If you are in a pinch for time tonight, try this easy recipe for lemon pepper salmon. You’ll have dinner on the table in 20 minutes!
It only takes 2 minutes of prep time, 2 minutes of searing time, and an additional 13 minutes in the oven. What could be simpler than that?
Even though this dinner is easy to make, the flavor of the dish is bright and complex. The salmon is tender, flaky, and cooked to perfection.
Keep reading to learn how to make this healthy baked salmon recipe.
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Baked lemon pepper salmon ingredients
To make this easy baked salmon recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 2 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning
- The juice and rind of one lemon
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
This recipe is gluten-free, dairy-free and Paleo friendly. It is high in protein and full of omega 3 fatty acids to support heart health.
How to cook lemon pepper salmon
Start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200° C).
Season the salmon fillets with sea salt and cracked black pepper. Then season the flesh side of the salmon fillets with the lemon pepper seasoning.
Use a microplane and grate the rind of the lemon over the top of the salmon fillets. Save the rest of the lemon to use later.
Place an ovenproof, non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add 1 1/2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil to the pan.
Put the salmon fillets, flesh side down, into the oil and sear them for about 2 minutes. This creates a beautiful golden brown color to the salmon and enhances the flavor of the lemon pepper seasoning.
Gently turn the fillets flesh side up with a fish spatula. Then cut the lemon you zested earlier in half. Using a lemon juicer, to squeeze juice of your lemon over the flesh of the salmon.
Baste the fish with the lemon juice and oil in the pan before placing the lemon pepper salmon fillets in the preheated oven. Cook for 13 minutes.
Cooking salmon skin side down in the oven acts as a barrier, and prevents the fish from drying out and overcooking.
That is all there is to cooking this easy salmon lemon pepper recipe!
How to tell when salmon is done
The best way to ensure your salmon is cooked properly is to take a fork and pierce the flesh of the salmon. If it’s done, it will flake easily. The color should be even throughout.
Another indicator that your salmon is fully cooked, is that the skin of the salmon will come off easily.
Ready to taste this recipe for lemon pepper salmon?
The lemon pepper seasoning adds a slightly peppery kick, without being spicy. The lemon gives a citrus boost that brightens the fish, to balance the flavor of this dish.
Pan searing before baking gives the salmon a beautiful crust, but the fish itself stays tender and flaky. The recipe is definitely a keeper!
What to serve with the lemon pepper baked salmon recipe
To get this pan-seared oven-baked salmon recipe on the table in less than twenty minutes, I normally serve it with a simple side salad that I prepare while salmon is baking.
It’s also great with grilled asparagus, a side of pasta, or some orzo.
More salmon recipes to enjoy
If you enjoyed this easy salmon recipe, be sure to check out these recipes, too.
- Salmon in Parchment Paper – How to Cook “Fish en Papillote”
- Pan Seared Honey Glazed Salmon with Brown Butter Lime Sauce
- Baked Salmon with Honey Dijon Garlic Sauce
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🍋🔥 This delicious recipe features pan-seared salmon that is finished in the oven. The lemon pepper seasoning, fresh lemon rind, and juice add a delightful crust to the salmon. This recipe is easy, healthy, and bursting with flavor!… Share on X
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Admin note: This post first appeared on the blog in December, 2013. It is the best lemon pepper salmon recipe! I have updated the post to add all new photos, a printable recipe card with nutritional information, and a video for you to enjoy.
Easy Lemon Pepper Salmon Recipe Baked in the Oven
Easy baked salmon recipes are perfect for busy weeknights.
This lemon pepper salmon recipe is on the table in less than 20 minutes, but don't let that fool you. The flavor is amazing, and the fish flakes beautifully.
If you are in a pinch for time tonight, try this delicious dish. Your family will love you for it.
Ingredients
- 12 ounces of salmon (cut into two filets)
- Sea salt and cracked black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon of lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 1/2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Juice and rind of one lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200° C).
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
- Then season the top of the salmon fillets with the lemon pepper seasoning.
- Use a microplane to grate the lemon rind over the fillets.
- Heat the olive oil in a non-stick ovenproof pan over medium-high heat.
- Place the seasoned salmon fillets, flesh side down, and sear them for about 2 minutes.
- Carefully turn the fillets over with a fish spatula.
- Then cut your lemon in half, and juice it over the flesh of the fillets with a lemon juicer.
- Baste the salmon with the lemon juice and oil in the pan.
- Place the pan in the oven and continue cooking for an additional 13 minutes.
- Remove the salmon, and garnish with lemon slices.
- Serve immediately with a side salad.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
2Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 521Total Fat: 31gSaturated Fat: 6gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 107mgSodium: 917mgCarbohydrates: 21gFiber: 2gSugar: 15gProtein: 38g
Nutritional information is approximate due to natural variation in ingredients and the cook-at-home nature of our meals.