors faster than meat.
- Add lemon slices on top before baking if you love an extra citrus punch baked into the fish.
Following these simple tips guarantees a moist, flaky, and delicious salmon every time you bake it.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 34 g |
| Fat | 18 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 3 g |
| Fiber | 0.5 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
| Cholesterol | 85 mg |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
Yields: 4 servings
Note: Nutrition facts are estimated and can vary depending on specific ingredient brands.
