Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon and Pepper
Bright, zesty, and packed with a touch of heat, this Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon and Pepper is a quick and delicious way to enjoy a healthy main dish. The citrusy lemon notes pair perfectly with a subtly spicy marinade, bringing out the salmon’s natural richness.
With just a handful of ingredients, this recipe takes minimal effort yet delivers maximum flavor. The lemon slices infuse the salmon as it bakes, while the paprika and chili flakes create a warm, peppery kick that balances the citrus. It’s a vibrant dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Serve this baked salmon alongside roasted potatoes, a fresh salad, or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. Whether you’re hosting or looking for a flavorful weeknight dinner, this dish is sure to impress with its bold, balanced flavors.
Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon and Pepper: Ingredients
- Salmon Fillet – Rich and tender, this fillet serves as the heart of the dish, absorbing bold flavors while staying delightfully moist.
- Olive Oil – Adds depth and richness, helping to blend spices and create a delicate crust on the salmon as it bakes.
- Paprika – Smoky and earthy, it lends a warm hue and a hint of sweetness that balances the zestiness of the lemon.
- Chili Flakes – A touch of heat to enhance the flavors, bringing a subtle kick to each bite without overpowering the dish.
- Lemon – Freshly zested and sliced, lemon brings brightness and tang, perfectly complementing the richness of the salmon.
- Garlic – Infuses a savory aroma and depth, mingling with the lemon and spices to create a balanced, flavorful profile.
- Parsley – Freshly chopped, it adds a pop of color and an herbal touch, brightening the final presentation and taste.
Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon and Pepper
Recipe Tips
- Choose Fresh, High-Quality Salmon
For the best flavor and texture, opt for fresh, wild-caught salmon if available. Fresh salmon is vibrant, tender, and less oily than frozen varieties. If frozen salmon is your only option, be sure to thaw it completely before cooking to ensure even baking. When deboning, keep the skin on one side to hold the fillet together and to develop a flavorful, crispy layer. - Marinate for Maximum Flavor
This recipe is quick, but for added depth, try marinating the salmon in the olive oil, lemon, garlic, and spice blend for 15-30 minutes before baking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the fish more deeply, enhancing the overall taste. If you have a little extra time, it’s worth it. Marinating also adds moisture to the fish, helping it remain juicy after cooking. - Adjust Spice Levels to Taste
If you prefer a mild flavor, reduce the chili flakes, paprika, and cayenne in both the marinade and dry rub. For those who enjoy a spicier kick, feel free to increase the quantities of these spices. You can also experiment with smoked paprika for a slightly different flavor profile, which pairs beautifully with the lemony notes in the dish.
What to Serve with Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon and Pepper
- Roasted Baby Potatoes
Golden and crisp on the outside, creamy and soft on the inside, roasted baby potatoes make a satisfying side to this salmon. The subtle flavor of the potatoes balances the zesty lemon and spices of the fish. For added flavor, toss the potatoes with olive oil, garlic, and a sprinkle of rosemary or thyme before roasting. - Steamed Asparagus or Green Beans
Bright green vegetables like asparagus or green beans add a fresh, crisp contrast to the rich salmon. Lightly steaming these veggies preserves their natural flavor and vibrant color. For extra flavor, drizzle a bit of lemon juice and sprinkle some flaky sea salt just before serving. - Quinoa or Wild Rice Salad
A nutty quinoa or wild rice salad complements the flavors of this salmon dish while adding a hearty, nutritious element. Try a salad mix with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a dash of olive oil and lemon juice for a light, refreshing side that pairs well with the bold, citrusy salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but be sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This will help it cook evenly and maintain a good texture. - How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque in the center. For precise cooking, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) measured with a meat thermometer. - Can I make this recipe without the spicy ingredients?
Absolutely! If you prefer a milder flavor, you can omit the chili flakes, cayenne pepper, and paprika or adjust them to your taste. The lemon and garlic will still provide plenty of flavor without the heat. - How can I store leftovers?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, place it in the oven at a low temperature or enjoy it cold as part of a salad.
Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon and Pepper
Crisp, citrusy, and delightfully spiced, this Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon and Pepper brings a harmonious balance of flavors. This dish combines a zesty marinade with a complementary dry rub, allowing the fresh lemon and spices to enhance the salmon’s natural richness. Prepare it in under 30 minutes for a quick and flavorful main course. Pair it with roasted vegetables, a green salad, or hearty potatoes for a complete meal.
Equipment
- Equipment
- Baking tray
Ingredients
- Ingredients
- Olive oil 3 tablespoons
- Paprika ½ teaspoon
- Chili flakes ¼ teaspoon
- Oregano ¼ teaspoon
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- Grated garlic 2 cloves
- Lemon juice, zest, and slices
- Fresh parsley chopped (½ handful)
- Salt to taste (for dry rub)
- Cayenne pepper ¼ teaspoon
- Chili flakes ¼ teaspoon
- Salmon fillet ½ a whole, deboned
Instructions
- Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 180°C (360°F). In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, paprika, chili flakes, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, grated garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir until the ingredients are thoroughly blended to create a marinade.
- For the optional dry rub, combine a pinch of salt, cayenne pepper, chili flakes, and paprika in a separate bowl. Mix well to ensure an even distribution of spices.
- Place the salmon fillet, skin side down, on a lightly greased, foil-lined baking tray. Brush the lemon and spice marinade generously over the salmon flesh. Arrange three or four lemon slices on top of the fillet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 10 minutes. After this initial cooking time, sprinkle the dry rub over the salmon for an enhanced color and added depth of flavor.
- Return the salmon to the oven for an additional 5–7 minutes until it reaches the desired level of doneness. Allow the salmon to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Notes
Adjusting Spice Level: Modify the quantity of chili flakes, paprika, and cayenne pepper based on your spice preference. For a milder taste, reduce these spices; for more heat, increase them. Dry Rub Options: To achieve a richer color and flavor, apply the dry rub halfway through cooking. If a less spiced flavor is desired, reduce or omit the spices in the rub accordingly.
Adjusting Spice Level: Modify the quantity of chili flakes, paprika, and cayenne pepper based on your spice preference. For a milder taste, reduce these spices; for more heat, increase them. Dry Rub Options: To achieve a richer color and flavor, apply the dry rub halfway through cooking. If a less spiced flavor is desired, reduce or omit the spices in the rub accordingly.
