Description
This oven-baked lemon herb salmon recipe delivers tender, flaky salmon infused with a flavorful blend of fresh lemon, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, the buttery honey glaze balances tangy and sweet notes for a delightful meal that’s simple yet impressive.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1 pound Salmon fillet (fresh wild-caught or farmed Atlantic salmon recommended)
- to taste Kosher salt
- to taste Black pepper
Glaze and Seasoning
- 4 tablespoons Unsalted butter (or substitute with olive oil for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons Honey (can be swapped with maple syrup)
- 2 cloves Garlic (chopped finely)
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano (or use fresh herbs)
- 1 teaspoon Fresh thyme (other herb substitutions can be used)
- 1 large Lemon (use the freshest lemons)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready once the salmon is prepared.
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillet dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season both sides with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
- Make the lemon herb glaze: In a small saucepan or microwave-safe bowl, melt the unsalted butter. Stir in honey, finely chopped garlic, dried oregano, and fresh thyme until well combined.
- Apply the glaze: Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Brush the lemon herb butter glaze evenly over the top of the salmon.
- Add lemon slices: Slice the lemon into thin rounds and arrange them over the glaze on the salmon fillet to infuse fresh citrus flavor during baking.
- Bake the salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is opaque in the center.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven, let it rest for a couple of minutes, then transfer to plates. Optionally, spoon any leftover pan juices over the fillet for extra flavor and garnish with additional fresh thyme if desired.
Notes
- Use fresh herbs whenever possible for the best flavor, but dried herbs work well too.
- Substitute olive oil for butter to reduce saturated fat and make the dish lighter.
- Check salmon doneness carefully to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the fish.
- If using farmed salmon, adjust cooking time slightly as it may have a different fat content.
- Feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for a spicy kick.
