Imagine a dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight dinner into a Mediterranean culinary adventure - our Oven Roasted Lemon Rosemary Salmon is exactly that magical recipe! With just a handful of simple ingredients and minimal preparation time, you'll create a restaurant-worthy meal that will have your family and guests wondering if a professional chef secretly invaded your kitchen. This foolproof recipe promises perfectly cooked, incredibly flavorful salmon that's both elegant and effortless.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 lemons, sliced
- 3 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and develops a nice crust.
- While the oven is heating, prepare your ingredients. Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture and allows the seasoning to adhere better.
- In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, salt, and pepper. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil. This prevents the fish from sticking and makes for easier cleanup.
- Brush the olive oil mixture generously over the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring an even coating for flavor and moisture.
- Arrange the lemon slices on top of the salmon fillets. The lemons will infuse the fish with a bright, zesty flavor as it cooks.
- Sprinkle fresh rosemary leaves over the salmon and lemon slices. The aromatic herbs will complement the dish beautifully.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and roast the salmon for about 15-20 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute within the fish.
- Serve the oven-roasted lemon rosemary salmon hot, garnished with additional lemon slices and fresh rosemary if desired. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- • Always pat your salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautiful, crispy exterior. • Use fresh rosemary if possible - it provides a more vibrant and aromatic flavor compared to dried herbs. • Don't overcook! Salmon is best when it's still slightly translucent in the center, which keeps it moist and tender. • For extra flavor, try adding a small amount of minced garlic to your olive oil mixture. • If you want a more intense lemon flavor, zest one of the lemons before slicing and sprinkle the zest over the fillets. • Invest in a meat thermometer to precisely check the internal temperature and avoid dry fish. • Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum flavor and moisture.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 90mg
