Delicious & Easy Lemon Salmon Recipe

Welcome to a truly simple and satisfying meal that will become a weeknight favorite! This lemon salmon recipe is perfect for busy parents and beginners, offering amazing flavor with minimal effort. You’ll love how quickly you can prepare and cook this dish, making healthy eating a breeze. Get ready for a flavorful, nutritious meal that truly shines.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Lemon Salmon Recipe

This easy lemon salmon recipe isn’t just delicious; it’s designed for simplicity and incredible results. You will find so many reasons to make it a regular on your menu.

• Quick and Simple Preparation: From start to finish, this dish comes together in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy evenings.
• Healthy, Nutrient-Packed Dish: Salmon is rich in Omega-3s, providing a fantastic boost of protein and essential nutrients.
• Bursting with Bright, Savory Flavors: Fresh lemon, aromatic garlic, and savory herbs create an irresistible taste.
• Minimal Cleanup with Foil Baking: Cooking in foil means less scrubbing pots and pans after dinner, saving you precious time.
• Versatile for Various Sides: It pairs beautifully with almost any side dish, from rice to roasted vegetables.

Ingredients

Gather these fresh, wholesome ingredients to create your incredible lemon salmon recipe. Using quality ingredients elevates the final taste significantly.

• 2 pounds salmon fillet (skin-on recommended for best results)
• Kosher salt
• 2 large lemons (for zest, juice, and slices)
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves, finely chopped
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Chopped fresh parsley, for garnish

Notes & Substitutions

• Salmon: Choose fresh, vibrant wild-caught or farmed salmon. Cod, halibut, or even thick-cut tilapia can also work as alternatives, though cooking times may vary.
• Lemons: Fresh lemons are key. The zest provides intense citrus aroma, while the juice adds brightness. Limes can be used in a pinch for a different but equally delicious tang.
• Garlic: Freshly chopped garlic offers the best flavor. Pre-minced garlic is a convenient option but can have a slightly less robust taste.
• Herbs: Dried oregano works perfectly here. Feel free to substitute with fresh oregano, dill, or thyme for a subtle flavor change.
• Paprika: Sweet paprika adds warmth and color. Smoked paprika can provide a deeper, smoky flavor if you prefer.

Equipment

You won’t need much special equipment for this straightforward lemon salmon recipe.

• Rimmed baking sheet
• Aluminum foil
• Small mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Instant-read thermometer (optional, but highly recommended for perfect doneness)

Instructions

Creating this flavorful lemon salmon recipe is incredibly easy with these clear, step-by-step instructions.

• Get ready. Position one oven rack in the center and one rack about 6 inches from the broiler. Preheat your oven to 375°F. Line a sheet pan longways with a large piece of foil, ensuring it’s long enough to fold over the salmon. Brush the foil with extra virgin olive oil to prevent sticking.
• Make the lemon-garlic sauce. Zest one of the lemons into a small bowl or measuring cup, then add the juice from both lemons. Add the extra virgin olive oil, chopped garlic, dried oregano, sweet paprika, and black pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. This is your flavorful sauce for the baked lemon salmon recipe.
• Prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon fillet completely dry using paper towels; this helps salt adhere and promotes even cooking. Season both sides generously with kosher salt. Place the seasoned salmon on the prepared foil, skin side down. Carefully pour the lemon garlic sauce over the salmon, gently bending the foil edges upwards around the fish to contain the liquid. Use a spoon or a pastry brush to spread the sauce evenly across the entire surface of the fish. Slice half of the remaining lemon into thin rounds and the other half into wedges; arrange the lemon rounds on top of the salmon.
• Wrap the salmon in foil. Fold the loose end of the foil up and over the salmon, creating a tent high enough to leave an air pocket between the foil and the lemon slices on top of the salmon. Crimp the foil closed tightly at the top and sides to fully encase the fish, trapping the steam inside. If your foil piece wasn’t quite long enough, simply tear off another sheet and crimp the two pieces together securely.
• Bake the salmon. Bake the foil-wrapped salmon in the preheated oven until it is almost cooked through at its thickest part, which usually takes 15 to 20 minutes. The fish should be opaque on the outside but still slightly translucent in the center.
• Broil the salmon. Carefully remove the pan from the oven. Open the foil, folding it out to fully expose the top of the salmon. Turn your oven broiler to high. Place the salmon back under the broiler briefly, watching closely, until the top is lightly browned and the salmon is cooked through to your desired doneness, typically about 3 minutes. Keep a very close eye on it to prevent overcooking or burning the lemons and garlic. Remove the salmon from the oven immediately.
• Serve. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley over the cooked lemon salmon recipe for a burst of color and freshness. Serve immediately with the reserved lemon wedges on the side for an extra squeeze of citrus.

Pro Tips for Perfect Lemon Salmon

Achieving perfectly cooked, moist, and flavorful lemon salmon is simple with these helpful tips.

• Choosing Quality Salmon: Look for fillets with vibrant, moist flesh and a fresh, mild smell. Avoid any fish that smells overly fishy or has dull, dry spots.
• Preventing Overcooking: Salmon can dry out quickly. An instant-read thermometer should register between 135-145°F for medium-rare to medium. It will continue to cook slightly after removal.
• Benefits of Foil: The foil tent steams the salmon, locking in moisture and ensuring a tender, flaky result. It also makes cleanup a breeze!
• Broiling Watch: The broiler works fast. Stay by the oven and check frequently to ensure the salmon browns nicely without burning the lemon slices or garlic.
• Skin On vs. Off: Leaving the skin on helps keep the salmon moist during baking and makes it easier to handle. You can easily remove it after cooking if you prefer.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations

This versatile lemon salmon is fantastic on its own, but it pairs beautifully with many sides and can be easily customized.

Serving Ideas

• Pair with fluffy Basmati rice, tangy Greek lemon rice, or crispy roasted potatoes.
• Serve alongside a fresh, crunchy Mediterranean salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives.
• Consider simple steamed vegetables like tender asparagus, crisp green beans, or broccoli.

Storage & Reheating

• Refrigerate any leftover lemon salmon in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days for best quality.
• Reheat gently in the oven at a low temperature (around 275°F) or briefly in the microwave to avoid drying it out.
• Freezing cooked salmon isn’t ideal as it can affect the texture, but it’s possible for short periods in an airtight container.

Flavor Variations

• Add fresh dill or thyme sprigs to the sauce for an aromatic, herbaceous twist.
• Include a tablespoon of capers with the sauce for a briny, salty punch.
• Try a pinch of red chili flakes for a subtle kick of heat that complements the lemon.

Nutrition Information

This lemon salmon recipe is a powerhouse of nutrition, making it an excellent choice for a healthy diet. It’s rich in heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids, high in lean protein, and a good source of Vitamin D. Plus, it’s naturally low in saturated fat.

According to WebMD, Omega-3 fatty acids offer numerous health benefits, including reducing the risk of heart disease, depression, dementia, and arthritis.

Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I use individual salmon fillets instead of a whole side? Yes, absolutely! Individual fillets cook faster, so reduce the baking time by a few minutes.
• How long does lemon salmon last in the fridge? Cooked lemon salmon will stay fresh and delicious in an airtight container for 2-3 days.
• Can I cook this recipe on the grill? Yes, you can! Prepare the salmon in the foil as instructed, then place the sealed foil packet on a preheated grill over medium heat for 12-18 minutes.
• What kind of lemons are best for this recipe? Opt for fresh, ripe lemons with thin, bright yellow skin. They typically yield more juice and zest, essential for this flavorful lemon salmon recipe.

Conclusion

This delicious and easy lemon salmon recipe is a fantastic addition to any busy schedule, proving that healthy eating can be both simple and incredibly flavorful. With minimal prep and quick cooking, it delivers a tender, flaky fish bursting with bright citrus and savory herbs. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite weeknight meal that’s versatile enough for any occasion.

For food safety, the USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Delicious & Easy Lemon Salmon Recipe

A simple and flavorful baked salmon recipe featuring a vibrant lemon-garlic sauce. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal and comes out tender and flaky every time.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 23 minutes mins

Total Time 43 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 pounds salmon fillet
• Kosher salt
• 1 large lemon
• Chopped parsley for garnish
• 2 large lemons
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 5 garlic cloves chopped
• 2 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Equipment

• Oven
• Sheet pan
• Foil
• Small bowl or measuring cup
• Whisk
• Spoon or pastry brush

Method

 

Instructions

1. Position oven racks in the center and 6 inches from the broiler, then preheat the oven to 375°F; line a sheet pan with foil and brush it with olive oil.
2. Zest one lemon and juice both lemons into a small bowl, then whisk in the extra virgin olive oil, chopped garlic, oregano, paprika, and black pepper to create the lemon-garlic sauce.
3. Pat the salmon dry, season well with salt, and place it skin-side down on the foil; pour the lemon-garlic sauce over the salmon, spreading it evenly, and arrange lemon rounds on top.
4. Fold the loose end of the foil over the salmon, tenting it to create an air pocket, and crimp the foil tightly closed on all sides to encase the fish.
5. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, until it is almost cooked through at its thickest part.
6. Carefully remove the pan, open the foil, turn the broiler to high, and broil the salmon for about 3 minutes until the top is lightly browned and cooked through, watching closely to prevent burning.
7. Sprinkle the cooked salmon with chopped parsley and serve immediately with the remaining lemon wedges.

Notes

Bake salmon until almost cooked through at its thickest part, about 15-20 minutes. Watch closely during broiling to prevent overcooking or burning the lemons and garlic.

Taya Bennett

Taya Bennett is the founder of YumEasyMeals, a platform dedicated to easy, delicious, and quick-to-prepare recipes for busy families. Passionate about everyday cooking, she simplifies meals with practical, accessible, and always delicious ideas.
Discover her creations at: yumeasymeals.com