This Lemon Garlic Salmon is bursting with flavor and ready in 20 minutes. It's healthy and so easy to make for a quick weeknight dinner with your favorite sides. Here I've served it with potatoes and an authentic style Greek salad which was so so good!
Fellow salmon lovers this one is for you….it's my Lemon Garlic Salmon and a recipe you will be making on repeat! These days with a cheeky crawling baby whilst also being pregnant, I barely get time to cook dinner so I'm always scrambling to throw something together that doesn't need much thinking, if you know what I mean. This dish is effortless and comes together in 20 minutes with the easiest steps that anyone can follow.
The lemon garlic sauce is fresh and zesty with Mediterranean flavors and literally takes minutes to make. You then coat the fish and pop them in the oven - I like to broil the salmon which gives it a nice caramelized glaze and texture on the outside and a juicy salmon centre. It’s ready in the same time it takes to make a quick salad like my arugula salad or grilled/steamed vegetables. I personally always have rice or another grain prepped in the fridge so I can easily put dinner together quickly. You can even make extras and put together a salmon bowl with the leftovers the next day...yum!
Table of Contents
Recipe Highlights
- Quick & Easy: A simple easy recipe with so much flavor that even beginners can make!
- Healthy & Nutritious: Salmon has a healthy source of protein and omega-3's paired with a simple homemade marinade
- Versatile: Can be served with any side dish like grilled veggies, crispy potatoes and even a fresh salad
Ingredients and Substitutions
- Salmon fillets are the hero of course. Ensure all fillets are roughly the same size for a consistent cook. I've used Alaskan salmon, however you can use Atlantic, wild salmon or another salmon type. Frozen salmon also works well too, just make sure to thaw and pat dry them well before marinating
Marinade
- Fresh Lemon juice and lemon zest are both used which really punches through as the key ingredient. I also serve with a lemon wedge for more brightness
- Garlic is grated with a microplane to add aroma and flavor without any chunks. You can swap with garlic powder if needed but it bests to use fresh cloves of garlic
- Extra virgin Olive oil helps coat the salmon and keeps it moist and tender. You can swap with melted butter if you prefer
- Oregano adds an earthy note. Swap with other fresh herbs such as dried dill, parsley or basil
- Paprika, I personally prefer using smoked paprika which has gentle spices but sweet paprika is great too or chilli powder for more kick
- Dijon mustard provides a tangy flavor and helps balances the lemon and garlic
How to make Lemon Garlic Salmon
When you need a quick dinner for the family, it doesn't get much easier than this lemon garlic salmon recipe. Here's my simple steps to make it below:
Step 1: Make the marinade - in a small bowl, add lemon juice and zest then grate in garlic with a microplane. Add olive oil, oregano, paprika, mustard and season well. Stir to combine
Step 2: Coat the salmon fillets with the marinade and leave aside for 10 minutes or up to 1 hour (if doing longer, place in the fridge). In the meantime preheat oven to broiler setting at 475℉ (250℃)
Step 3: Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper
Step 4: Bake for 10-12 minutes depending how you like your salmon. Serve with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Always pat the salmon dry before adding the marinade to ensure it coats well, especially if using frozen thawed salmon
- Keep an eye on the cook time. Every oven has different strength and it will also depend on the thickness of the fillets, I like to flake a corner with a fork to test it
- To save on dishes, add the marinade to the salmon straight on the baking dish for easy cleanup. If you are marinating for a long period for example an hour, it will need to be refrigerated though
Storage Instructions
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
- Reheat briefly in an air fryer, oven or even over the stove top for a few minutes
- You can freeze the cooked salmon in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 1 month, but it does taste better fresh
FAQs
Yes of course! The marinade would work perfectly with white fish such as halibut, cod or even a barramundi fillet
You can test by flaking a corner of the fillet with a fork to see if it's cooked to your liking and flakes easily. Otherwise you can also check the thickest part with an instant-read thermometer, the internal temperature should be 130℉ / 55℃ to be fully cooked
You sure can! An air fryer is basically like a mini oven which cooks in slightly less time. It will need between 7-10 minutes - refer to my teriyaki salmon recipe
Serving Suggestions
This Lemon Garlic Salmon pairs great with white rice or quinoa and alongside roasted vegetables, steamed broccoli or asparagus. A fresh avocado salad or crunchy edamame salad would also work well too.
For a complete Mediterranean menu idea, start with this burrata appetizer dipped with yogurt flatbread or crispy crostini followed by this salmon recipe as the main course. Serve alongside a fattoush salad and garlic mashed potatoes. Then finish with a quick affogato for dessert, yum!
More Salmon Recipes
More 30 Minute Dinners
I love seeing your creations and remakes, so be sure to rate the recipe, comment and share your photo on Instagram so I can share the love!
Recipe
Lemon Garlic Salmon (Easy Dinner in 20 Minutes)
Video
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (5oz / 140g each)
- 1 large lemon - zest and juice
- 2 large garlic cloves
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- ½ teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika - I used smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a small bowl add the juice of the lemon along with the lemon zest then using a microplane grater, grate in the garlic. Add the olive oil, oregano, paprika, mustard and a good pinch of salt and pepper. Stir together
- Coat the salmon fillets with the lemon garlic marinade and if you have the time, let it sit for 10 minutes or even up to an hour. In the meantime preheat the oven to broiler setting at 475℉ / 250℃. Note, if marinating for an hour place the salmon in the fridge
- Place the salmon on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven for 10-12 minutes depending on how cooked you prefer your salmon. I like to test one of the corners by flaking itTop with chopped fresh parsley and serve to enjoy with your favorite sides, here I've made crispy potatoes and a fresh Greek salad which worked so well!
Notes
- Salmon - before adding the marinade, pat dry the fillets with paper towels, this way it coats each piece well. Especially if your using frozen thawed salmon, don't skip this step
- Easy Clean Up - to save on dishes, add the marinade to the salmon straight on the baking dish, however if you wish to marinate for longer (like 1 hour), then you will need to put it in the fridge
- Cook Time - as each oven has different strengths and salmon thickness can vary, I like to test a corner and flake it with a fork
Comments
No Comments