Description
This Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Salmon recipe offers a perfectly balanced blend of fresh citrus, aromatic herbs, and a touch of sweetness, making it an effortless and delicious meal. Ideal for a nutritious weeknight dinner, the salmon is tender, flaky, and infused with buttery garlic and lemon flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1 pound Salmon fillet (fresh wild-caught or farmed Atlantic salmon recommended)
- to taste Kosher salt
- to taste Black pepper
Herb Butter Sauce
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (or substitute with olive oil for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (can be swapped with maple syrup)
- 2 cloves Garlic (chopped finely)
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano (or use fresh herbs)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme (other herb substitutions can be used)
Garnish
- 1 large Lemon (use the freshest lemons)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the salmon evenly.
- Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillet on a lined baking sheet. Season generously with kosher salt and black pepper on both sides to enhance the flavor.
- Make the Herb Butter Sauce: In a small saucepan over low heat, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in the finely chopped garlic, honey, dried oregano, and fresh thyme until combined and fragrant. Remove from heat.
- Apply the Sauce: Brush the herb butter sauce evenly over the salmon fillet, ensuring it is well coated to lock in moisture and flavors during baking.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
- Finish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, and garnish with lemon slices if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor.
Notes
- For a lighter alternative, substitute olive oil for butter in the herb sauce.
- Maple syrup can be used instead of honey for a different but equally delicious sweetness.
- Use fresh herbs when possible for more vibrant flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
- Do not overcook the salmon to keep it moist; remove from the oven as soon as it flakes easily.
- Serve with steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
