Lemon Pepper Salmon
This Lemon Pepper Salmon is a deliciously quick and easy weeknight meal that's healthy and flavorful. It only needs 15 minutes in the oven.
Servings: 6
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon fillet, about 1-inch thick
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, plus extra for pan
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 375F with rack on lower middle position. Line a large sheet pan with foil and grease the foil with some olive oil. Set aside.
- Use paper towels to pat-dry the salmon fillet, ensuring that all excess moisture is removed (this step is important, as excess water/moisture causes fish to be "steamed" instead.) Place salmon on the prepared sheet pan.
- In a small bowl, stir together all remaining ingredients until combined. Evenly press the mixture over the top of salmon.
- Bake salmon for 10 minutes in preheated oven. Carefully but quickly take salmon out, move rack to upper position for the broiler, and place salmon tray back on rack.
- Broil on high for up to 5 minutes or until top is nicely browned, but watch carefully for even browning without burning. Remove from heat immediately. Serve with extra slices of lemon.
Notes
- Pat the salmon completely dry before seasoning. This helps it roast beautifully instead of steaming in the oven.
- Choose salmon that’s about 1 inch thick so it cooks evenly and stays tender inside. If your fillet is thinner than 1 inch, reduce the bake time slightly to avoid overcooking.
- Watch closely while broiling. The top can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on it.
- Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- We love fresh basil for this recipe, but parsley, dill, thyme, or oregano can be used as well.
- For extra flavor, drizzle a little olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the salmon right before serving.
- Leftovers taste great flaked into salads, grain bowls, or pasta for an easy next-day meal.
- This recipe is part of our Healthy Sheet Pan Recipes Collection.
- This lemon pepper salmon is amazing with Easy Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms or this 20-Minute Lemon Spinach Orzo Salad.
Nutrition (per serving)
Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.1g | Protein: 34.1g | Fat: 9.6g | Saturated Fat: 1.6g | Cholesterol: 77.2mg | Sodium: 313.1mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 2.1g