Zesty Lemon Garlic Roasted Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces each) - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 medium-sized lemon - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, finely chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (for serving) The main ingredients make this dish shine. Salmon fillets are the star. They offer rich flavor and healthy fats. I use extra virgin olive oil for its fruity taste. Fresh lemon juice adds a bright kick. The zest gives extra aroma and depth. For seasoning, garlic is a must. It brings warmth and strength. Dried oregano and thyme add earthy notes. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors. When it comes to garnishing, fresh parsley brightens the dish. It adds color and freshness. Lemon wedges on the side let you add more zing. You can’t go wrong with these choices! {{ingredient_image_2}} Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). This high heat helps to roast the salmon quickly. Next, prepare your baking sheet. You can line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. If you prefer, you can also lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In a small mixing bowl, combine these ingredients: - 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice - Zest of 1 medium-sized lemon - 4 cloves garlic, finely minced - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried thyme - Salt and freshly ground black pepper Whisk these ingredients together well. Whisking blends the flavors and makes the marinade smooth. This step is key to ensuring every bite bursts with flavor. Now, place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Make sure they are skin side down. This helps the skin crisp up nicely. Generously brush the lemon garlic marinade over each fillet. Ensure every piece gets an even coating. Let the salmon marinate for about 10-15 minutes. This brief time allows the flavors to soak in while the oven preheats. Once the marinade time is up, put the salmon in the preheated oven. Roast for 12-15 minutes. The salmon is done when it looks opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Watch it closely to avoid overcooking. Perfectly roasted salmon is moist and tender. After roasting, carefully take the salmon out of the oven. Let it rest for a few minutes. This resting time helps keep the salmon juicy. Finally, garnish your dish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra zesty touch. Enjoy your delicious lemon garlic roasted salmon! To make the best lemon garlic roasted salmon, use a great marinade. Mix the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, and thyme well. This mix gives the fish a bright flavor. Let it sit for 10-15 minutes to soak in. You can add more zest or herbs for extra taste. If you want to switch things up, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. This adds some heat to the dish. You can also use fresh herbs instead of dried ones. Fresh dill or basil can be a nice touch. You can cook salmon on the grill or in the oven. Grilling gives it a smoky taste. Brush the marinade on the fish just like in the oven method. Cook it for about 6-8 minutes per side. If you prefer a skillet, heat some olive oil on medium heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cover it. Cook for 4-5 minutes, then flip it. This method creates a nice crust. To check if the salmon is done, use a fork. If it flakes easily, it is ready. The fish should be opaque and not shiny. After cooking, let the salmon rest for a few minutes. This keeps it juicy. If you cut it right away, the juices will run out, and it may taste dry. Resting makes a big difference! Pro Tips Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh salmon and freshly squeezed lemon juice will elevate the flavor of this dish significantly. Always opt for high-quality ingredients whenever possible. Don't Overcook the Salmon: Salmon is best when it’s still moist and flaky. Keep an eye on it while roasting and remove it from the oven as soon as it turns opaque. Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allowing the salmon to marinate for 10-15 minutes not only enhances the flavor but also helps to tenderize the fish. Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds color but also a fresh taste that complements the zesty lemon and garlic flavors. {{image_4}} You can switch the herbs to change the flavor. Try using dill or basil for a fresh taste. Combining herbs also works well. Mix oregano with thyme for a rich flavor boost. Experiment until you find your favorite blend. Adding vegetables makes the dish more colorful and tasty. Good options for roasting include zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. Cut the veggies into similar sizes for even cooking. Roast them for about 10 to 15 minutes, depending on their thickness. This way, they will be tender and bright. For a sweet twist, try a honey or maple syrup glaze. Brush it on the salmon before roasting for a tasty caramelized finish. If you like heat, add some chili flakes or sriracha to the glaze. This gives the salmon a spicy kick that pairs well with the lemon and garlic. To store leftover lemon garlic roasted salmon, use an airtight container. This helps keep the fish fresh. Place the salmon in the container and seal it tightly. You can keep it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save salmon for later, freezing is a great option. Wrap each fillet in plastic wrap. Then, place the wrapped salmon in a freezer bag. Make sure to squeeze out as much air as you can. Frozen salmon lasts for about three months. To thaw frozen salmon, simply move it to the fridge. Let it sit overnight. If you need it faster, put the sealed bag in cold water for about an hour. When it's time to enjoy leftover salmon, reheating can be simple. The best methods are using an oven or a skillet. For the oven, set it to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and heat for 10-15 minutes. If you prefer a skillet, add a little olive oil over medium heat. Cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This keeps the flavor and texture just right. Enjoy your delicious meal! Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. To thaw, place the salmon in the fridge overnight. If you need it faster, seal it in a bag and submerge it in cold water for about an hour. Do not use hot water, as it can cook the fish unevenly. Look for color and texture to tell if the salmon is done. The fish should turn opaque and easily flake with a fork. If it’s still translucent in the middle, it needs more time. The ideal internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (63°C). Great side dishes pair well with salmon. Here are some tasty options: - Steamed asparagus - Garlic mashed potatoes - Quinoa salad - Roasted vegetables - Rice pilaf These sides will complement the zesty flavors of the salmon. This blog post covered how to prepare lemon garlic roasted salmon. We discussed the main ingredients like salmon, olive oil, and seasonings. You learned step-by-step instructions, from marinating to roasting. Tips helped enhance flavor and avoid overcooking. Variations allowed for added creativity, while storage info ensured freshness for later. Incorporate these methods to enjoy a tasty, healthy meal. Happy cooking!$

Zesty Lemon Garlic Roasted Salmon

A flavorful and healthy salmon dish infused with lemon and garlic, perfect for a quick dinner.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces each)
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 medium-sized lemon zest
4 cloves garlic, finely minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, finely chopped
for serving lemon wedges

Instructions

Begin by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Prepare a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper for easy cleanup, or lightly spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well blended into a flavorful marinade.
Arrange the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are skin side down. Generously brush the zesty lemon garlic marinade over each fillet, ensuring an even coating to maximize flavor.
Let the seasoned salmon marinate for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to infuse while the oven finishes preheating.
Place the marinated salmon in the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes. The salmon is ready when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork—keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
Once cooked, carefully remove the salmon from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes to enhance the juiciness.
Before serving, garnish the salmon with a sprinkle of the freshly chopped parsley, adding a pop of color and freshness. Serve with lemon wedges on the side to provide guests with the option to add an extra zesty flavor boost.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for an extra zesty flavor.

Keyword garlic, healthy, lemon, roasted, salmon