Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lemon (zested and juiced) - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) To make Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon, you need fresh ingredients. Start with salmon fillets. They should be bright and firm. Garlic adds a strong flavor, so use fresh cloves. Olive oil brings richness and helps the marinade stick. Lemon juice adds zest and brightness. Zest the lemon to get the oils from the peel. Dried oregano gives a warm, herbal note. If you like spice, include chili flakes for heat. Use salt and pepper to enhance all the flavors. Finally, fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness on top. Gather all these ingredients before you start cooking. This will make your prep easy and fast. Plus, it keeps you organized in the kitchen. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This step ensures the salmon cooks evenly and gets that nice, flaky texture we love. - In a small bowl, combine: - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 lemon, zested and juiced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional) - Salt and pepper to taste - Mix these ingredients well. This marinade brings out the best flavors in the salmon. - Place 4 salmon fillets in a baking dish. - Pour the marinade over the fillets, making sure to coat them well. - Let the salmon sit for 15 minutes. This helps the fish absorb all the tasty flavors. - Cover the baking dish with foil. This keeps the salmon moist while it cooks. - Place it in your preheated oven. - Bake for 15-20 minutes. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. - After baking, remove the foil. Let the salmon sit for a couple of minutes. - Garnish with fresh parsley before serving. This adds a pop of color and freshness. To check if your salmon is done, look for color and texture. The fish should turn from bright pink to a light pink. It should also flake easily when you poke it with a fork. If you want to be sure, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the fish. Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). This ensures your salmon is safe to eat and still moist. You can change some ingredients to make this dish your own. If you do not have fresh garlic, use garlic powder instead. You can swap lemon juice with lime juice for a twist. You might also add fresh herbs like dill or basil for extra flavor. Try mixing in some capers for a salty punch or a dash of honey for sweetness. These small changes can make a big difference. Baked lemon garlic salmon pairs well with many sides. Serve it with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables for a light meal. You could also add rice or quinoa for a hearty option. When it comes to drinks, a crisp white wine works well. Try a Sauvignon Blanc or a light beer for a refreshing match. Enjoy your meal with a side that complements the salmon's bright flavor. Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon and garlic will enhance the flavor of your dish significantly. Try to avoid pre-packaged or frozen options for the best taste. Adjust the Marinade: Feel free to add your favorite herbs or spices to the marinade for a personalized twist. Fresh dill or thyme pairs beautifully with salmon. Check for Doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accuracy. Let it Rest: Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in a moister, more flavorful fillet. {{image_2}} You can change the herbs in this dish to fit your taste. Try fresh dill or basil for a bright flavor. You can also mix in thyme or rosemary. Each herb brings a unique note to the salmon. Experiment with your favorites! Fresh herbs give a vibrant taste that dried ones can't match. If you love heat, add more chili flakes to your marinade. Start with one teaspoon, then taste it. If you want it hotter, add more. You can also use cayenne pepper for a different spice. Balance the heat with lemon juice for a zesty kick. This version is great for spice lovers. Foil packets are an easy way to cook salmon. Just place the fillets on a piece of foil. Add the marinade and fold the foil tightly. This method keeps the salmon moist and makes cleanup a breeze. Place the packets on a grill or in the oven. Cook for the same time as the regular method. Enjoy the easy cleanup! To store baked salmon, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it well. This keeps the salmon fresh and tasty. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. When reheating salmon, you want to keep it moist. The best method is to use the oven. Preheat it to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. This way, your salmon stays tender and delicious. If you freeze baked salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. Be sure to squeeze out the air. Label the bag with the date. Baked salmon can last in the freezer for up to three months. When you're ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge overnight before reheating. Bake salmon at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes. The time depends on the thickness of the fillets. - For fillets about 1 inch thick, aim for 15 minutes. - For thicker pieces, around 1.5 inches, go for 20 minutes. - Always check for doneness. The salmon should flake easily with a fork. Yes, you can use fresh herbs instead of dried. Fresh herbs bring a bright flavor to your dish. They can make the salmon taste even better. - Fresh parsley gives a nice touch when you garnish. - Fresh oregano has a stronger taste, enhancing the marinade. - Use about three times more fresh herbs than dried. Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - Serve with steamed broccoli or asparagus for a healthy boost. - A fresh garden salad adds crunch and color. - Quinoa or rice makes a great base to soak up the flavors. Yes, you can make this recipe in advance. Here are some tips: - Marinate the salmon ahead of time and store it in the fridge. - You can bake it and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. - Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to keep it moist. You now know how to make delicious baked lemon garlic salmon. We covered the easy ingredients, step-by-step cooking process, and tips for the perfect meal. You can try different herbs and spice levels to suit your taste. Remember, good storage and reheating keep leftovers fresh. Use this guide to impress friends or family. Enjoy this healthy dish anytime you want!$

Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon

A delicious and healthy salmon dish marinated in lemon and garlic, baked to perfection.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 250 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 whole lemon (zested and juiced)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon chili flakes (optional for heat)
to taste salt and pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
Place the salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade evenly over the fillets, ensuring they are well-coated.
Let the salmon marinate for about 15 minutes to absorb the flavors.
After marinating, cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to retain moisture, then place it in the preheated oven.
Bake for 15-20 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Once done, remove the foil and let it sit for a couple of minutes. Scatter fresh parsley over the top for garnish before serving.

Notes

Let the salmon marinate for best flavor.

Keyword baked, garlic, healthy, lemon, salmon