Easy Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe

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ELIZABETH

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baked salmon with lemon slices and parsley

If you try any of my recipes, let it be this one. This baked lemon garlic salmon recipe is perfectly flaky and bursting with a glorious combination of bright and rich flavors.

Lately, I’ve been having a love affair with salmon. I have always been a fan of fish, but these last few weeks I can’t seem to get enough. I’m convinced that almost any hater can become a seafood fan if they try the right dish.

Friends, this easy baked lemon garlic salmon is that dish.

Made with simple ingredients like olive oil (or butter!), garlic cloves, lemon slices, and fresh parsley, this mouthwatering salmon dinner is easy to make and beyond satisfying.

All you have to do is prep your fish, then bake it to flaky perfection in under 20 minutes. Just like that, you’ve got an amazing and healthy dinner!

Not only is salmon packed with protein and omega-3 fatty acids, but it’s also incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in tons of tasty ways. (Hello, Miso Salmon Curry)!

I love serving this easy baked salmon alongside steamed rice or roasted potatoes and a green veggie like broccoli or asparagus.

Usually, I’ll make a few extra filets so I can enjoy a quick and easy meal over the next few days. During the summertime, I love adding my leftover salmon to a giant salad bowl and chowing down.

Once you try this baked lemon garlic salmon recipe, I guarantee you’ll be a fan. Try it out for yourself and let me know what you think in the comments down below!

Key Ingredients

Let’s break down the ingredients you’ll need to make this lemon garlic salmon dish. Check the recipe card below for exact measurements!

  • Salmon Filets: I like to use fresh salmon for the sake of convenience, but frozen salmon would work fine too. Wild-caught salmon is known to boast more nutrients and fewer calories than farm-raised salmon, but both are great options.
  • Olive Oil: Make sure to use high-quality extra virgin olive oil (EVOO). Alternatively, you could swap for grass-fed butter or ghee instead.
  • Lemon: Because we’re using the lemon slices in this dish, fresh lemon is essential. This citrus fruit infuses tons of bright, tangy flavor into the fish and beautifully complements the rich olive oil.
  • Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic pairs brilliantly with lemon and olive oil. Feel free to add a little more if you love garlic as much as I do.
  • Salt and Pepper: These are the only spices you need to enhance the natural flavors of the fish and our other ingredients.
  • Fresh Parsley: Flat-leaf parsley adds a bright, earthy flavor to the dish and turns it into a seriously photo-worthy plate. Who doesn’t love a gorgeous pop of color?!

How to Make Easy Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

Making this healthy salmon recipe is crazy easy and only requires a few ingredients. Just follow the simple steps below!

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and add the salmon filets, skin side down.
  2. Brush your salmon with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Top with lemon slices, then bake for 15-18 minutes or until salmon is cooked to your liking. Broil for 1 minute for a crispy, golden brown top if desired.
  3. Garnish with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper, then pair with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

baked salmon with lemon slices and parsley on a plate with green beans

Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe Tips

Here are some of my top tips to help you make the best-tasting salmon dish:

  • For an extra tangy flavor, feel free to add lemon zest or squeeze a little lemon juice over your filets before placing the fish in the oven to bake.
  • If you don’t have fresh garlic cloves, garlic powder will work in a pinch.
  • You can also pan-sear this salmon on the stove by cooking it on a nonstick pan over medium heat for 3-4 minutes on each side.
  • Don’t want to use salmon? Feel free to swap it out for another fatty fish like trout or halibut. You could also use a different protein source altogether, like chicken or pork. Make sure to adjust the cooking time as needed.
  • Not a parsley fan? Switch it up and try using fresh dill or chives instead.

Recipe Variations

Looking for more delicious ways to enjoy baked salmon? Here are some fun ideas:

  • Smoky Salmon: For smoky flavors, try seasoning your fish with smoked paprika, Cajun seasoning, or a dash of liquid smoke.
  • Herb Butter Salmon: Try mixing melted butter with minced garlic and your choice of fresh or dried herbs, then rub the mixture onto your filets before baking them.
  • Sweet and Spicy Salmon: Now this is a winning combo. Try mixing spicy flavors like cayenne pepper or chili powder with a touch of sweetness from honey or maple syrup.
  • Blackened Salmon: Grab your favorite blackened seasoning blend and coat your salmon well. Then, sear it quickly in a piping hot skillet with butter.

The key to the perfect salmon marinade is incorporating fat, acid, and seasonings. Fat could be butter or olive oil, acid could be lemon juice or vinegar, and seasonings could really be anything you want.

So have some fun, and don’t be afraid to play around until you find the variation you like the most!

Serving Ideas for Baked Salmon

There are plenty of tasty side dishes you can pair with salmon. Personally, I love keeping things simple with healthy starch like rice or potatoes and roasted vegetables or salad. But you can use any of your favorite side dishes!

For something light and refreshing, try serving this dish alongside a bright salad like this Apple Cider Lentil Salad or Mediterranean Chickpea Salad.

If you’re in the mood for something cozy and warm, pair it with a delicious soup like this Easy Vegan French Onion Soup or Creamy Cauliflower Soup.

Need something refreshing to wash down your meal with? You can’t go wrong with a zesty Honey Ginger Shot or this dreamy Pineapple Spinach Smoothie.

For a wholesome (and incredibly delicious) dessert to enjoy after dinner, whip up a batch of Easy Peanut Butter Fudge or No-Bake Raspberry Vegan Cheesecake.

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baked salmon with lemon slices and parsley

Easy Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe

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  • Author: Elizabeth Rider
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 2 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Bake
  • Cuisine: American

Description

This easy baked lemon garlic salmon recipe is melt-in-your-mouth delicious and requires just a few ingredients. Get ready to fall in love with your new favorite weeknight dinner!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 salmon fillets, about 6 oz each
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
  • 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 4 lemon slices
  • Flat-leaf parsley to taste, chopped

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and add the salmon filets, skin side down.
  2. Brush your salmon with olive oil, then sprinkle with salt, pepper, and minced garlic. Top with lemon slices, then bake for 15-18 minutes or until salmon is cooked to your liking. Broil for 1 minute for a crispy, golden brown top if desired.
  3. Garnish with chopped parsley and cracked black pepper, then pair with your favorite side dishes and enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are the answers to some of the most popular questions about this easy baked salmon recipe:

What temperature should salmon be cooked at?

The USDA recommends cooking salmon to 145°F. I have found the best results cooking mine at 375°F for 15-18 minutes.

You can use a food thermometer to check the temperature of your fish a few minutes before taking it out of the oven.

Keep in mind that the fish will continue to cook after you remove it from the oven, so it’s okay to take it out at 135°F or 140°F.

What flavors go best with salmon?

Salmon, like most types of fish, is incredibly versatile and goes well with many different flavors. Therefore, you really can’t go wrong with any of your favorite spice blends.

Make sure to start with a base of olive oil, ghee, or butter. Then, add in something with acid like lemon juice, Dijon mustard, or vinegar.

Finally, dress it up with spices and herbs, and voila! Now all you have to do is cook the fish and enjoy.

Can I store leftovers of this dish?

Of course! You can store your leftover salmon by allowing it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container or freezer-safe storage bag.

Then, store it in the fridge for 3-4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply transfer it to the fridge for 24 to 48 hours before reheating it on the stove or in the oven.

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Hi, I'm Elizabeth

I teach you how to be healthier without extremes, so you can live more and obsess less.

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