Hey y'all! If you're searching for a dinner that's both impressive and effortless, this One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon is your new weeknight hero. It's bursting with zesty lemon, fragrant garlic, and buttery salmon, all cooked together for easy clean-up and maximum flavor. Perfect for busy evenings, cozy family meals, or when you just want to treat yourself to something special—without spending hours in the kitchen. Let's get cooking!
Why You'll Love This One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, including prep and cook time.
- Minimal Clean-Up: Everything bakes together in a single pan.
- Healthy & Nutritious: Packed with protein, omega-3s, and fresh flavors (learn more about salmon health benefits).
- Versatile: Perfect for family dinners, date nights, or meal prep.
- Bright, Fresh Flavors: Lemon and garlic pair beautifully with tender salmon.
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 large lemon (zest and juice separated)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried Italian herbs (or oregano/basil blend)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (optional)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)
How to Make One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
Step 1: Prep the Pan & Ingredients
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy clean-up. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down on the prepared pan. Arrange cherry tomatoes and red onion slices around the salmon, if using.
Step 2: Make the Lemon Garlic Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, half the lemon juice, salt, pepper, and Italian herbs. Pour the sauce evenly over the salmon fillets, ensuring they're well coated. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.
Step 3: Bake the Salmon
Bake in the preheated oven for 14-16 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For extra caramelization, broil for the last 2 minutes—but watch closely to avoid burning!
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Remove from oven, drizzle with remaining lemon juice, and garnish with extra parsley. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon Notes & Cooking Tips
- For even cooking, use fillets of similar thickness.
- Don’t overbake—salmon continues to cook after coming out of the oven. Check for doneness at 14 minutes.
- Read more about oven-baked salmon techniques here.
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the sauce.
- Veggie-Packed: Toss in asparagus, thin-sliced zucchini, or bell pepper strips.
- Herb Swap: Try fresh dill or cilantro instead of parsley and Italian herbs.
Required Equipment for One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Large rimmed baking sheet
- Parchment paper or aluminum foil
- Small mixing bowl
- Whisk
- Sharp knife and cutting board
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon Storage Instructions
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Gently reheat in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Not recommended for freezing, as texture may change.
Serving Suggestions for One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Pair with fluffy jasmine rice, quinoa, or roasted potatoes.
- Add a crisp green salad or steamed veggies for balance.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges for a zesty finish.
Pro Tips for the Best One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon
- Bring salmon to room temperature for 15 minutes before baking for even cooking.
- Use a digital thermometer—salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F (63°C) (see food safety guidelines).
- Don’t skip the fresh herbs and lemon zest; they elevate the dish to restaurant worthy!
One-Pan Lemon Garlic Salmon FAQ
- Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes—thaw completely and pat dry before seasoning for best results. - How do I know when salmon is done?
The salmon will flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). - What other fish can I use?
This recipe works beautifully with trout, cod, or steelhead fillets.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 16 minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
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1Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
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2Arrange the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle olive oil over the fillets.
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3Sprinkle minced garlic, salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and chopped parsley evenly over the salmon.
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4Top each fillet with lemon slices. Optionally, scatter extra lemon slices around the pan for more flavor.
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5Bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
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6Remove from the oven and serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Approximate Information for One Serving
Nutrition Disclaimers
Number of total servings shown is approximate. Actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes.
Nutritional values shown are general guidelines and reflect information for 1 serving using the ingredients listed, not including any optional ingredients. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on specific brands and types of ingredients used.
To determine the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe (not including the weight of the container the food is in) by the desired number of servings. Result will be the weight of one serving.
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