Lemon Pepper Salmon

So, I’m not sure how your week’s been, but I could really use an easy, healthy dinner right now. Dinner should also be fantastic (standards, my friends). And, since I’m taking requests on both of our behalves, let’s not spend spend more than 10 minutes prepping it and have something easy to serve with it too. Too much to ask? This Lemon Pepper Salmon doesn’t think so!

Tender, flaky salmon is spiced simply but sublimely, then baked in the oven in foil, this lemon pepper salmon is exactly the kind of recipe you and I need more of in our lives.

Lemon pepper salmon asks very little of you—I was not kidding about the 10 minutes of prep, fewer if you are super speedy—and rewards you richly in return.

The salmon fillet is baked to perfection, and the foil packet method makes it nearly foolproof.

Nervous about cooking fish? Baking is one of the easiest ways to cook salmon. You can read more in my Baked Salmon Temp Guide.

We all have some really hectic, stressful nights.

Rather than ordering take out, turn to this ever-trusted baked salmon.

It’s easy to make, even on a deadline (I developed this recipe while finishing the edits for my cookbook).

It gives your body fuel and nourishment to keep you energized, and it tastes exquisite.

This lemon pepper salmon is the latest spinoff of my go-to Baked Salmon in Foil. Foil-packet baking is my favorite way to make salmon, because it is foolproof!

I used to be super intimidated to cook fish, and I thought it was something too “fancy” to make at home. NOT TRUE.

Like my Spicy Baked Salmon and Pesto Salmon, this oven method is flawless. You can also take it to the grill, using the tips in this Grilled Salmon in Foil.

My other salmon recipes (like this Salmon Meuniere) have dozens of glowing reviews, including from plenty of first-time salmon bakers. I know this lemon pepper salmon will be no exception!

How to Make Lemon Pepper Salmon

The Ingredients

• Salmon. You can make baked salmon with the skin on or off. I prefer my lemon pepper salmon with the skin on for ease (it helps lock in extra moisture).
  • The skin peels off easily after your salmon is cooked, so you can remove it before serving or just eat around it on your plate. That said if you prefer your baked salmon without skin, you can either select it that way at the grocery store. If it doesn’t come that way to begin with, the seafood will often remove it for you.
  • It’s important to look for high-quality, wild-caught varieties of salmon. Where I shop, that usually means coho, sockeye, or king—most of the time I choose coho or sockeye (king is delicious but super pricey). Try to avoid farm-raised, fatty Atlantic salmon. They are often fed an artificial diet and contain less nutrients. This type of salmon is typically more watery as well, which can cause your salmon dish to become mushy.
• Lemon. While I always enjoy lemon with my fish, in this version it SHINES. The recipes uses both the lemon zest and juice for max citrus impact.
• Black Pepper. The citrus flavors are truly elevated by the inclusion of black pepper. It adds a nice kick of flavor to the salmon without making it spicy. (Another place you can find this killer combo: Lemon Pepper Wings).
• Herbs. For a bit of extra color and freshness. You can use anything you have growing in your garden or what looks best at your grocery store. Another bonus of cooking with herbs and lemon: they add incredible fresh flavor to this dish without any extra calories. No herbs on hand? In this recipe, you can omit them. The lemon and pepper still carry the flavor.
• Olive Oil. Olive oil adds healthy fats, keep the salmon moist, and ensure it bakes perfectly.

The Directions

1. 
2. Arrange the salmon on a sheet of foil, then drizzle with olive oil. Season, then top with herbs and lemon slices.
3. Fold the foil around the salmon to make a packet. Bake salmon at 375 degrees F for 18-21 minutes as suggested in my baked salmon temperature guide, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.

4. Top with herbs and lemon. ENJOY!

What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Salmon – Sides Suggestions

• Asparagus. The ULTIMATE lemon pepper salmon side dish! This Bake Asparagus would be delicious here.
• Vegetables. For a fresh, healthy side dish, try pairing the lemon pepper salmon with a sautéed or roasted vegetable. Sautéed Cabbage, Sautéed Zucchini, Roasted Zucchini, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts would all be excellent.
• Rice. Salmon pairs perfectly with rice. Try it with this Lemon Rice for something easy and elevated.
• Pasta. A hearty side option for when you need a more filling meal. This Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese or Avocado Pasta would be SO good!
• Salad. Try a salad for a cool side dish option. I love pairing lemon pepper salmon with this Anytime Arugula Salad or this Spinach Strawberry Salad.

More Favorite Baked Salmon Recipes

• Soy Ginger Salmon. Flavorful, easy salmon with an incredibly delicious, sticky glaze.
• Whole30 Salmon. This recipe yields the most tender, flaky salmon with a creamy avocado sauce.
• Garlic Salmon. Healthy, simple, and ready in just 30 minutes using one pan.
• Pineapple Glazed Salmon. Perfectly cooked salmon topped with a colorful, fresh pineapple avocado salsa.
• Balsamic Glazed Salmon. This dish looks so impressive, and it’s ready in just 20 minutes.

Do you bake salmon at home? I’d love to hear about some of your favorite ways to flavor it!

Also, if you try this Lemon Pepper Salmon, please leave a comment letting me know how it turned out! Hearing from you keeps me so energized (and, it will keep me energized while I work on my book edits this weekend too)!

Review Save Recipe SavedPrint

Lemon Pepper Salmon

4.82 from 11 votes

Perfect Lemon Pepper Salmon in foil is the best way to bake salmon in the oven. This easy recipe is FOOLPROOF, healthy, and ready in 30 minutes.

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Prep: 10 minutes mins

Cook: 15 minutes mins

Total: 30 minutes mins

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Servings: 6 servings

Review Save Recipe SavedPrint

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 pound side of salmon boneless (skin on or off, depending upon your preference) wild caught if possible
• 10 sprigs of fresh thyme optional, but delicious
• 2 medium lemons plus additional for serving
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper plus additional to taste
• finely chopped fresh herbs of choice (I prefer parsley or basil)

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Instructions

 

• Remove the salmon from the refrigerator, and let stand at room temperature for 10 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients. Heat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet large enough to hold your piece of salmon with a large piece of aluminum foil. If you prefer the salmon not to touch the foil, lay a sheet of parchment paper on top.
• Lightly coat the foil with baking spay, then arrange 5 sprigs of the thyme down the middle. Cut one of the lemons into thin slices and arrange half of the slices down the middle too. Place the salmon on top.
• Drizzle the salmon with the olive oil. Zest the second lemon over the salmon and sprinkle with the salt and pepper. Lay the remaining thyme and lemon slices on top of the salmon. Juice the zested lemon, then pour the juice over the top.
• Fold the sides of the aluminum foil up and over the top of the salmon until it is completely enclosed. If your piece of foil is not large enough, place a second piece on top and fold the edges under so that it forms a sealed packet. Leave a little room inside the foil for air to circulate.
• Bake the salmon for 18-21 minutes, until the salmon is almost completely cooked through at the thickest part. The cooking time will vary based on the thickness of your salmon. If your side is thinner (around 1-inch thick) check several minutes early to ensure your salmon does not overcook. If your piece is very thick (1 1/2 inches or more), it may need longer.
• Remove the salmon from the oven, and carefully open the foil so that the top of the fish is completely uncovered (be careful of hot steam). Change the oven setting to broil, then return the fish to the oven and broil for 3 minutes, until the top of the salmon is slightly golden and the fish is cooked through completely. Watch the salmon closely as it broils to make sure it doesn’t overcook. Remove the salmon from the oven. If it still appears a bit underdone, you can wrap the foil back over the top and let it rest for a few minutes. Do not let it sit too long—salmon can progress from "not done" to "over done" very quickly. As soon as it flakes easily with a fork, it's ready.
• To serve, cut the salmon into portions. Sprinkle with additional fresh herbs or top with an extra squeeze of lemon as desired.

Video

Notes

• This recipe is best enjoyed the day that it is made, as salmon can dry out when reheated.
• TO STORE: Store baked lemon pepper salmon in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days.
• TO REHEAT: I suggest reheating individual portions, either in the microwave on low power, or in a skillet. Let the salmon come to room temperature before reheating. 
• TO FREEZE: Remove it from the skin and freeze in an airtight container for up to two months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight. From here, you can use it in any recipe that calls for canned salmon, toss it into a pasta, or use it to make this easy Salmon Patty recipe.

Nutrition

Serving: 1(of 6), about 6 ounces eachCalories: 268kcalCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 31gFat: 14gSaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 83mgPotassium: 801mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 140IUVitamin C: 22mgCalcium: 34mgIron: 2mg

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