Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon

Salmon fillets baked with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and parsley. This recipe keeps the preparation straightforward and pairs easily with vegetables and rice.

Recipe development note: This recipe has not been kitchen-tested. Preparation and cooking times are estimates; use a food thermometer to check doneness.

Recipe details

• Servings: 4
• Estimated prep time: 10 minutes
• Estimated cooking time: 12–18 minutes
• Equipment: baking dish or rimmed baking tray, instant-read food thermometer

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets, approximately 150–180g each
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ teaspoon fine salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

1. Heat the oven to 200°C / 400°F, or 180°C fan. Lightly oil a baking dish or line a rimmed baking tray with baking parchment rated for that temperature.
2. Pat the salmon dry with paper towels and check for pin bones. Arrange the fillets skin-side down, if skin-on, leaving space between them.
3. Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and pepper.
4. Spoon the mixture evenly over the salmon.
5. Bake for approximately 12–18 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Start checking thinner pieces earlier.
6. Use a food thermometer in the thickest part of each fillet. Cook salmon to 63°C / 145°F. Add time as necessary rather than relying only on the estimated baking time.
7. Sprinkle with parsley and serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Serving suggestions

Serve with steamed rice, couscous, asparagus, or green beans. Cook vegetables separately so their timing does not determine when you remove the salmon from the oven.

Food safety

Cook fish to a minimum internal temperature of 63°C / 145°F. See the FoodSafety.gov safe minimum internal temperature chart.