Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe

Gather around, fellow food enthusiasts, because today I’m unlocking my go-to, lemon-garlic salmon recipe that’s so simple yet so scrumptious you might just start calling yourself a culinary genius. Trust me, by the time I’m done, even your Pinterest board will be jealous of this dinner masterpiece.

The bright, tangy flavor of lemon combined with the savory richness of salmon is a match made in heaven. This Lemon Garlic Salmon is an honest and simple dish, showcasing very few ingredients to great effect.

Fresh lemon juice and zest are the stars; minced garlic is the elegant understudy. The salmon is perfectly seasoned with fine sea salt and freshly cracked pepper, then given a light dusting of sweet paprika.

I plucked this dish from an old episode of Giada at Home, and I had to laugh a little when I read the ingredient list again and remembered how little prep and how few cooking skills this dish actually requires.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein.
• Olive oil: Heart-healthy fats; adds richness and moisture.
• Lemon juice: Provides a fresh, tangy flavor; high in vitamin C.
• Garlic: Adds aromatic depth; offers anti-inflammatory properties.
• Paprika: Gives subtle smoky warmth; contains antioxidants.

Ingredient Quantities

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (optional for garnish)
• Lemon slices for serving (optional)

How to Make this

1. Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) to heat up. When it is ready, you will use it to bake. But you’re not baking yet. Right now, you’re preparing to bake. You’re preparing by lining a baking sheet with parchment paper or, if you prefer, lightly greasing it with some olive oil.

2. In a tiny basin, whisk the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, black pepper, and paprika together until they’re one cohesive unit.

3. The baking sheet must be ready, then the salmon fillets can be placed skin-side down on it. In doing this, you ensure that the fillets are spaced evenly apart. This writing task is a little like cooking in that both activities involve a sequence of steps. Failing to complete any part of a sequence results in a failed product.

4. Using a brush or spoon, cover the salmon fillets evenly with the lemon-garlic mixture so that it is a 100% guarantee that the fillets are fully covered.

5. Let the salmon sit in the marinade for about 10-15 minutes so that the flavors can infuse into the fish.

6. Put the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches your preferred level of doneness.

7. As the salmon bakes, you can make the optional garnishes. You can chop the fresh parsley or slice the lemon for serving. You can do one or both things.

8. When the salmon is finished, take it out of the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes.

9. Move the salmon fillets that have been cooked to serving plates. If you are using chopped parsley, sprinkle that over the tops of the fillets.

10. If desired, serve the salmon with lemon slices on the side for an extra burst of freshness. Enjoy!

Equipment Needed

1. Oven
2. Baking sheet
3. Parchment paper or olive oil (for greasing)
4. Small mixing bowl
5. Whisk
6. Measuring spoons
7. Pastry brush or spoon
8. Knife (for chopping parsley and slicing lemon)
9. Cutting board (for parsley and lemon)
10. Fork (to test doneness)

FAQ

• Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?You can use salmon that has been frozen, but make sure to defrost it completely in the refrigerator before you marinate and cook it.
• How do I know when the salmon is cooked through?The salmon should be opaque and easily separated with a fork. The thickest part should measure 145°F (63°C).
• Can I substitute the olive oil with another type of oil?Indeed, any oil with a mild flavor can be used, including canola oil or avocado oil.
• How long should I marinate the salmon?Let the salmon sit in the marinade for a minimum of 15 minutes or up to 1 hour to achieve a more pronounced flavor.
• What side dishes pair well with this lemon garlic salmon?Consider pairing it with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Can I cook this salmon on the grill instead of the oven?Definitely! Cook the salmon on the grill at medium heat for approximately 6-8 minutes on each side.
• Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice?The best flavor comes from fresh lemon juice, but if you find yourself without any, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch.

Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Substitute coconut oil for olive oil in the following measure: 2 tablespoons.
2 tablespoons lime juice instead of lemon juice.
1 tablespoon lime zest instead of lemon zest
1 teaspoon garlic powder in place of 3 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika in place of paprika.

Pro Tips

1. Marinate for Deeper Flavor For a more intense flavor, consider marinating the salmon fillets for up to 30 minutes in the lemon-garlic mixture before baking. Just remember to refrigerate them while marinating.

2. Check for Doneness with a Thermometer For perfectly cooked salmon, use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

3. Try a Broil Finish For an extra crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes of cooking. This gives the salmon a nice golden finish.

4. Use Fresh Herbs for Garnish Besides parsley, dill or cilantro can be used as an alternative for garnish, offering a different flavor profile.

5. Experiment with Sides Pair the salmon with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad to make it a complete meal, enhancing the dining experience.