An easy, quick, and delicious main that goes from oven to table in just 30 minutes.
Salmon is a staple of weeknight meals and healthy dinners. It’s widely available, cooks relatively quickly, and perfectly takes on a number of flavors. It’s versatile and dependable, and it never gets old—from teriyaki glazes to spicy marinades to fresh notes of citrus. And citrus is the star here, too.
Adding lemon juice to a simple marinade of olive oil, honey, and spices bridges the gap between bright and savory, marrying the flavors together in perfect harmony. You have elements of acidity, richness, sweetness, and savoriness all on one plate, without any one note becoming too overpowering. It’s my favorite way to make salmon because it’s so well-balanced, and the flavors meld well with a wide variety of sides.
If you enjoy recipes that carry enough finesse to impress dinner guests but are simple enough to throw together on a weeknight, add this one to your list. It’s sure to be a hit.
Lemon loves seafood
Think about your favorite seafood dish, and you can probably picture it being served with lemon. Lobster, shrimp, oysters, fish fry, the list goes on. There’s a reason for this—several reasons, as a matter of fact.
For one, the bright acidity of lemon helps mask any “fishy” notes that may be lingering on our seafood. For something like salmon, which is a fatty fish with a strong flavor, the lemon can also help cut through that richness and bring balance to the dish. And, even for sweeter options—think fresh-shucked oysters or lobster tail—the lemon helps complement the delicate, briny flavors of the meat, making them pop. It really is a seafood lover’s best friend!
How do I store leftovers?
Store your leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge. It should keep for up to 3 days. To reheat it, place the salmon in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. You could also flake it up while it’s cold and serve it over salads or grain bowls!
Serving suggestions
Serve this delicious lemon salmon with a simply dressed Green Salad for a super quick, healthy dinner. You can also dress it up with some heartier sides like these Stacked Potatoes, this Mediterranean Rice Salad, or these Roasted Brussels Sprouts for an impressive dinner for guests.
Lemon Salmon
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 tablespoon honey
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- 1 pound salmon fillet
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, garlic powder, dried dill, ground ginger, dried parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Line a baking sheet with foil.
- Place the salmon fillet in the center of the baking sheet.
- Drizzle the olive oil and spice mixture over the salmon.
- Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes, then switch to broil for an additional 3-5 minutes until the salmon is lightly browned and flaky.
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