Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe

If you’re looking for a flavorful, fuss-free way to enjoy salmon, you absolutely have to try this Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy but comes together quickly, making weeknight dinners so much easier—and tastier! I love how the bright lemon and garlicky goodness complement the rich, buttery salmon, and the best part? It’s baked to flaky perfection every single time.

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Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe plays a role in balancing flavor, texture, and ease of preparation. I always make sure to grab fresh parsley and lemons from the market—it really makes a difference. Here’s a quick rundown of why these ingredients work so well together.

• Salmon fillet: The star of the show—choose wild-caught if you can for better flavor and texture.
• Fresh parsley: Adds a gentle herbaceous brightness that lifts the rich fish.
• Olive oil: Helps the garlic and lemon juice cling to the salmon and keeps it moist while baking.
• Lemon juice: Brightens flavors and cuts through the salmon’s richness with fresh acidity.
• Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic packs a punch and infuses the fish with savory depth.
• Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle tang and helps emulsify the marinade for even coating.
• Sea salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning—freshly cracked pepper adds a slight kick.
• Lemon rings: For garnish, adding a burst of citrus aroma right on the fish.

Make It Your Way

One of the things I love most about this baked lemon garlic salmon recipe is how easy it is to adjust to your taste or whatever you have on hand. I often switch up herbs or add a touch of spice when I’m in the mood for something a little different.

• Herb swap: I’ve made it with dill or thyme instead of parsley and loved the fresh twist those herbs provide.
• Spicy kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade gives the salmon a subtle warmth that’s perfect if you like a little heat.
• Gluten-free twist: This recipe is naturally gluten-free but if you want to add a glaze like honey or maple syrup, just double-check your mustard brand to keep it safe.
• Marinade time: I usually don’t marinate this salmon for more than 10 minutes—any longer and the acid in the lemon juice could start “cooking” the fish like ceviche, which makes it firm and less tender.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Salmon

Preheat your oven to 450°F (that high heat is key for a nicely roasted exterior). Meanwhile, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper, foil, or a silicone liner. I usually go with parchment because it’s easy cleanup and keeps the fish from sticking. Lay your salmon fillets skin-side down spaced evenly on the baking sheet.

Step 2: Whip Up the Lemon Garlic Marinade

In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and freshly cracked pepper. Give it a good stir until everything’s blended. The mustard helps everything stick to the salmon and adds a subtle tang that I really enjoy.

Step 3: Coat and Garnish with Lemon

Brush the marinade generously over the tops and sides of the salmon fillets—don’t be shy here! Then top each piece with a lemon ring for that gorgeous presentation and extra zest. I make sure to bake right away—waiting too long lets the lemon juice “cook” the salmon prematurely, so if you’re not ready to bake, just prep the fish but hold off on the marinade.

Step 4: Bake Until Perfectly Flaky

Pop the salmon in your hot oven and bake uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes. The key is to check for doneness by looking for the fish to flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F at the thickest part. I keep an instant-read thermometer handy—it’s a game changer for perfectly cooked salmon.

How to Serve Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

I keep garnishes simple with this recipe—fresh lemon slices or extra parsley sprinkled on top add that pop of color and brightness. Sometimes I like to add a small drizzle of good quality olive oil for a glossy finish just before serving. If you want to get fancy, try topping with some toasted pine nuts or capers for an extra layer of flavor and texture.

Side Dishes

This baked lemon garlic salmon pairs wonderfully with light, fresh sides. I often serve it alongside roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp mixed green salad with vinaigrette. For a heartier meal, quinoa or wild rice pilaf also complement it beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I love plating the salmon over a bed of herbed couscous or drizzle some lemon butter sauce around the edges for an elegant touch. Serving individual portions garnished with edible flowers and microgreens always gets compliments and makes dinner feel celebratory.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover baked lemon garlic salmon in an airtight container in the fridge, where it stays good for up to 3 days. To keep it as fresh as possible, I like to add a small lemon wedge and a sprinkle of parsley inside the container before sealing it up.

Freezing

If you want to freeze leftovers, I recommend wrapping individual fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer-safe bag or container. It freezes well for up to 1 month, and when thawed, the texture is still pleasant—just be gentle when reheating.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover salmon gently in a low oven (around 275°F) for about 10-15 minutes covered with foil to prevent drying out. Alternatively, a quick warm-up in a skillet with a splash of olive oil over low heat works great to maintain tenderness while restoring that fresh-out-of-the-oven flavor.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Baked Lemon Garlic Salmon Recipe has become a go-to for my family dinners, especially when I want something that’s both healthy and impressive without standing over the stove for hours. I hope you’ll enjoy making it as much as I do—it’s a simple way to add some bright, fresh flavors to your weeknight rotation and still feel like you’re treating yourself. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be reaching for this recipe again and again!

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