Let me tell you about my ultimate go-to dish when I want something quick, healthy, and bursting with flavor: lemon garlic salmon! This recipe is an absolute breeze to whip up, taking just 25 minutes from start to finish. The combination of zesty lemon and aromatic garlic transforms simple salmon fillets into a mouthwatering meal that even my pickiest eaters can’t resist. I remember the first time I made it for a dinner party; the aroma wafting through the kitchen had everyone asking for seconds! Trust me, once you try this lemon garlic salmon, it’ll be on your dinner rotation for good!
Ingredients
To make this delicious lemon garlic salmon, you’ll need just a handful of simple ingredients that pack a punch of flavor. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
This combination of fresh ingredients not only makes for a tasty dish but also keeps it healthy and light. You can easily find all these items at your local grocery store!
How to Prepare Lemon Garlic Salmon
Now that we’ve got our ingredients ready, let’s dive into the simple steps for making this lemon garlic salmon! Follow along, and you’ll have a vibrant, flavorful dish on your table in no time.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Preheating is crucial because it ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and locks in all those delicious flavors. You don’t want to miss out on that perfect texture!
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. I like to add the oil first, then the garlic, so it gets coated nicely. Stir until everything is well combined, creating a lovely, fragrant marinade that will elevate your salmon!
Step 3: Arrange the Salmon
Next, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper. This not only makes cleanup a breeze but also prevents the salmon from sticking. Place your salmon fillets skin-side down on the parchment, giving them a little space to breathe.
Step 4: Apply the Marinade
Now, take that gorgeous marinade and brush it generously over the salmon fillets. Make sure to cover them evenly to ensure every bite is bursting with flavor. Don’t be shy, let that garlic and lemon goodness shine!
Step 5: Baking Time
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and let the salmon bake for about 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it! The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. If your fillets are thicker, you may need to add a few extra minutes, so adjust accordingly!
Tips for Success
To make your lemon garlic salmon truly shine, here are a few tips that I’ve learned along the way! First, always choose fresh salmon—frozen can work, but fresh fillets provide the best flavor. Also, don’t skip the marinating step; even a quick 15 minutes can enhance the taste significantly! If you’re using thicker fillets, be mindful of the cooking time and check for doneness to avoid overcooking. And remember, a squeeze of extra lemon just before serving adds an amazing brightness! Lastly, pairing it with a side of steamed veggies or rice makes for a well-rounded meal. Enjoy!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to nutrition, it’s important to remember that values can vary based on the ingredients and brands you use. This lemon garlic salmon is not only delicious but also packed with protein and healthy fats! Here’s an estimated breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 250
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 14g (Saturated Fat: 2g, Unsaturated Fat: 10g)
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sugar: 0g
This dish is gluten-free and makes for a fantastic healthy dinner option. Enjoy the flavors while fueling your body right!
FAQ About Lemon Garlic Salmon
Got questions about making lemon garlic salmon? Don’t worry; I’ve got you covered! Here are some common queries and my answers to help you whip up this delicious dish with confidence.
Can I use frozen salmon?
Absolutely! You can use frozen salmon for this recipe. Just make sure to thaw it completely in the fridge overnight before cooking. If you’re in a pinch, you can run it under cold water to speed up the process. Keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly, so just check for doneness as you go!
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque all the way through. If you have a meat thermometer, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Trust me, you’ll want to avoid overcooking to keep it juicy and tender!
What can I serve with lemon garlic salmon?
This lemon garlic salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides! I love serving it with steamed broccoli or asparagus for a healthy touch. You can also whip up some fluffy rice or a light quinoa salad to soak up that delicious garlic-lemon sauce. Yum!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This lemon garlic salmon recipe is a true gem for anyone looking to whip up a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s why it’s bound to become a favorite:
- Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes from start to finish!
- Healthy and nutritious: Packed with protein and healthy fats, making it a guilt-free choice.
- Flavorful: The combination of lemon and garlic gives the salmon a zesty kick that’s simply irresistible.
- Versatile: Pairs perfectly with a variety of sides, from veggies to grains.
- Impressive presentation: Great for dinner parties or family meals, it looks as good as it tastes!
Trust me, this dish checks all the boxes for a weeknight winner!
Equipment List
Before you get started with your lemon garlic salmon, here’s a quick list of the essential tools you’ll need. Don’t worry, it’s nothing fancy!
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Medium mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork (for mixing)
- Brush (for applying marinade)
- Fork (for flaking the salmon)
Having these handy will make your cooking process smooth and enjoyable!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
If you find yourself with leftovers of this delicious lemon garlic salmon, you’re in luck because it stores beautifully! Let the salmon cool completely, then place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat it gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. You can also microwave it, but be careful not to overcook it, as that can make the salmon dry. A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving can really brighten the flavors too!
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving lemon garlic salmon, the options are endless! I love pairing it with a fresh garden salad for a light touch, or some roasted sweet potatoes for a sweet contrast. You can also serve it over a bed of fluffy quinoa or with a side of garlic sautéed spinach. Each bite is simply divine!
For more delicious recipes, check out this creamy fish recipe or this mustard sauce fish recipe!
Z nadrukami
Lemon Garlic Salmon: 25 Minutes to Pure Delight
- Całkowity Czas: 25 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Bez Glutenu
Opis
A simple and flavorful lemon garlic salmon recipe.
Składniki
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Instrukcje
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Brush the garlic-lemon mixture over the salmon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
Uwagi
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or rice.
- Czas Przygotowania: 10 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 15 minutes
- Kategoria: Dinner
- Sposób: Baking
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 fillet
- Kalorie: 250
- Cukier: 0g
- Sód: 400mg
- Kwasy: 14g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 2g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 10g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 2g
- Włókno: 0g
- Białko: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Słowa kluczowe: lemon garlic salmon, baked salmon, healthy dinner, seafood
