Name: Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
Ingredients: Salmon Fillets: (1.5-2 lbs) – Choose skin-on or skinless fillets based on your preference. Skin-on salmon tends to be more forgiving during baking and offers crispy skin if cooked properly. Fresh salmon is always best, but frozen and thawed fillets work well too, just ensure they are fully thawed before baking.; Fresh Lemons: (2 medium) – Lemons are the star of the show, providing bright, citrusy notes that perfectly complement the richness of the salmon. You’ll need one lemon for slicing and another for juicing.; Garlic Cloves: (4-5 cloves) – Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent, savory base flavor. Mince it finely to ensure it evenly infuses the salmon and the marinade.; Olive Oil: (3-4 tablespoons) – Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its healthy fats and mild flavor. It helps keep the salmon moist during baking and aids in flavor distribution.; Fresh Parsley: (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous element and a pop of color. It’s best added after baking to retain its vibrant flavor and appearance.; Dried Oregano: (1 teaspoon) – Oregano provides a subtle earthy and slightly peppery undertone that enhances the overall Mediterranean flavor profile.; Salt: (To taste) – Sea salt or kosher salt is preferred for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon and other ingredients.; Black Pepper: (Freshly ground, to taste) – Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and depth of flavor.

Ingredients

This recipe shines because of its simplicity and the quality of its core ingredients. Each element plays a crucial role in creating a dish that is both flavorful and healthy. Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

Salmon Fillets: (1.5-2 lbs) – Choose skin-on or skinless fillets based on your preference. Skin-on salmon tends to be more forgiving during baking and offers crispy skin if cooked properly. Fresh salmon is always best, but frozen and thawed fillets work well too, just ensure they are fully thawed before baking.
Fresh Lemons: (2 medium) – Lemons are the star of the show, providing bright, citrusy notes that perfectly complement the richness of the salmon. You’ll need one lemon for slicing and another for juicing.
Garlic Cloves: (4-5 cloves) – Fresh garlic is essential for that pungent, savory base flavor. Mince it finely to ensure it evenly infuses the salmon and the marinade.
Olive Oil: (3-4 tablespoons) – Extra virgin olive oil is recommended for its healthy fats and mild flavor. It helps keep the salmon moist during baking and aids in flavor distribution.
Fresh Parsley: (2 tablespoons, chopped) – Parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous element and a pop of color. It’s best added after baking to retain its vibrant flavor and appearance.
Dried Oregano: (1 teaspoon) – Oregano provides a subtle earthy and slightly peppery undertone that enhances the overall Mediterranean flavor profile.
Salt: (To taste) – Sea salt or kosher salt is preferred for seasoning, enhancing the natural flavors of the salmon and other ingredients.
Black Pepper: (Freshly ground, to taste) – Freshly ground black pepper adds a touch of spice and depth of flavor.

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Instructions

This Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon recipe is incredibly straightforward, making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a healthy meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Follow these simple steps for perfectly cooked, flavorful salmon every time:

Preheat Your Oven and Prepare Baking Sheet: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). While the oven is heating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil. This step is crucial for easy cleanup and prevents the salmon from sticking to the pan. If using foil, lightly grease it with olive oil or cooking spray to further ensure the salmon doesn’t stick.
Prepare the Lemon and Garlic: Wash and thinly slice one of the lemons into rounds. Set these aside. For the garlic, peel and mince the cloves finely. Mincing the garlic ensures that its flavor is evenly distributed and infuses the salmon beautifully during baking.
Prepare the Salmon Fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This step is important as it helps remove excess moisture, allowing for better browning and flavor absorption. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. If your salmon has skin on, you can choose to bake it skin-side down for crispier skin or skin-side up if you prefer the skin to be softer.
Season the Salmon: Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salmon fillets. Season generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried oregano. Ensure that the seasonings are distributed across the surface of each fillet for optimal flavor in every bite.
Add Lemon and Garlic: Squeeze the juice of the remaining lemon over the salmon fillets. This adds a bright, citrusy flavor that complements the garlic and herbs. Distribute the minced garlic evenly over the salmon. Finally, arrange the lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet. The lemon slices not only infuse the salmon with flavor but also help keep it moist during baking.
Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for approximately 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact baking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets. A good indicator of doneness is when the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). You can use a food thermometer to check the internal temperature at the thickest part of the fillet. Avoid overbaking, as this can make the salmon dry.
Garnish and Serve: Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley. The parsley adds a fresh, vibrant finish to the dish. Serve immediately while hot, alongside your favorite side dishes.

Nutrition

Calories: 350
Protein: 40