This Lemon Garlic Salmon is an easy oven-baked seafood dinner featuring tender salmon fillets, fresh lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil. The bright citrus marinade complements the rich flavor of salmon, while a quick finish under the broiler gives the fish an appetizing golden top. It’s a simple, flavorful recipe that’s equally suited to a weeknight dinner or a special meal at home.
What makes this baked lemon garlic salmon especially delicious is the combination of fresh ingredients. Lemon juice adds a refreshing tang, minced garlic provides savory depth, and extra-virgin olive oil helps coat the salmon evenly. Lemon zest intensifies the citrus flavor, while fresh parsley adds color and freshness just before serving.
The recipe starts with a simple marinade made from lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. The salmon rests in the marinade for at least 30 minutes before baking, allowing the flavors to coat the fillets. Fresh lemon slices are arranged in the baking dish beneath the fish, adding another layer of citrus aroma as it cooks.
For consistently tender results, an instant-read digital food thermometer is a useful kitchen accessory. Salmon fillets vary in thickness, so checking their internal temperature is more reliable than relying on cooking time alone.
After marinating, the salmon bakes in a 400°F oven for approximately 12–15 minutes, followed by a brief broil to brown the surface. Keep a close eye on the fish during broiling because it can brown quickly.
Serve this lemon garlic salmon with roasted asparagus, steamed vegetables, Zucchini Noodles, rice, or a fresh green salad. The citrusy flavor pairs particularly well with lighter side dishes that don’t overpower the fish.
Whether you’re preparing salmon for the first time or looking for a dependable seafood dinner, this baked lemon garlic salmon recipe delivers fresh flavor with straightforward ingredients and simple oven preparation.
Try these other salmon recipes: Herbed Salmon Steaks, Smoked Salmon Pizza, Soy Maple Salmon or Pan Grilled Salmon.
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Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Total Time: :58
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
- 1.25 pounds salmon filets
- 3 medium lemons 2 squeezed + 1 sliced
- 2 tsp lemon zest
- 3-4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper – plus additional to taste
- Finely chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F and grease a baking dish that can fit all pieces of salmon with some oil.
- Whisk lemon juice, garlic, oil, salt, and pepper to a bowl. Place the salmon fillets into a Ziploc bag and pour over the lemon marinade.
- Seal the bag and move the pieces of salmon to get them evenly coated with the marinade. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Now layer the lemon slices into your prepared the dish and arrange the salmon on top.
- Bake the salmon for about 12-15 minutes until cooked through. Depending on the the thickness of your salmon.
- Once done, lay a few slices of lemon on top of your cooked salmon and switch the oven to the broil setting. Broil for 3 minutes until the top is nicely golden and crisp.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with parsley and serve.
Notes
Ingredient Tips: Add the lemon zest to the marinade along with the lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. If fresh garlic is unavailable, start with about ⅜–½ teaspoon garlic powder in place of 3–4 cloves, then adjust to taste. Fresh lemon juice and zest give this recipe its brightest citrus flavor.
How to Tell When Salmon Is Done
Salmon cooks at different rates depending on the thickness of the fillets. For a food-safety benchmark, the USDA recommends cooking fish to an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), measured in the thickest part with a food thermometer.
When finishing the salmon under the broiler, watch it closely. The surface can brown quickly, and the fish may continue cooking during this step. Remove it once it reaches a safe internal temperature to avoid drying it out.
- Prep Time: :10
- Marinade: :30
- Cook Time: :18
- Category: Entree
- Method: Oven