Imagine a dish that combines the rich flavors of herbs, the brightness of lemon, and the succulence of salmon, all in a single, easy-to-make meal. This Lemon Herb Salmon recipe is not just a dinner staple; it’s a culinary experience that will leave you and your family craving more. The lemon and herbs add a burst of citrus and freshness, while the salmon provides a generous dose of omega-3 fatty acids and protein. This dish is perfect for busy nights when you need something quick, healthy, and delicious.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 tbsp lemon juice, fresh squeezed
- 2 tbsp lemon zest, fresh grated
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 2 lemons (for slices and juice)
Instructions
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Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
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Prepare the Lemon Herb Topping: In a small mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, chopped basil, rosemary, parsley, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure all the ingredients are evenly distributed.
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Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin side down in a shallow baking dish. A rimmed baking sheet or a 9″ x 13″ casserole pan will work perfectly.
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Top with Lemon Herb Mixture: Evenly spread the lemon herb mixture over the salmon fillets. Thinly slice an additional lemon and place the lemon slices on top of the salmon.
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Bake the Salmon: Place the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The salmon will turn from a bright orange/red color to an opaque pink as it cooks.
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Check for Doneness: To ensure the salmon is cooked to your liking, check the thickest part of the fillet. For each inch of thickness, cook for 10 minutes. If your salmon is thicker or thinner, adjust the cooking time accordingly.
- Serve: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and garnish with additional sprigs of fresh herbs and lemon wedges, if desired. Serve with steamed vegetables or a green salad for a complete, healthy meal.
Top Tips
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Freshness Matters: Use fresh herbs and lemons for the best flavor. Freshness is key in this recipe, so make sure to use high-quality ingredients.
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Adjust Cooking Time: The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets. Always check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) for well-done salmon.
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Easy Clean-Up: To make clean-up easier, place the salmon in a foil basket on the baking sheet before covering it with the lemon herb mixture.
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Pair with Veggies: Roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli or asparagus pair perfectly with this dish, adding more nutrients and flavor to your meal.
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Herb Variations: Feel free to mix and match different herbs like thyme, oregano, or dill to create unique flavor profiles.
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Broiler for Browning: For a crispy top, broil the salmon for an additional 2-3 minutes after baking. Keep an eye on it to avoid burning.
Variations
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Garlic Lemon Asparagus: Pair the salmon with grilled garlic lemon asparagus for a complete, flavorful meal.
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Roasted Broccolini: Serve the salmon with roasted garlic broccolini for a delicious and nutritious dinner.
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Herb-Infused Butter: Mix softened butter with chopped herbs and garlic for an herb-infused butter to spread over the salmon before baking.
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Greek Twist: Add a Greek twist by sprinkling some dried oregano and dill over the salmon for a mild Mediterranean flavor.
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Citrus Zest: Use different citrus zests like orange or lime to add unique flavors to your dish.
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Vegan Alternative: Replace butter with vegan butter or ghee for a dairy-free version of this recipe.
Nutritional Guide
| Nutritional Information | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 |
| Fat | 20g |
| Carbohydrates | 10g |
| Protein | 35g |
Additional Nutritional Notes: This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. The salmon provides a generous dose of omega-3 fatty acids, while the herbs add vitamins and iron. The lemon juice boosts the vitamin C content, making this dish a perfect choice for a healthy dinner. Always choose wild-caught salmon for better nutritional value and flavor.
