Description
Enjoy a perfectly tender and flavorful Oven-Baked Lemon Herb Salmon recipe that combines fresh citrus, a honey butter glaze, and aromatic herbs to create a simple yet delicious main dish. This recipe is quick, easy to prepare, and ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 1 pound Salmon fillet (fresh wild-caught or farmed Atlantic salmon recommended)
- To taste Kosher salt
- To taste Black pepper
- 1 large Lemon (thinly sliced)
Herb Glaze
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (melted; can substitute with olive oil for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (can be swapped with maple syrup)
- 2 cloves Garlic (finely chopped)
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano (or use fresh herbs)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme (or substitute with other fresh herbs)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a baking sheet with foil and place parchment paper over it to prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
- Arrange Lemon Slices: Lay thinly sliced lemons evenly on the parchment paper. This lemon bed will infuse the salmon with fresh citrus flavor while preventing it from sticking to the foil.
- Season the Salmon: Sprinkle kosher salt and black pepper generously over the salmon fillet. Position the salmon skin-side down directly on top of the lemon slices to keep the flesh moist during cooking.
- Prepare Herb Glaze: In a bowl, whisk together the melted unsalted butter, honey, finely chopped garlic, dried oregano, and fresh thyme until well combined. This glaze will add a beautiful sweet and savory layer of flavor to the salmon.
- Apply the Glaze: Pour the herb butter mixture evenly over the salmon, coating the top thoroughly to ensure maximum flavor penetration.
- Form the Packet: Fold the parchment paper and foil around the salmon loosely, creating a sealed packet that traps steam and cooks the fish gently and evenly.
- Bake: Place the packet on the prepared baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 25 minutes. Check the salmon toward the end to ensure it is cooked through but still moist and flaky.
- Broil for Caramelization: Carefully open the packet and switch the oven to broil. Broil the salmon for 4-6 minutes to caramelize the top, giving it a flavorful golden crust.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm. Garnish with fresh parsley and roasted lemon slices for extra color and zest.
Notes
- Use fresh wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Substitute olive oil for butter to reduce saturated fat and make the dish lighter.
- The broiling step is essential for a caramelized top; do not skip it for the best flavor profile.
- You can replace honey with maple syrup for a different natural sweetener.
- For a stronger herb flavor, feel free to use fresh oregano instead of dried.
- Check the salmon’s internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption, or cook until it flakes easily with a fork.
