Description
This Lemon Herb Baked Salmon with Garlic is a simple yet flavorful dish featuring tender salmon fillets baked with a zesty lemon and fragrant herb marinade. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this recipe combines fresh garlic, dried herbs, and lemon slices to infuse the fish with bright, savory notes. The salmon is baked to perfection, resulting in a moist, flaky texture that pairs beautifully with a fresh parsley garnish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Marinade
- 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Topping and Garnish
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
- Prepare the Baking Dish: Lightly grease a large baking dish or sheet with a little olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking during baking.
- Make the Herb Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried basil, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, then place them skin-side down in the greased baking dish.
- Coat the Salmon: Pour the olive oil and herb mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated for maximum flavor.
- Add Lemon Slices: Arrange the thin lemon slices on top of each salmon fillet, covering them to infuse citrus flavor while baking.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork; the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Rest the Salmon: Remove the salmon from the oven and allow it to rest for a couple of minutes to let the juices redistribute and enhance flavor.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the salmon fillets just before serving to add a fresh, vibrant touch.
Notes
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon to maintain a moist and tender texture.
- You can substitute fresh herbs for dried ones if available, using about three times the quantity.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.
- Leftover salmon can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and enjoyed cold or reheated gently.
- If lemon juice is not available, a splash of white wine vinegar can be used as a substitute.
