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Lemony Herb Baked Salmon

This simple yet elegant baked salmon recipe features flaky salmon fillets infused with bright lemon and fragrant herbs, making for a healthy and delicious meal ready in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salmon
  • 2 fillets Salmon about 6 oz (170g) each, skin-on or off
For the Lemon Herb Sauce
  • 2 tbsp Olive oil extra virgin
  • 1 tbsp Lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tsp Dried dill
  • 1/2 tsp Dried parsley
  • 1/4 tsp Garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp Smoked paprika or sweet paprika
  • 1/4 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 1/8 tsp Black pepper freshly ground, or to taste
Optional Garnish
  • 2 slices Lemon thinly sliced
  • 1 tbsp Fresh dill chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Meat thermometer (optional)

Method
 

Prepare for Baking
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup, if desired.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly with paper towels. This helps the seasoning adhere and promotes a better texture. Place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Make the Sauce
  1. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, dried dill, dried parsley, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until all ingredients are well combined.
Season and Bake
  1. Spoon or brush the lemon herb sauce evenly over the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring good coverage.
  2. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) when measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part.
Serve
  1. Remove from oven. Optionally, garnish with fresh lemon slices and a sprinkle of chopped fresh dill before serving immediately. This baked salmon pairs wonderfully with roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad.

Notes

Cooking time for salmon can vary greatly depending on its thickness. For thicker fillets (1-inch or more), you might need an extra 2-3 minutes of baking time. For thinner fillets (under 1-inch), check for doneness at the 10-minute mark to prevent overcooking. Always aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for food safety and optimal texture.