Lemon Pepper Baked Salmon is a simple and tasty dish. It features tender salmon fillets seasoned with lemon, pepper, and a little salt, then baked until flaky and moist. Perfect for a quick, healthful meal.
I like to squeeze fresh lemon on top before serving. It makes the fish taste bright and fresh—my kind of dinner after a busy day!
If you want, add some chopped herbs or a side of veggies. Easy, healthy, and ready in no time!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Lemon Pepper: This flavorful blend gives the salmon a bright, tangy kick. I recommend fresh lemon zest mixed with black pepper, but you can use pre-made lemon pepper seasoning if you’re short on time—just adjust to taste.
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets make this dish tender and juicy. If you prefer, thaw frozen salmon overnight in the fridge or choose other oily fish like trout for a similar result.
Olive Oil: A little oil helps the seasoning stick and keeps the fish moist. I use extra virgin for its subtle flavor but any cooking oil like canola or avocado works well here.
Garlic (optional): Minced garlic adds depth. If you’re short on time, garlic powder can be a quick swap, just use about half the amount to avoid overpowering the dish.
How do I bake salmon without it drying out?
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. Place the salmon on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment for easy cleanup. Brush with oil to lock in moisture. Don’t overcook—about 12-15 minutes is enough, depending on thickness. Use a fork to check for flakiness.
- Check the thickest part of the fillet; it should flake easily but still feel moist inside.
- Aiming for an internal temp of 125°F helps keep it tender and moist.
- Rest the salmon for a few minutes after baking before serving to let the juices settle.
How to Make Lemon Pepper Baked Salmon?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Sauces & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prep time: 10 minutes. Cooking time: 15 minutes. Total time: 25 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare the salmon
Pat dry the salmon fillets with paper towels. Rub each with olive oil and sprinkle lemon pepper seasoning evenly over all sides.
3. Add lemon slices
Place lemon slices on top of each fillet for flavor and presentation.
4. Bake the salmon
Arrange the fillets on the baking sheet. Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
5. Serve and enjoy
Remove from oven. Serve hot with extra lemon if desired. Perfect with sides like rice or vegetables.
