Name: Baked Salmon Recipes with Lemon and Garlic Perfection
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (fresh or frozen, about 6 oz each); 2 lemons, sliced; 4 garlic cloves, minced; 2 tbsp olive oil; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Some meals speak for themselves, and this lemon garlic baked salmon is one of them. You can almost smell the fresh citrus and savory garlic before it even hits the oven. It’s the kind of recipe that looks impressive, but requires almost no effort. That’s my kind of cooking. I’ve made this for busy weeknights when I barely had the energy to slice a lemon, and it still turned out beautiful. The fish comes out tender, flaky, and full of flavor every single time. Whether you’re working with fresh fillets or frozen ones, this recipe delivers. Just pair it with some roasted vegetables or a crisp salad and you’ve got yourself one of the easiest salmon dinner ideas ever. And here’s the thing: this isn’t just a recipe for baked salmon—it’s a recipe you’ll come back to when you need something reliable. It’s easy enough for a Tuesday, pretty enough for a Friday night, and healthy enough that you won’t feel like you’ve overdone it. Sockeye, Atlantic, or even coho—pick your favorite, and let’s bake it to perfection.

1) Key Takeaways
2) Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon Recipe
3) Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
4) How to Make Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
5) Tips for Making Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
6) Making Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon Ahead of Time
7) Storing Leftover Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
8) Try these Main Course recipes next!
9) Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon
10) Nutrition

1) Key Takeaways

This baked salmon recipe blends fresh lemon and garlic for maximum flavor with minimal effort.
It works with fresh or frozen salmon, making it flexible for any kitchen situation.
Pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, rice, or a crisp salad.
Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

2) Easy Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon Recipe

I’ve been cooking salmon for years, but I still get excited when I make this lemon garlic baked salmon. The smell alone could lure the neighbors to your door. Fresh lemon slices release their juice as they bake, blending with roasted garlic and a hint of olive oil. The result is fish that’s tender, flaky, and loaded with flavor.

The beauty of baked salmon recipes like this one is how little effort they demand. You season, arrange, and bake. That’s it. You can use sockeye, coho, or even Atlantic salmon, and it still comes out looking like you’ve put in way more work than you did.

It’s also one of my favorite salmon dinner ideas for busy nights. You don’t need special equipment or complicated steps. Just a baking sheet, a hot oven, and a few ingredients that work together without competing for attention.

3) Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon

Salmon Fillets: Use about 6 oz per fillet. Fresh is ideal, but frozen works if thawed properly. The key is to pick fillets with a nice pink color and firm texture.

Lemons: Two fresh lemons sliced thin will do the trick. They give the fish that fresh, bright flavor and help keep it moist during baking.

Garlic Cloves: Four cloves minced. Fresh garlic brings a bold flavor that powdered garlic just can’t match in a baked salmon recipe.

Olive Oil: About two tablespoons. This helps the garlic and lemon stick to the salmon and keeps the flesh from drying out.

Salt and Black Pepper: Simple, but they make a difference. Season to taste, but don’t skip this step—it balances the flavors.

Fresh Parsley: Optional, but it adds a nice touch of color and a mild, fresh note right before serving.

4) How to Make Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon

Step 1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). A hot oven ensures the salmon cooks evenly and gets that perfect flaky texture.

Step 2. Prepare a baking sheet with parchment paper or a light coating of olive oil. This keeps the salmon from sticking and makes cleanup much easier.

Step 3. Lay the salmon fillets skin-side down. Drizzle each with olive oil, then gently rub it in to coat the surface.

Step 4. Sprinkle the minced garlic evenly over the fillets. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5. Arrange lemon slices on top and around the salmon. The heat will coax out the juice and flavor.

Step 6. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness. You’re looking for salmon that flakes easily with a fork.

Step 7. Remove from the oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley if desired, and serve right away.

5) Tips for Making Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon

Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking. It helps the juices redistribute, keeping the flesh moist. If you’re working with frozen salmon, thaw it slowly in the fridge for the best texture.

Don’t skip the olive oil. It works as a flavor carrier, spreading the garlic and lemon essence evenly. This is especially important in baked salmon recipes where simplicity is key.

For extra flavor, marinate the fillets in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for 30 minutes before baking. It deepens the flavor without adding any real work to your prep time.

6) Making Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon Ahead of Time

If you’re hosting dinner, you can prep the salmon ahead of time. Arrange it on the baking sheet with the garlic, lemon, and oil, then cover it and store in the fridge for up to 8 hours.

When you’re ready, just bake as directed. This method works well for salmon dinner recipes where timing matters and you don’t want to be stuck in the kitchen.

Avoid adding fresh parsley until right before serving—it keeps the color and flavor bright.

7) Storing Leftover Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. To reheat, place the salmon in a low oven at 275°F until warmed through. This keeps it from drying out.

You can also flake the leftover salmon into salads, pasta, or wraps. It’s a great way to stretch one meal into another without feeling like you’re eating the same thing twice.

If freezing, wrap the cooled salmon tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. It keeps well for up to two months.

8) Try these Main Course recipes next!

9) Lemon Garlic Baked Salmon