ZESTY LEMON HERB OVEN BAKED SALMON FILLET
Zesty Lemon Herb Oven Baked Salmon Fillet is a light and flavourful dish that highlights the natural richness of salmon with a bright and zesty touch infused with garlic, oregano and lemon juice. This recipe enhances the fish’s natural flavours while keeping it moist and flaky. Baking is a foolproof method to achieve a perfectly tender texture, ensuring that the salmon remains juicy and delicious. A drizzle of olive oil helps to lock in moisture, while the dried oregano adds a Mediterranean touch. This dish is high in protein, healthy fats and essential omega-3 fatty acids, making it a nutritious option for lunch or dinner. Zesty Lemon Herb Oven Baked Salmon Fillet is quick to prepare and easy to clean up, which is perfect for busy weeknights, meal preparation or even an elegant dinner. Serve it with roasted vegetables, quinoa or a fresh salad for a well-balanced and satisfying meal.
RECIPE CATEGORY
Entrée, Lunch, Dinner
SERVING SIZE
1
CUISINE
Mediterranean, European, Greek
PREPARATION/TECHNIQUES
Bake, 5 Ingredients or Less, Quick & Easy, Prepared in Advance
OCCASION/HOLIDAY
Christmas, New Year’s Eve, Thanksgiving, Family Reunion, Party, Valentine’s Day, Summer, Spring
SPECIAL CONSIDERATION/DIETARY CONCERNS
Healthy, High Protein, Low Cholesterol, Low Sodium, Quick & Easy, Kid Friendly, Wheat/Gluten-Free
DISH TYPE
Seafood Main
INGREDIENTS
Here is a list of ingredients for the preparation of Zesty Lemon Herb Oven Baked Salmon Fillet:
- 100 grams | 3.53 ounces | 1 small salmon fillet
- 5 milliliters | 0.17 fluid ounces | 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 2.5 milliliters | 0.08 fluid ounces | ½ teaspoon lemon juice
- 1.5 grams | 0.05 ounces | ½ garlic clove, minced
- 0.25 grams | 0.01 ounces | ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 1.5 grams | 0.05 ounces | ¼ teaspoon salt
- 0.30 grams | 0.01 ounces | ¼ teaspoon black pepper
FULL NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION
- Calories: 249 kilocalories
- Protein: 22.1 grams
- Carbohydrate: 0.8 grams
- Total sugars: 0.2 grams
- Fibre: 0.2 grams
- Fat: 16.5 grams
- Saturated fat: 3.25 grams
- Sodium: 638 milligrams
- Potassium: 393 milligrams
- Calcium: 10 milligrams
- Iron: 0.7 milligrams
PREPARATION
These steps are followed for the preparation of Zesty Lemon Herb Oven Baked Salmon Fillet:
- Preheat The Oven: Set your oven to 180 degrees Celsius and line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Prepare The Salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, ensuring even cooking.
- Season The Fish: Place the salmon in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then sprinkle minced garlic, oregano, salt and pepper over the top.
- Bake Until Tender: Bake for 12 to 15 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overcooking to retain moisture.
- Rest And Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving. Garnish with extra lemon zest or fresh herbs if desired.
PREPARATION TIME
5 minutes
COOKING TIME
15 minutes
TIPS
Here are some helpful tips for Zesty Lemon Herb Oven Baked Salmon Fillet:
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Look for a bright and firm fillet with a mild ocean smell for the best quality.
- Marinate For Extra Flavour: Let the salmon sit with the seasoning for 10 to 15 minutes before baking to enhance the taste.
- Use A Meat Thermometer: For perfect doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 52 to 57 degrees Celsius.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon continues to cook after being removed from the oven, so take it out slightly before it is fully done.
- Enhance The Citrus Flavour: Add lemon zest before baking for a more intense lemony aroma.
VARIATIONS
- Garlic Butter Version: Replace olive oil with melted garlic butter for a richer taste.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne for a hint of heat.
- Herb Blend: Use fresh dill, thyme or parsley instead of oregano for a different flavour profile.
- Soy-Ginger Twist: Swap lemon juice for soy sauce and add grated ginger for an Asian-inspired version.
- Honey Glaze: Drizzle a teaspoon of honey over the salmon before baking for a subtle sweetness.
PREPPING AND STORAGE
- Refrigeration: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 160 degrees Celsius for best results.
- Freezing: Wrap raw or cooked salmon in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Make-Ahead: Season the salmon in advance and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking for an easy meal preparation option.