Salmon and I—what a love affair! Especially when it involves the zesty tango of lemon and pepper. Remember that viral lemon pepper craze on TikTok?
Well, here’s my take on it, minus the dance moves but with all the flavor and none of the fuss. Quick dinners never tasted this bright and refreshing.
Steps
- Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F and let the salmon sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and if desired, place a sheet of parchment paper on top to prevent the salmon from touching the foil.
- Lightly spray the foil with baking spray. Arrange 5 sprigs of thyme and half of the thinly sliced lemon in the center. Place the salmon on top of the thyme and lemon.
- Drizzle olive oil over the salmon, then zest the second lemon directly over it. Season with salt and pepper, and place the remaining thyme and lemon slices on top. Squeeze the zested lemon’s juice over everything.
- Fold the foil around the salmon to create a sealed packet, leaving space inside for air circulation. If needed, use an additional piece of foil to ensure a good seal.
- Bake the salmon for 18-21 minutes, depending on thickness, until nearly cooked through at the thickest part. Adjust time for thinner or thicker pieces. Open the foil carefully to avoid steam.
- Change the oven setting to broil. Broil the salmon for 3 minutes until the top is golden and the fish is fully cooked. Watch closely to prevent overcooking. Allow it to rest, checking for doneness with a fork.
- Slice the salmon into portions and garnish with fresh herbs or an extra squeeze of lemon before serving. Enjoy immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- 2-pound side of salmon, boneless, wild caught if possible (skin on or off, based on preference)
- 10 sprigs fresh thyme (optional, but adds flavor)
- 2 medium lemons, plus additional for serving
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra to taste
- Finely chopped fresh herbs of choice (such as parsley or basil)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1608kcal | Carbohydrates: 24g | Protein: 186g | Fat: 84g | Saturated Fat: 12g | Cholesterol: 498mg | Potassium: 4806mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 6g | Vitamin A: 840IU | Vitamin C: 132mg | Calcium: 204mg | Iron: 12mg
FAQ
- How do I choose the best salmon for this recipe?
- Opt for high-quality, wild-caught salmon such as coho, sockeye, or king. These types are generally more nutritious and less watery compared to farm-raised Atlantic salmon, which can make your dish mushy.
- Can I prepare this recipe without herbs?
- Yes, you can omit the herbs if you don’t have any on hand. The combination of lemon and black pepper will still provide a delicious flavor to the salmon.
- What are some good side dishes to serve with lemon pepper salmon?
- Pairing options include asparagus, sautéed or roasted vegetables, rice, pasta, or a fresh salad. Each of these complements the citrusy and peppery notes of the salmon nicely.
- Is it necessary to have the salmon skin on for this recipe?
- Having the skin on can help retain moisture, but it’s not essential. You can choose skinless salmon if you prefer, or easily remove the skin after cooking.
- How should I store and reheat leftover salmon?
- Store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 1 to 2 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave on low or in a skillet, ensuring the salmon comes to room temperature first. For freezing, remove the skin and store in an airtight container for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator before use.
Tips
- Choose High-Quality Salmon: Opt for wild-caught varieties like coho, sockeye, or king salmon for better flavor and nutritional value, avoiding farm-raised Atlantic salmon which can be less nutritious and more watery.
- Use the Foil Packet Method: Enclosing the salmon in foil ensures it remains moist and cooks evenly. Make sure to leave some space inside the foil for air to circulate, which helps in cooking the salmon perfectly.
- Watch Cooking Times Carefully: Cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your salmon. Check the salmon early if it’s thinner and give it more time if it’s thicker to prevent overcooking. A broil at the end can add a nice golden finish.
- Add Fresh Elements: Enhance the flavor with fresh herbs and lemon slices both during baking and as a garnish. This not only adds freshness but also elevates the dish without adding extra calories.
Equipment
- Rimmed Baking Sheet – A large, rimmed baking sheet is essential for cooking the salmon in the oven.
- Aluminum Foil – Heavy-duty aluminum foil is needed to create the foil packet for baking the salmon.
- Parchment Paper – Optional, if you prefer not to have the salmon directly touch the aluminum foil.
- Lemon Zester – For zesting the lemon, which is an important part of the recipe for maximum citrus flavor.
