Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon (Printable Format)
Salmon infused with fresh lemon and garlic, baked tender and flavorful in under 30 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 salmon fillets, 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless
→ Marinade
02 - 3 tbsp olive oil
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice (from about 1 lemon)
05 - 1 tsp lemon zest
06 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
07 - 1/2 tsp salt
08 - 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
09 - Lemon slices, for serving
10 - Extra fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat 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 juice, lemon zest, parsley, salt, and black pepper.
03 - Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and pat dry with paper towels.
04 - Brush the lemon garlic mixture evenly over the top and sides of each salmon fillet.
05 - Optionally, arrange lemon slices on top of each fillet for additional flavor.
06 - Bake for 12 to 15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
07 - Remove from oven, garnish with extra chopped parsley, and serve immediately.
# Expert Suggestions:
01 -
- It feels like sharing a secret — simple ingredients coming together for big flavor.
- The balance of tangy lemon and savory garlic quickly made this a go-to for effortless dinner nights.
02 -
- Marinating the salmon for at least 15 minutes before baking really amplifies the flavors—don't skip it if you can.
- Using fresh lemon juice and zest instead of bottled makes a noticeable difference in brightness and acidity that wakes up the dish.
03 -
- For the best texture, don't overbake—salmon continues to cook a bit after you take it out.
- Brushing marinade underneath the skin (if skin-on) adds flavor and keeps it moist.