This easy lemon pepper salmon is a perfect weeknight meal. On the table in under 20 minutes, this salmon is the perfect combination of rich salmon with bright, fresh lemon juice and sweet, buttery roasted garlic.
1lemon, juicedabout 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1lemon,cut into thin slices
1teaspoonminced garlic
2tablespoonsunsalted butter
Optional, fresh chopped parsley for garnish
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Drizzle the olive oil on a large-rimmed sheet pan and set aside.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, and season the top side with salt and pepper.
Sprinkle the garlic over the salmon and place a half-tablespoon pat of butter on top of each fillet.
Top each fillet with 1-2 slices of fresh lemon.
Bake the salmon on the middle rack in the preheated oven with a cooking time of 8-10 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature in the thickest part of the fillet, which should reach 145°F.
Let the fish rest for a few minutes, drizzle the lemon pepper sauce from the pan over the salmon, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley and lemon wedges, if desired. Serve immediately.
Notes
Be sure to use freshly squeezed lemon juice and not bottled lemon juice.Take the salmon fillets from the refrigerator about 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow them to come to room temperature. This helps the fish cook more evenly.If you don't have one, invest in a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish. It is perfectly cooked when it reaches 145°F. Overcooking can result in dry fish.Don't forget to let the cooked salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. Like other proteins, this allows the juices to be redistributed, resulting in juicier and more flavorful fish.