![- 4 skinless salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces each) - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 large cloves of garlic, finely minced - Juice and zest of 2 medium lemons (reserve a few slices for garnish) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped, for garnish Gather these ingredients before you start. The salmon fillets are the star of this dish. Look for fresh, bright pink fillets. This ensures a tasty meal. The olive oil adds a rich flavor and helps the garlic stick. Minced garlic brings a strong, savory taste. Fresh lemon adds a zesty kick. It brightens the dish and balances the flavors. Zesting the lemon gives extra aroma and taste. Dried oregano adds a warm, earthy note. Smoked paprika gives a hint of smokiness, enhancing the salmon. Sea salt and black pepper season the dish perfectly. Don't skip the parsley; it adds a fresh look and taste. This recipe is simple yet full of flavor. The combination of ingredients makes every bite delightful. For the full recipe, you can refer back to the earlier section. Enjoy cooking! Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat is perfect for baking salmon. It cooks the fish evenly and keeps it moist. In a small bowl, mix these ingredients together: - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 4 large cloves of garlic, finely minced - Juice and zest of 2 medium lemons - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste Whisk until the mix looks smooth. This marinade adds a zesty flavor. Place the salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet, skin-side down. Brush the marinade on each fillet. Coat them well for the best taste. Let the salmon sit for 15 to 20 minutes. This time lets the flavors soak into the fish. Now, put the baking sheet in your preheated oven. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque pink. After baking, let the salmon rest for a couple of minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Just before you serve, sprinkle fresh parsley on top. It adds nice color and flavor. For a lovely plate, serve the salmon on a bed of steamed asparagus or fluffy quinoa. Add lemon wedges for extra zest. Now you have a tasty dish that is sure to impress! For the full recipe, check out the details above. When you buy salmon, look for bright, shiny skin. The flesh should feel firm and moist. Avoid fish with dull skin or brown spots. Fresh salmon has a clean, ocean-like smell. If you can, buy wild-caught salmon; it often tastes better. Check if it has clear eyes. This shows it is fresh and not old. To enhance your dish, try adding fresh herbs like dill or basil. You can also use spices like cumin or coriander for a twist. A pinch of red pepper flakes can add heat. Experiment with different citrus, such as lime or orange, for new flavors. Each addition can change the taste and make your salmon unique. Thickness matters when baking salmon. For fillets around 1 inch thick, bake for 12 to 15 minutes. If your fillet is thicker, add a few extra minutes. For very thin fillets, check at 8 to 10 minutes. Always use a fork to see if it flakes easily. This tells you if it is done. Adjust your time based on the thickness for perfect results. {{image_4}} You can add fresh herbs to your salmon for a flavor twist. Try using dill, basil, or thyme. These herbs add brightness and aroma. Simply chop the herbs and mix them into your marinade. You can also sprinkle them on top before baking. This variation makes your salmon taste fresher and more vibrant. Incorporating olives or feta cheese gives your dish a Mediterranean flair. Chop some olives and mix them into the marinade or sprinkle them on top before baking. Feta cheese can add a nice salty flavor. Just crumble it over the salmon in the last few minutes of baking. This brings a rich taste and unique texture. If you like heat, add red pepper flakes or Sriracha to your marinade. Start with a small amount and adjust to your taste. This addition can really change the flavor profile. It adds a kick that pairs well with the zesty lemon and garlic. You can also serve the salmon with a spicy dipping sauce for extra heat. For the full recipe, please refer to the section above. Enjoy experimenting with these variations! To keep your baked salmon fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help seal in the moisture and flavor. Make sure to refrigerate the leftovers within two hours of cooking. Salmon can last in the fridge for up to three days. If you see any signs of spoilage, like a sour smell or discoloration, it’s best to toss it out. When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, reheating is key. Use the oven for the best results. Set it to 275°F (135°C) and place the salmon on a baking sheet. Cover it with foil to keep it from drying out. Heat it for about 15 minutes. You want it warm but not overcooked. This way, the salmon remains moist and tasty. If you want to keep salmon longer, freezing is a great option. Wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. Salmon can stay good in the freezer for up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, defrost it in the fridge overnight. This keeps the texture from getting mushy. For the full recipe on how to make this delicious dish, check out the [Full Recipe]. Baking salmon at 400°F takes about 12 to 15 minutes. If your fillets are thicker, they may need a bit more time. Check the salmon at 12 minutes. It should flake easily with a fork and look opaque. This method keeps the fish moist. A good tip is to keep an eye on it after the 10-minute mark. Overcooking can dry out your salmon. Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. You can do this in the fridge overnight. If you're in a hurry, place the sealed salmon under cold water for about an hour. Once thawed, follow the same steps as fresh salmon. Just adjust the baking time to about 15 to 18 minutes. This helps ensure even cooking. You can serve this salmon with many sides. Here are some great options: - Steamed asparagus - Roasted vegetables - Quinoa or rice - A fresh green salad - Mashed potatoes These sides add more color and flavor to your meal. They also help balance the fish’s rich taste. Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon is very healthy. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are good for your heart. Garlic adds flavor and has health benefits too. Lemons provide vitamin C, which boosts your immune system. The olive oil in the recipe is a healthy fat. Overall, this dish is a great choice for a balanced meal. You can find the full recipe to enjoy this healthy delight. This blog post covered baking lemon garlic salmon in a simple way. We talked about choosing fresh salmon, making a tasty marinade, and baking it perfectly. You learned how to add your own twist with different spices and herbs. Baking salmon is easy and fun. It is healthy and full of flavor. Enjoy experimenting with these ideas and make this dish your own. Happy cooking!](https://recipetorch.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/06/45b214d6-e609-4d4e-a36a-892f92a8bcf7-250x250.webp)
Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon
Discover the mouthwatering recipe for Zesty Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon that will elevate your dinner game! With tender salmon fillets marinated in a delightful blend of garlic, lemon, and spices, this dish is packed with flavor and easy to prepare. Perfect for any occasion, it’s a healthy meal that your family will love. Click through to explore this simple yet delicious recipe and impress your guests tonight!