Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets - 4 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 for juice) - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - 1 teaspoon dried rosemary - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Gather these ingredients before you start cooking. Fresh salmon fillets are key to a great dish. I love using wild-caught salmon when possible. It tastes better and is better for the environment. Olive oil adds rich flavor and helps the garlic stick. Fresh garlic gives the best taste. Always use fresh lemons for juice and slices. Dried herbs like thyme and rosemary add depth to the dish. Don’t forget salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley is a bright touch that makes the dish pop. This recipe is simple but packed with flavor. You can find the full recipe above. Enjoy cooking! 1. First, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This heat will cook the salmon perfectly. 2. Next, in a small bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients. You will mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This mix adds tons of flavor. 3. Now, place your salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Pour the garlic-lemon mixture evenly over the fillets. Make sure each piece is well coated. 1. Position the salmon on the baking sheet. It should have room to cook evenly. 2. Add lemon slices on top of each fillet. This step enhances the taste and looks great. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and hits 145°F (63°C) inside. 1. After baking, let the salmon rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices stay in the fish. 2. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving. This adds a fresh touch to your dish. For the complete process, refer to the Full Recipe. Enjoy your delicious meal! Choosing the right salmon When selecting salmon, look for fresh, bright fillets. The flesh should be moist and firm. I prefer wild-caught salmon for its rich flavor. Farmed salmon works too, but it can be milder. Always check for a clean smell. If it smells fishy, skip it. Ensuring even cooking To cook salmon evenly, let it sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before baking. This helps it cook more evenly. Place the fillets on a lined baking sheet with the skin-side down. This keeps the fish from sticking and makes cleanup easier. Alternative herbs and spices While the recipe uses thyme and rosemary, don’t hesitate to mix it up! Dill, oregano, or basil can add a nice twist. You can also try using a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Each herb brings its unique taste. Marinade options for additional flavors Experiment with different marinades. For a sweet twist, add honey or maple syrup. A splash of soy sauce can give a savory touch. You can even use mustard for a tangy flavor. Just remember, balance is key. Pairing with side dishes Baked lemon garlic salmon pairs well with many sides. Try serving it with roasted veggies or a fresh salad. Quinoa or brown rice also works nicely, adding a wholesome grain. You can even serve it over a bed of creamy mashed potatoes. Best accompaniments for presentation To impress your guests, garnish the salmon with fresh parsley. Lemon wedges on the side add a pop of color. A sprinkle of capers or cherry tomatoes can brighten the dish further. Presentation matters, so take a moment to plate it well. For the full recipe, check out the Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon section. {{image_2}} For those wanting healthier options, there are some great choices. - Low-fat alternatives: You can use a mix of Greek yogurt and lemon juice instead of olive oil. This gives a creamy texture with less fat. You can also try using skinless salmon fillets to cut down on fat. - Vegetarian substitutes: If you prefer a plant-based dish, replace salmon with tofu or tempeh. Marinate them just like the salmon for a similar flavor. Want to change things up? Consider these fun twists. - Lemon garlic salmon with Asian flavors: Use soy sauce, sesame oil, and ginger for a tasty Asian vibe. This gives the dish a nice salty and umami flavor. - Mediterranean-inspired variations: Add olives, capers, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean flair. You can also mix in herbs like oregano and dill, which pair well with lemon. You can try different cooking methods for baked lemon garlic salmon. - Broiling instead of baking: Broiling gives a nice char on top. Place the salmon closer to the heat source and cook for 8-10 minutes. This adds a crispy layer while keeping the inside moist. - Grilling options for outdoor preparation: Grilling brings a lovely smoky flavor. Cook the salmon on a grill for 6-8 minutes per side. Use a grill mat to avoid sticking and to keep the salmon intact. Explore these variations to make your baked lemon garlic salmon even more exciting! For the full recipe, check out the details above. To store leftover baked salmon, first let it cool. Place it in an airtight container. This keeps the salmon fresh and safe. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the quality may drop. When reheating salmon, the best methods are the oven or microwave. If using the oven, set it to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking dish and cover with foil. This keeps it moist. Heat for about 15 minutes. If using a microwave, set it to medium power. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds. Check to avoid overcooking. To keep the flavor and moisture, add a squeeze of lemon before reheating. This brightens up the dish and adds freshness. To freeze baked salmon, let it cool completely. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap. Then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. This helps prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to three months. For thawing, place the salmon in the fridge overnight. This method keeps it safe and maintains the flavor. If you're in a hurry, you can thaw it in cold water. Just make sure to seal it well. This method takes about one hour. You can find the full recipe for Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon [here](#). What temperature should salmon be cooked to? Salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer to check. This ensures the fish is safe to eat and still moist. Cooking it too long can dry it out. How long does baked salmon last in the fridge? Baked salmon lasts for about 3 days in the fridge. Store it in an airtight container. This keeps the fish fresh and safe to eat. If you want it to last longer, consider freezing it. What to do if the salmon is overcooked? If your salmon is overcooked, you can try adding a sauce. A lemon-dill sauce or a creamy dressing can help add moisture. Serve it with a side of rice or salad to balance the dryness. How can I tell if my salmon is done? Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. You can also check the color. It should be opaque and no longer translucent. A meat thermometer can give you an accurate reading, too. Can I use fresh herbs instead of dried? Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried. Use about three times more fresh herbs for the same flavor. Fresh thyme and rosemary add a bright taste to your dish. What can I use instead of olive oil? You can use melted butter or avocado oil instead of olive oil. These options provide a rich flavor. Coconut oil also works well if you want a hint of sweetness. Baked salmon is simple and tasty. We covered key ingredients and clear steps to make it. Each tip helps you perfect your dish, while variations keep it exciting. Whether you want healthy options or new flavors, there’s something for everyone. Storing leftovers and reheating correctly ensures you enjoy it again. Dive into this easy recipe and savor the delight of baked salmon.$

Indulge in the fresh and zesty flavors of Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon! This simple yet delicious recipe features tender salmon fillets coated in a savory garlic-lemon marinade, baked to perfection in just 25 minutes. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, this dish is easy to make and packed with flavor. Ready to impress your taste buds?

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Ingredients

4 salmon fillets

4 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 lemons (1 sliced, 1 for juice)

1 teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon dried rosemary

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.

Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.

Pour the garlic-lemon mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, ensuring they are well coated.

Lay the lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets for added flavor and presentation.

Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).

Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes | Servings: 4