This simple lemon pepper salmon recipe is perfect for a quick and healthy dinner. A hearty portion of juicy salmon is coated with a lemon pepper and garlic mixture and topped with lemon slices while it bakes in the oven.
About the Recipe
If you are a fan of salmon, this is a recipe you are really going to enjoy. Baking the salmon filet in the oven ensures that it will end up perfectly flakey and full of flavor.
The lemon pepper seasoning combined with the garlic is a great addition to the buttery flavor of the salmon. This recipe takes only minutes to prepare and it’s perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or when you are entertaining guests. It's one of those delicious meals you'll want to make again and again!
If you are looking for more salmon recipes, check out our: Baked Pesto Salmon, Easy Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies with Coconut Cilantro Sauce, or Penne al Salmone.
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Why You Will Love This Recipe
It is healthy - Salmon is full of protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids which makes this perfect for anyone looking to fill up and still maintain a healthy diet. There is a minimal amount of olive oil in this recipe, so all around, it’s a very healthy choice.
It is simple - You can prepare this foolproof recipe in just a few minutes, pop it in the oven and get everything else for dinner ready while the salmon cooks. It requires no fancy skills or equipment and uses simple ingredients, which means anyone can make this!
The presentation - The salmon is topped with lemon slices before it goes in the oven. This makes for a really pretty presentation at the dinner table. You could make this for a dinner party and really wow your guests!
Ingredients
Here are the ingredients you will need for this easy recipe:
- Salmon: Use a 2 pound salmon filet.
- Salt: I love using Maldon salt.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic cloves are best, but you could also use garlic powder.
- Lemon pepper seasoning: Any brand of lemon pepper seasoning is good!
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin olive oil.
- Lemon: Use fresh slices of lemon for the salmon and for a garnish.
Directions
Let's make this easy recipe together!
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: Pat salmon dry with a paper towel. Place salmon on the parchment lined baking sheet.
Step 3: In a small bowl, combine the salt, garlic, lemon pepper, and olive oil. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Evenly spread the lemon pepper mixture on top of the salmon filet and top with lemon slices.
Step 5: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
Expert Tips and Tricks
Here are some expert tips to make this delicious lemon pepper salmon:
Use a thermometer - Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of your salmon. Salmon is considered cooked at 145F. Be sure to insert the thermometer in the thickest part of the salmon to get a proper temperature reading.
Complete the meal - Serve this baked salmon with a big salad, garlic bread, green beans, white rice, and a glass of white wine!
Add some veggies - Add some veggies to the baking sheet to roast alongside the salmon in the oven.
Kitchen Equipment
Here is some kitchen equipment you will need for recipe. You can find all of these products on Amazon.
Instant Read Thermometer - This thermometer will help you get tender flaky salmon that's perfectly cooked every time!
Sheet Pan - This sheet pan is great quality and won't warp while your salmon is baking.
Parchment Paper - I love these pre-cut parchment paper sheets. They're so convenient for baking and cooking!
Recipe Substitutions/Variations
Here are some common recipe substitutions and variations for this salmon recipe.
Salmon - Instead of one large salmon filet, you can use individually cut portions of salmon. Prepare them as the recipe instructs and just adjust cooking time, if needed, making sure to cook to an internal temperature of 145°F. Additionally, you can use any kind of salmon you like - wild salmon or farmed salmon both work in this recipe.
Seasonings - Feel free to try out any other seasonings you might have at home like onion powder or cayenne pepper. You can swap them in for the lemon pepper seasoning and prepare the recipe the same!
Lemon - Add lemon zest from a lemon to the lemon pepper mixture for an even zestier flavor!
What To Serve With
Here are some recipes to serve alongside this healthy recipe:
Italian Chopped Salad - This Italian chopped salad is a hearty salad filled with fresh vegetables, salami, mozzarella, and kalamata olives.
Easy Tuscan Roasted Broccoli - This Easy Tuscan Roasted Broccoli is the best roasted broccoli recipe you'll ever make! This easy side dish recipe is perfect for meal prep or a quick and easy dinner.
Summer Peach Panzanella Salad - With peaches, arugula, and tomatoes, this summer is perfect for entertaining or is great paired with grilled chicken or fish.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use salmon that has skin or you can use skinless salmon filets. When you place it on the baking sheet, place it skin side down. After baking, the skin is really easy to remove. You can remove it before serving or serve it as is.
The best way to know when the salmon is done cooking is to use a thermometer. If you do not have a thermometer, you can tell salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
Yes. This recipe would work just as well in a baking dish, cast iron skillet or a broiler pan. Just be sure you are using something that is oven safe!
Recipe Storage and Reheating
Here are storage and reheating instructions for this recipe:
Refrigerator Storage: Store in an airtight container and eat leftovers within 4-5 days.
Freezer Storage: Freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container and keep for up to 3 months. When you're ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator and reheat as instructed below.
Reheating Instructions: The best way to reheat this recipe is to heat in a skillet with a little olive oil over low heat until warm.
Other Recipes to Try
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Lemon Pepper Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 lb salmon filet
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 lemon sliced
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place salmon on the prepared baking sheet.
- Combine salt, garlic, lemon pepper seasoning, and extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl. Spread evenly on salmon, then top with lemon slices.
- Bake for 15 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 145F.
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