Description
This Baked Lemon Salmon recipe is a simple and flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. Tender salmon fillets are baked on a bed of fresh lemon slices and topped with a garlic butter sauce, creating a moist and aromatic meal that’s ready in just 30 minutes. Garnished with optional parsley or microgreens, this recipe is both elegant and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 20 ounces salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Citrus and Butter
- 2 lemons
- 3 tablespoons butter
Optional Garnish
- Chopped parsley or microgreens for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for even baking of the salmon.
- Prepare Lemons: Zest one lemon to collect the flavorful outer skin for seasoning, then thinly slice both lemons into rounds to use as a bed and topping for the salmon.
- Set Up Foil Bed: Place a long strip of aluminum foil on a baking sheet and arrange half of the lemon slices in the center, creating a fragrant base for the salmon to rest on while cooking.
- Season Salmon: Lay the salmon fillets on the lemon slices and sprinkle with kosher salt and the freshly grated lemon zest to enhance the fresh, citrusy flavors.
- Prepare Garlic Butter: Melt the butter in the microwave for about 30 seconds, then stir in the garlic powder to infuse the butter with aromatic garlic flavor.
- Apply Garlic Butter and Add Lemon: Brush or spoon the garlic butter evenly over the salmon, then layer the remaining lemon slices on top to lock in moisture and add brightness.
- Seal Foil Pack: Fold the aluminum foil around the salmon to completely enclose it, using a second piece of foil if necessary, which helps steam the fish during baking and keeps it juicy.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the foil packet in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes, until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove and Unwrap: Carefully remove the salmon from the oven and open the foil to avoid steam burns, releasing the fragrant lemon aroma.
- Serve: Plate the salmon and garnish with chopped parsley or microgreens as desired, serving it immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon fillets for the best taste and texture.
- If you don’t have garlic powder, finely minced garlic can be sautéed in the butter instead.
- Make sure the salmon is cooked to an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption.
- You can add a splash of white wine or a few capers inside the foil for additional flavor.
- The foil packet helps retain moisture and makes clean-up quick and easy.
