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    Grits and Pinecones » Recipes » Seafood

    Slow-Roasted Salmon with Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme

    January 6, 2016 by Sharon Rigsby, Updated February 5, 2022 2 Comments

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Pinterest pin for slow-roasted salmon fillets.

    Slow-Roasted Salmon with Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme is probably the easiest baked fish recipe you will ever prepare. Slow-roasting prevents the salmon from overcooking and results in an unbelievably flavorful, rich, tender, and moist fillet.

    Two salmon fillets topped with herbs on a sheet of aluminum foil.

    I think I have found a winner in this healthy, foolproof salmon recipe and I hope you will try it too. In my search for the perfect recipe, I came across several that “slow-roasted” the fish and I set out to recreate this easy method.  

    The salmon is cooked at an unbelievably low temperature of 275 degrees and what you end up with is some of the moistest, delicious fish you will ever eat. It has almost a buttery texture. This slow-roasting method and the lemon, garlic, and thyme topping are also perfect to use for any type of fish. 

    Here’s what you need:

    Salmon fillets, olive oil, fresh thyme, lemon zest, chopped garlic, and kosher salt and pepper.

    Two pieces of raw salmon, lemon, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, salt, pepper, and thyme on a cutting board.

    Here is how to make it:

    Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.

    Finely chop the thyme and garlic, and zest one large or two small lemons. I used a large Meyer lemon and the fragrance as I was zesting it was amazing.

    Finely chopped thyme, garlic and lemon zest on a cutting board along with a zester..

    Mix the thyme, garlic, and lemon zest with the olive oil. Let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to blend.

    Mixed thyme, garlic, lemon zest and olive oil in a glass bowl.
    Spread the mixture liberally over your filets. Season with salt and pepper. Cover loosely and let stand 10 minutes.

    Two pieces of salmon topped with lemon herb mixture with salt and pepper on top of aluminum foil.

    Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Spray with non-stick cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent the fillets from sticking. Place the fish skin-side down on the baking sheet.

    Roast the salmon for approximately 25 minutes, or until an instant-read meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part registers 120 degrees for medium-rare. You can also check the doneness of your salmon with a fork. When the salmon becomes opaque and flakes easily, it’s ready.

    If you like your fish more well done, the temperature should be closer to 140-145 degrees. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, which should be measured at the thickest part of the fillet.

    Once the salmon has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven, cover with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Keep in mind that the temperature of the fish will continue to rise three to five degrees as it rests. 

    A piece of cooked salmon topped with herbs on a plate.

    Sharon’s tip:

    This recipe and the cooking times are based on fillets that are approximately six to eight ounces and ½ to ¾ of an inch thick. If your fillets are thicker or thinner, or larger or smaller, the cooking time will be more or less. 

    More fish recipes:

    If you like fish as we do, you might also like these quick and easy recipes:

    • Blackened Mahi Mahi and Blackened Seasoning
    • Pan-Seared Red Snapper with Mango Salsa
    • Easy Pan-Seared Salmon with Asparagus
    • Oven-Baked Parmesan Grouper Recipes

    If you need more suggestions, here is a link to all of my seafood recipes.

    ★ If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and give it a star rating. I would love to know how you liked it!

    Thank you so much for visiting Grits and Pinecones!

    A piece of cooked salmon topped with herbs on a plate.

    Slow-Roasted Salmon with Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme

    Sharon Rigsby
    Slow-Roasted Salmon with Lemon, Garlic, and Thyme is probably the easiest baked fish recipe you will ever prepare. Slow-roasting prevents the salmon from overcooking and results in an unbelievably flavorful, rich, tender, and moist fillet.
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prep Time 15 mins
    Cook Time 25 mins
    Resting time 10 mins
    Total Time 50 mins
    Course Main Course
    Cuisine American
    Servings 4 servings
    Calories 355 kcal

    Ingredients
      

    • 4 boneless salmon fillets 6-8 oz fillets, skin on
    • 2-3 tablespoon olive oil
    • 2 tablespoon fresh thyme finely minced
    • Zest of 1 large or 2 small lemons
    • 2 cloves garlic finely minced
    • Kosher salt and pepper to taste

    Instructions
     

    • Preheat the oven to 275 degrees.
    • Finely chop the thyme and garlic and zest one large or two small lemons.
    • Mix the thyme, garlic, and lemon zest with the olive oil and let the mixture sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
    • Spread the mixture liberally over your fillets. Season with salt and pepper. Cover loosely and let stand 10 minutes.
    • Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil. Spray with non-stick cooking spray or brush with olive oil to prevent the filets from sticking. Place the filets skin side down on the baking sheet.
    • Roast the salmon for approximately 25 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the fillet registers 120 degrees for medium rare. If you like your fish more well done, the temperature should be closer to 140-145 degrees. The fish should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
    • Once the salmon has reached the desired temperature, remove it from the oven, cover with foil and let it rest for 10 minutes before serving. Keep in mind that the temperature of the fish will continue to rise three to five degrees as it rests. 

    Notes

    This recipe and the cooking times are based on fillets that are approximately six to eight ounces and ½ to ¾ of an inch thick. If your fillets are thicker or thinner, or larger or smaller, the cooking time will be more or less. 

    Nutrition

    Calories: 355kcalProtein: 49gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 7gCholesterol: 103mgSodium: 103mgPotassium: 952mgVitamin A: 400IUCalcium: 80mgIron: 1.4mg
    Tried this recipe? Tag me today! Mention @gritspinecones or tag #gritspinecones!

     

     

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    1. BrewerAdam

      January 06, 2016 at 1:17 pm

      This sounds like a great recipe for the green egg!

      Reply
      • Gritsandpinecones

        January 06, 2016 at 1:41 pm

        That’s a great idea!

        Reply

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    Sharon Rigsby, blogger at GritsandPinecones.com

    Hello, I'm Sharon Rigsby, blogger, recipe developer, videographer, and photographer for Grits and Pinecones®. I have over 50 years of experience in the kitchen, and I like nothing better than developing and reimagining recipes for my family, friends, and you!

    More about me →

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