Imagine a dinner that's not only incredibly delicious but also effortlessly elegant and ready in just 30 minutes. This Lemon Garlic Sheet Pan Salmon is your ticket to a mouthwatering meal that will make you feel like a professional chef without the complicated techniques. With just a few simple ingredients and one pan, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that's bursting with bright, zesty flavors and perfectly cooked, flaky salmon that melts in your mouth.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh dill for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This helps achieve a better sear and prevents steaming.
- Drizzle olive oil over the baking sheet and spread it evenly using a pastry brush or the back of a spoon.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not overlapping.
- Mince the garlic cloves finely and sprinkle them evenly over the salmon fillets.
- Season the salmon generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Slice the lemon into thin rounds and arrange them on and around the salmon fillets.
- Roast the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
- Remove the sheet pan from the oven and let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh chopped dill just before serving.
- Serve hot directly from the sheet pan, accompanied by your favorite side dishes like roasted vegetables or rice.
Tips
- Always pat your salmon fillets dry before cooking to ensure a crisp exterior and prevent steaming.
- Use fresh garlic for the most intense flavor - pre-minced garlic from a jar won't provide the same vibrant taste.
- Choose salmon fillets of similar thickness to ensure even cooking.
- Don't overcook! Salmon is best when it's still slightly translucent in the center - it will continue cooking after being removed from the oven.
- Fresh dill isn't just a garnish - it adds a bright, herbaceous note that complements the rich salmon perfectly.
- For extra flavor, you can add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of honey before roasting.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to help it retain its moisture and juiciness.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
