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Delicious simple baked salmon fillet served with lemon and herbs.

Baked Salmon with Garlic and Lemon

A fast and healthy baked salmon recipe that features flaky fish, bright lemon, and garlic, perfect for weeknights or easy entertaining.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the salmon
  • 2 fillets salmon fillets (about 6–8 oz each) Skin-on or skinless.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil Can substitute with avocado oil or melted butter.
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced Or 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder in a pinch.
  • 1 whole lemon, thinly sliced Plus extra lemon for serving.
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh herbs for garnish (dill, parsley, or chives) Optional toppings.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. Tear off two large sheets of aluminum foil. Place each salmon fillet in the center, skin-side down if present.
  3. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over each fillet and gently rub to coat the top.
  4. Evenly sprinkle the minced garlic over the fish. Season each fillet with salt and pepper. Top each with a couple of lemon slices.
  5. Add a sprig of fresh herb if using, then fold the foil into a sealed packet so steam stays inside.
Cooking
  1. Place the packets on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 15–20 minutes. Check thinner fillets at 12–15 minutes; thicker fillets may need the full 20.
  2. The salmon should flake easily and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.
  3. Carefully open the foil (watch the steam), transfer the fillets to plates, garnish with extra herbs and a squeeze of fresh lemon, and serve.

Notes

For a slightly sweet glaze, swap half the olive oil for a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup. For a low-FODMAP option, omit garlic and add a sprinkle of lemon zest. Letting the fish rest a minute or two after baking helps redistribute juices.