Description
Succulent Baked Salmon with Lemon Herb Glaze elevates weeknight dinners with Mediterranean-inspired flavors. Fresh herbs and citrus notes create a light, elegant meal packed with protein and omega-3 nutrients.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz/170 g each, skin on or off)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- Lemon wedges (for garnish)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Position oven rack centrally and preheat to 375°F (190°C). Line baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil to prevent adherence.
- Salmon Preparation: Pat salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. Arrange fillets skin-side down on prepared baking surface, ensuring uniform placement.
- Marinade Creation: Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a compact mixing vessel. Whisk until ingredients harmonize into a cohesive blend.
- Flavor Infusion: Lavishly brush marinade across salmon fillets, coating top and sides comprehensively. Ensure complete flavor penetration for maximum taste profile.
- Roasting Process: Transfer baking sheet to preheated oven. Roast salmon for 12-15 minutes, tracking doneness through flaky texture and internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Fish should appear opaque and easily separate when tested with fork.
- Finishing Touch: Extract salmon from oven with precision. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for visual appeal and aromatic enhancement. Serve alongside lemon wedges, allowing diners personalized flavor customization.
Notes
- Moisture Control: Pat salmon fillets completely dry before cooking to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming.
- Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to check internal salmon temperature, ensuring it reaches 145°F for perfectly cooked, safe-to-eat fish without overcooking.
- Marinade Timing: Apply marinade right before baking to prevent the acid from breaking down fish proteins, which can create a mushy texture.
- Customize for Dietary Needs: Swap olive oil with avocado oil for high-heat cooking, use gluten-free herbs for sensitive diets, and choose low-sodium alternatives if watching salt intake.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 5
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg