Zesty Lemon Garlic Salmon

$- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) - 3 tablespoons olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced Salmon fillets are the star of this dish. They provide rich flavor and healthy fats. I love using fresh fillets for the best taste. Olive oil adds moisture and helps the fish cook evenly. Garlic brings depth and a lovely aroma to the dish. - Zest of 1 lemon - 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice - 1 teaspoon honey - 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard Lemon zest and juice give the salmon a bright, zesty flavor. The honey adds a touch of sweetness that balances the lemon. Dijon mustard introduces a hint of tanginess, enhancing the overall taste. Each of these components works together to create a delicious marinade. - Salt and black pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon slices (for garnish) Salt and black pepper bring out the natural flavors of the salmon. Fresh parsley adds color and a pop of freshness. Lemon slices not only look pretty but also add flavor when served. Use these garnishes to make your dish visually appealing and tasty! {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). - Prepare the baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper. This makes cleanup easy. - In a small bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves. - Add the zest of 1 lemon and 3 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. - Mix in 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. - Finally, season with salt and black pepper to taste. Whisk until well combined. - Place 4 salmon fillets on the baking sheet, skin side down. - Generously brush the marinade over the top of each fillet. - Let the salmon marinate for about 15 minutes at room temperature. This helps the flavors blend. - Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes. It is ready when it flakes easily with a fork. - Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices. - Serve hot with your favorite side, like steamed asparagus or a light salad. For the best flavor, marinate your salmon for at least 15 minutes. This time allows the garlic and lemon to soak into the fish. If you have more time, you can marinate it for up to an hour in the fridge. Just cover it well to keep it fresh. To enhance flavor, try adding fresh herbs like dill or thyme to the marinade. These herbs pair well with the lemon and garlic. To cook salmon perfectly, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high heat helps the fish cook fast and keeps it moist. Place the salmon skin side down on the baking sheet. Bake it for 12 to 15 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If you’re unsure, check the thickest part of the fillet. It should be opaque and just lose its shine. For a great meal, serve your salmon with sides like steamed asparagus or a light salad. These sides add color and freshness. When plating, place the salmon on the plate and add a few lemon slices on top. Sprinkle chopped parsley around the fish for a nice look. This makes your dish pop and look inviting! Pro Tips Tip: Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh salmon and garlic to enhance the overall flavor of your dish. Tip: Let it Marinate: Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 15 minutes to let the flavors develop and penetrate the fish. Tip: Check for Doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist. Tip: Customize Your Marinade: Feel free to add herbs like dill or thyme for a different flavor profile in your marinade. {{image_2}} You can change the taste of your zesty lemon garlic salmon easily. Adding herbs like dill or thyme gives it a fresh twist. You can also use spices like paprika or chili flakes for a little heat. When it comes to citrus, lemon is great, but you can switch it up. Try lime or orange for a different zing. Each option brings its own fun twist to the dish. You can cook this salmon in a few ways. Baking is simple and keeps the fish moist. Grilling adds a nice char and smoky taste. If you choose to grill, preheat your grill to medium heat. Cook the salmon skin-side down for about 6-8 minutes. Flip it halfway for even cooking. Pan-searing is another option. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with a bit of oil. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side. This method gives you a crispy outside and a tender inside. If you need gluten-free options, this recipe works well. All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your Dijon mustard is gluten-free too. For a healthier choice, you can reduce the olive oil or skip the honey. You can replace honey with maple syrup for a lower-calorie option. These adjustments keep the meal tasty while fitting your health goals. To store leftover salmon, let it cool first. Place the salmon in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh. You can store it in the fridge for up to three days. After that, the quality may drop. You can freeze salmon before or after cooking. If you freeze it raw, wrap it well in plastic wrap. Then, place it in a freezer bag. It can last up to three months. If you freeze it after cooking, let it cool completely first. Store it in an airtight container. It also lasts about three months in the freezer. When thawing, always use the fridge. This keeps the salmon safe. You can also use cold water for faster thawing. Just seal it in a bag and submerge it in cold water. To reheat salmon, use the oven for best results. Preheat it to 275°F (135°C). Place the salmon on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. Heat for about 15 minutes. This keeps the salmon moist. You can also reheat it in the microwave, but do this carefully. Use low power and check it often to avoid drying it out. How do I know when salmon is done? You can tell when salmon is done by checking its color and texture. Cooked salmon should be opaque and flaky. Use a fork to gently pull apart the flesh. If it flakes easily, it is ready. The ideal internal temperature for salmon is 145°F (63°C). Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to thaw it first. Place the frozen fillets in the fridge overnight. You can also use the quick-thaw method by sealing them in a bag and submerging them in cold water for about an hour. What can I use instead of Dijon mustard? If you don’t have Dijon mustard, you can use yellow mustard. Other options include whole grain mustard or a bit of mayonnaise. Each will add a different flavor, but they work well in this recipe. Alternatives for honey in the recipe If you need a honey substitute, try maple syrup or agave nectar. You can also use brown sugar mixed with a little water. These alternatives will still add a nice sweetness to the dish. What’s the calorie count per serving? This recipe has about 350 calories per serving. The calorie count can vary based on the portion size and any sides you serve with it. Is this recipe suitable for a keto diet? Yes, this recipe is great for a keto diet. It is low in carbs and high in healthy fats from the salmon and olive oil. Enjoy it with keto-friendly sides like leafy greens or roasted vegetables. This blog post shared a simple salmon recipe packed with tasty flavors. We explored core ingredients like salmon, olive oil, and garlic. We also made a zesty marinade using lemon and honey. You learned how to bake salmon perfectly and get great flavor. In conclusion, enjoy exploring variations and cooking techniques. Whether you grill or bake, you can make this dish your own. Remember to store leftovers right, and feel free to ask questions. Happy cooking!$

Zesty Lemon Garlic Salmon

A flavorful salmon dish with a zesty lemon and garlic marinade.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
3 tablespoons olive oil
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 lemon zest
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
to taste salt
to taste black pepper
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped
for garnish lemon slices

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down. Generously brush the lemon garlic mixture over the top of each fillet.
Let the salmon marinate for about 15 minutes at room temperature to enhance the flavors.
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Once cooked, remove from the oven and garnish with chopped fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Serve immediately with your favorite side, such as steamed asparagus or a light salad.

Notes

Let the salmon marinate for better flavor.

Keyword garlic, healthy, lemon, salmon