A sprinkle of lemon pepper seasoning gives this salmon a bright, citrusy flavor.
Salmon has been a long-time staple in my kitchen because it’s simple, it’s readily available, and I can pair it with just about any side dish. For the absolute easiest preparation, I’ll drizzle a fillet with fresh lemon juice, add some lemon pepper seasoning, and serve it up with some rice and asparagus. Any veggie side will work, however, which makes this a great option for serving guests with dietary restrictions; it’s easy to make the whole meal low-carb, keto, paleo, dairy-free, or gluten-free with this as the main.
Lemon pepper seasoning is a kitchen workhorse. If you don’t already have some on hand, this recipe should convince you. You can use it on just about anything, from chicken (especially wings!) to shrimp to pasta salad. It’s that versatile. I don’t love salmon that leans too fishy, so the bright lemon flavor—accented by the fresh-squeezed lemon juice—provides a welcome balance that keeps the flavor punchy and multifaceted. The short ingredient list makes it easy to play with different cooking methods, too. I usually roast the salmon for a hands-off dinner, but pan-frying develops a crisp edge that I love, too.
Seasoning your salmon makes all the difference
Before you get started, my advice is to check what’s in your lemon pepper seasoning. Store-bought lemon pepper seasoning is a spice blend. Yes, it includes dehydrated lemon peel (or possibly lemon oil), as well as pepper—but it likely also contains salt, garlic powder, and onion powder. Sometimes you may see celery seed. Regardless, you need these other components—at least the salt, garlic powder, and onion powder—to make a well-seasoned fillet. If your lemon pepper seasoning is homemade or lacks any other additions, this is your cue to season the fish separately with those components.
How do I store leftovers?
Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge. You’ll want to eat it within 4 days. While you can reheat your salmon, I also enjoy the leftovers cold, flaked over top of a salad or grain bowl.
Serving suggestions
As mentioned, this dish pairs with just about anything. A fresh Arugula Caprese Salad With Lemon-Basil Dressing would be a perfect complement, tying in some more of those fresh citrus flavors. If you want something a little more comforting on the side, try these Garlic Mashed Potatoes or these Delicious Diced Potatoes (or really any potatoes for that matter).
Lemon Pepper Salmon
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillet with skin
- 1/2 lemon for juice only
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F.
- Lay the salmon skin-side down in a baking dish. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the top, then sprinkle with the lemon pepper seasoning.
- Pop the salmon in the oven and let it bake for 12-16 minutes. If you're using a food thermometer, you are aiming for 145°F.
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