Description
A quick, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner featuring wild-caught salmon baked with a zesty lemon pepper butter mixture. This sheet-pan meal is ready in 25 minutes with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 to 2 pounds salmon fillets (wild-caught sockeye or Atlantic)
- 2 tablespoons high-quality extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 2 large fresh lemons (zest and juice)
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt (adjust to taste)
- Optional: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Optional: 2 lemons, thinly sliced for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a 18×13 inch baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Rinse salmon fillets under cold water and pat them very dry with paper towels. Place on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between fillets. Season tops lightly with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together melted butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried parsley, and freshly cracked black pepper until well combined.
- Spoon the lemon pepper butter mixture over each fillet, spreading it evenly. If using, place lemon slices on top.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Internal temperature should reach 135-145°F.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Pat the salmon dry before baking to ensure it bakes rather than steams. Do not overcook; salmon continues to cook after removal from the oven. For crispy skin, place salmon skin-side down on the foil. If using frozen salmon, thaw completely and pat very dry.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1
- Sodium: 280
- Fat: 18
- Saturated Fat: 7
- Carbohydrates: 2
- Protein: 34
Keywords: baked salmon, lemon pepper salmon, weeknight dinner, healthy seafood, sheet pan dinner, quick meals, gluten-free