Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon (Printable Version)
Tender baked salmon with zesty lemon, garlic, and fresh herbs. Quick, healthy, and full of flavor.
# Ingredient List:
→ Fish
01 - 4 skinless salmon fillets (6 oz each)
→ Marinade
02 - 3 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
05 - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
06 - 1 teaspoon honey
07 - 1 teaspoon salt
08 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Herbs & Garnish
09 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)
11 - Lemon slices, for garnish
# How to Make It:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper until well combined.
03 - Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Brush or spoon the lemon-garlic marinade evenly over each fillet.
04 - Let the salmon marinate at room temperature for 10 minutes for enhanced flavor absorption.
05 - Bake for 14–18 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout (internal temperature should reach 145°F).
06 - Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley and dill, and garnish with lemon slices. Serve immediately with your choice of side.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The honey mustard trick I stumbled upon makes the marinade cling to every bite instead of sliding off.
- Cleanup is just crumpling up parchment paper and calling it a win.
02 -
- Overbaking turns salmon dry in seconds so start checking at the 14 minute mark.
- Room temperature fish cooks more evenly than ice cold fillets straight from the fridge.
03 -
- Pat the salmon completely dry before marinating or the mixture slides right off.
- The internal temperature reaches 145°F but pulling it at 140°F lets carryover cooking finish the job perfectly.