Quick Lemon Herb Salmon
This recipe for Quick Lemon Herb Baked Salmon is a perfect weeknight solution, offering a light, flaky, and incredibly flavorful dish that's both healthy and satisfying. With minimal prep and a short bake time, you'll have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in under 30 minutes. The bright lemon and aromatic herbs perfectly complement the rich salmon, making it a family favorite.
Ingredients
- 4 ounces salmon fillets skin-on or skin-off (about 1 inch thick)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano or 1 tablespoon fresh
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme or 1.5 teaspoons fresh
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder or 2 cloves minced fresh garlic
- 0.5 teaspoon salt to taste
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- fresh parsley or dill chopped for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on the prepared baking sheet.
- Spoon the lemon-herb mixture evenly over each salmon fillet, ensuring they are well coated.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your fillets.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill, if desired, and serve immediately with your favorite sides.
Notes
Serve with roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a simple quinoa salad. For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in the lemon-herb mixture for 15-30 minutes before baking. You can use different herbs like dill, parsley, or chives. Always ensure salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safety.