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Lemon Pepper Salmon Recipe

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4.5 from 74 reviews

This Lemon Pepper Salmon recipe features succulent salmon fillets seasoned with a zesty lemon pepper garlic marinade, baked to perfection in the oven. The fresh lemon slices add bright citrus notes, making it a simple yet flavorful dish perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon and Seasoning

  • 4 salmon fillets, about 6 ounces each, patted very dry
  • Salt, to generously season salmon fillets
  • Fresh cracked black pepper, to taste

Lemon Pepper Coating

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or avocado oil (extra virgin olive oil recommended) or 2 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh black pepper
  • 2 large lemons

Instructions

  1. Prep Your Oven and Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and grease a large baking sheet or dish to prevent the salmon from sticking during baking.
  2. Bring Salmon to Room Temperature: Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes to ensure even cooking.
  3. Dry and Season Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets completely dry using paper towels. Arrange them on the prepared baking sheet and season all sides generously with salt.
  4. Prepare Lemon Pepper Coating: Slice half of one lemon into 4 thin rounds for topping the salmon. Cut the remaining half lemon into 4 wedges for serving. Zest the second lemon to get about 1 teaspoon of zest and juice half of it (around 2 tablespoons). In a small bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, fresh black pepper, lemon juice, olive oil or melted butter, and lemon zest until well combined.
  5. Apply Coating and Top: Spoon the lemon pepper mixture over each salmon fillet. Use your hands or a brush to rub it evenly over the tops and sides, making sure there are no dry spots. Then, place a lemon slice on top of each fillet.
  6. Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 10 to 18 minutes, depending on thickness and desired doneness. Thin fillets (about 1 inch thick) will take 10 to 12 minutes for medium-rare. Thicker fillets (1.5 inches or more) will need 12 to 15 minutes for medium-rare, or up to 18 minutes for well-done.
  7. Check Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to check doneness: aim for 125°F for medium-rare or 145°F for well-done.
  8. Serve Immediately: Serve the salmon hot with the reserved lemon wedges and an optional sprinkle of fresh cracked black pepper for extra flavor.

Notes

  • Letting the salmon come to room temperature before cooking helps it cook more evenly.
  • Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your salmon fillets to avoid overcooking.
  • Using fresh lemon zest and juice brightens the flavor compared to bottled lemon juice.
  • For a lower-fat version, use olive or avocado oil instead of butter.
  • Check the salmon frequently towards the end of baking to prevent it from drying out.

Keywords: lemon pepper salmon, baked salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon, lemon garlic salmon, weeknight dinner

Find it online: https://miarosetti.com/lemon-pepper-salmon-recipe/