Easy Salmon Recipe: Weeknight Win in 30 Minutes
Servings: 2 servings
Calories: 350kcal
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off depending on preference
- 2 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tsp dried paprika or smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano or thyme
- Optional: fresh herbs (parsley or dill) for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and line a baking sheet. Quick sanity check: oven on, sheet ready. Let’s go.
- Pat salmon dry with a paper towel. This step matters—wet fish = soggy skin, and nobody wants that.
- Drizzle olive oil over the fillets, then rub to coat. Add salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. If you’re feeling fancy, zest the lemon over them and squeeze a bit of juice on top.
- Spread minced garlic on the fillets. It’s basically garlic armor—flavor, but not overwhelming aromatics.
- Place fillets on the prepared sheet. Bake for 10–12 minutes, until the flesh flakes easily with a fork. If you prefer crisper edges, switch to broil for the last 1–2 minutes, but keep a close eye so you don’t burn it.
- Remove from oven, squeeze the remaining lemon juice over the top, and garnish with fresh herbs if you’ve got them. Serve hot and enjoy the glow of dinner victory.