Welcome to this 15 Minute-Prep Lemon Pepper Salmon, which has readers raving: This turned out absolutely perfect!โ โFull of flavour and easy to make,โ โIt received high praises from people who donโt normally even like salmon!โ
This recipe is one of the easiest, FLAVORFUL salmon recipes youโll sink your teeth into with a foolproof baking method and Lemon Pepper Garlic Butter that ensures succulent, tender salmon every time. ย Follow along for step-by-step instructions, expert tips, and customizable options, for an easy, bright and zesty weeknight dinner or special occasions showstopper.
Salmon is always a quick and easy dinner win! If youโre looking for more baked salmon recipes, be sure to check out our favorite cilantro lime salmon, Cajun honey mustard salmon in foil, baked panko garlic butter salmon, baked teriyaki salmon, baked Greek salmon, and baked fajita salmon.
Watch: How to Make Lemon Pepper Salmon
Why you’ll love this Lemon Pepper Baked Salmon
Iโve experimented and perfected this recipe to bring you an easy-to-follow tutorial with step-by-step photos, tips and tricks for foolproof results every time.
baked salmon recipe Ingredients
This Lemon Pepper Salmon is bright, peppery, buttery, sunshine perfection made with just a few ingredients. In addition to the salmon, you will need (find full recipe measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):
how do i choose salmon?
Salmonย is my favorite fish to bake because itโs mild, un-fishy, rich and buttery and the perfect canvas for the lemon pepper butter. What should you look for when selecting salmon? Here are a few tips and tricks:
Can I Use Other Types of Fish?
Absolutely! The bold, lemon pepper, garlic flavors in this recipe would be a welcome addition to any of your favorite types of fish. Give these a try:
โข Mahi Mahi
โข Halibut
โข Haddock
โข Trout
โข Tilapia
โข Cod
โข Grouper
โข Rockfish
โข Sole
IS THIS SALMON RECIPE GLUTEN FREE?
Yes, this oven-baked salmon is gluten-free, but you’ll want to double-check the label of your lemon pepper seasoning.
Can I make homemade lemon pepper seasoning?
Absolutely! Store-bought lemon pepper seasoning is super convenient but you are welcome to make your own by dehydrating lemon zest in the oven for a few hours and then combining in your blender with peppercorns and sea salt like in this recipe.
HOW TO MAKE lemon pepper SALMON
Are you ready to see just how easy this Lemon Pepper Salmon recipe is to make? Letโs take a closer look with step-by-step photos (full measurements in the recipe card at the bottom of the post):
- Step 1: Prep asparagus (optional). If using asparagus, add them to a foil lined baking sheet and toss with olive oil, salt and lemon pepper. Line them on each side of the pan, leaving a space for the salmon down the middle; donโt worry that the asparagus is overlapping.
- Step 2: Prep salmon. Add salmon skin side down (if it has it) to a large piece of foil and fold the foil up around salmon to create a boat. This will keep all of the lemon pepper butter goodness from melting away from the salmon.
- Step 3: Make lemon pepper butter. Add the butter and minced garlic cloves to a medium bowl and microwave until butter is melted. Whisk in the lemon juice, Dijon and all seasonings.
- Step 4: Add lemon pepper butter. Pour the butter evenly all over salmon.
- Step 5: Bake. Bake for 12-17 minutes or until salmon is almost opaque throughout (internal temp of 125-130 degrees F) and easily flakes with a fork.
WHAT TEMPERATURE TO BAKE SALMON?
Americaโs Test kitchen suggests baking your salmon until it reaches 125-130 degrees F (52 degrees C) to avoid overcooked salmon. 125-140 degrees will be medium to medium-well. I like to cook mine to 130 degrees F and the results are always perfect after a 5-minute rest. During the 5-minute rest, the salmon will continue to cook (carryover) and rise about 5 degrees. Always take this carry over into consideration when taking the temperature of your salmon or any protein.
Note: The FDA advises salmon should be cooked to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, HOWEVER, if you cook your salmon to this temperature, it will be dry, chalky and overdone.
HOW can you tell WHEN SALMON IS DONE?
The most accurate way to tell if your salmon is done is with an instant read meat thermometer, but if you donโt own one, you can also pay attention to appearance. As salmon cooks, it changes from bright pink (raw) to opaque pink. The outside of the salmon should be completely opaque but the center should still be a bit translucent, a moist coral color, but not raw. If the salmon is completely opaque all the way through, it wonโt be as juicy and tender.
Cooked salmon will also easily flake with a fork along the muscle fibers. Take care not to overcook your salmon because it will only remain buttery, juicy and tender as long as it isnโt overcooked. It is better for salmon to be under-cooked than overcooked in my opinion.
Lemon Pepper Salmon Recipe Tips
This baked Lemon Pepper Salmon is very simple to make, but here are some tips and tricks to make it the best salmon every time:
Tips for Prepping Salmon
Tips for Baking Salmon
Can I make this Lemon Pepper Salmon on the grill?
Yes, this recipe is easy to cook on the grill! Completely enclose the salmon in foil (including the top) and preheat the grill to 375-400 degrees F with the lid closed. Add the salmon, close the grill and cook for 15-20 minutes depending on thickness, or until the salmon registers 130-135 degrees on an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part. (1-inch-thick salmon can take as little as 10 minutes, 1 ยฝ-inch thick salmon will take closer to 20 minutes.)
Lemon Pepper Salmon Recipe Variations
CAN I PREP THIS RECIPE IN ADVANCE?
Absolutely! Whisk all of the lemon pepper butter ingredients together and refrigerate. Line the salmon on a baking sheet with the asparagus and cover with foil. When ready to bake, microwave the lemon butter for 15 seconds or so to soften then slather it over the salmon. Let the salmon rest on the counter for 30 minutes, then proceed to bake per recipe instructions.
What to serve with Lemon Pepper Baked Salmon
This baked salmon recipe can be a meal-in-one with the salmon and asparagus, or it would also be delicious with:
Storing Lemon Pepper Baked Salmon
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.
CAn I freeze baked salmon?
Freeze leftover salmon for up to 3 months. To freeze, slice salmon into fillets and place fillets in a freezer size bag in a single layer, squeeze out excess air to preserve freezer burn, label and freeze. You can also freeze individual salmon fillets by wrapping in plastic wrap before storing together. I do not recommend freezing the asparagus because it will become mushy once frozen and thawed.
HOW TO REHEAT BAKED SALMON
โข From the fridge: Cut the salmon into fillets and gently reheat in a skillet, covered, for about 5 minutes or in the microwave at 30-second intervals. You can also warm in the oven for about 10 minutes at 275 degrees F, until it reaches an internal temperature of 125ยฐF to 130ยฐF. Take care not to overcook the salmon or it will become dry.
โข From frozen: Thaw salmon in the refrigerator overnight then reheat per any of the above methods.
What can I make with leftovers?
This Lemon Pepper Salmon recipe makes fantastic leftovers!ย Add it to any of the below dishes to add a punch of flavor:
โข Salmon salad: I LOVE adding salmon leftovers to salad. Add salmon to a bed of baby arugula, spring mix or spinach along with cucumbers, Craisins, feta, sliced almonds and sunflower seeds.ย If you’re feeling fancy, you can splurge with caramelized pecans (so good). Drizzle with olive oil and balsamic vinegar or I love mine with peach vinegar (you donโt even need to add oil!).
โข Breakfast foods: Add flaked salmon to quiche, frittata, eggs benedict, or scrambled eggs or serve on the side of any type of eggs – so good!
โข Salmon pasta: Add salmon to any of your favorite pastas such asย fettuccine Alfredo, sun-dried tomato fettuccine,ย ย cacio e pepe,ย or creamy mushroom pasta. You can also go low carb and serve it with zoodles orย spaghetti squash.
โข Salmon risotto:ย Stir salmon into any of your favorite risotto recipes:ย ย mushroom risotto,ย Parmesan risotto, spinach risotto, butternut squash risottoย โ yum!
โข Salmon grain bowls:ย Add your favorite grains to a bowl and pile with salmon and your favorite veggies. The veggies can be roasted/cooked likeย roasted broccoli,ย cauliflower,ย Brussels sproutsย orย butternut squash,ย or raw such as fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced radishes, sprouts etc. or pickled like pickled jalapenos, carrots, etc. or a combo of all three! ย You can also top with a fried or soft-boiled egg.
Lemon pepper salmon faqs
Lemon Pepper is the defining flavor and ingredient in this Lemon Pepper Salmon recipe.ย Lemon pepper is a delightful flavor bomb of bright and tangy lemon with feisty pepper.ย It is made by mashing dehydrated granulated lemon zest with cracked black peppercorns to infuse the pepper with the citrus oil.ย
I love lemon pepper because it delivers dynamic lemon flavor in minutes and the pepper pumps of the flavor.ย Anything you smother in lemon pepper seasoning is guaranteed to have flavor โ and this baked salmon recipe is no exception!ย
Salmon is be a low-calorie protein source that is rich in heart-healthy omega-3s, and low in saturated fat. It is also an excellent source of several B vitamins, antioxidants and potassium.ย Studies show that salmon can help lower inflammation, which may reduce the risk factors for several diseases and may help skin retain moisture.ย A growing number of studies also suggest that including salmon in your diet might improve brain function and even reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression and the risk of age-related memory problems. All great reasons to eat more salmon this year!
Bake salmon in the oven forย 12-16 minutes at 400 degrees F.ย Baking times can vary based on the type of salmon, its thickness, and how done you like your salmon. For example, wild caught salmon such as coho and sockeye, tend to be thinner than king salmon and farm raised salmon so they will require less baking time.ย King salmon and farm raised salmon also tend to be fattier, so they are more forgiving if overbaked.
Due to these variables, I suggest using an instant read thermometer to know exactly when your salmon is done.ย A thermometer will ensure you buttery, juicy, succulent baked salmon every time. ย This is theย exact oneย I use.
Yes, you can use fresh or frozen salmon for this baked Lemon Pepper Salmon recipe.ย If your salmon is frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator or thaw by placing the fillets (still in the plastic package) in a large bowl of cold water and replacing the water very 15 minutes or so until completely thawed.
The best temperature to bake salmon at is between 400ยบF. This hotter temperature quickly cooks the salmon before it has time to dry out. ย
You can cook this recipe in the skillet instead of the oven.ย The salmon needs to cook for approximatelyย 7 to 9 minutes, flipping halfway through.ย
Lemon Pepper Seasoning is very common which is good news for us!ย You should easily be able to find it in the spices section of your grocery store. Purchase it for this recipe then use it on chicken, shrimp, vegetables and more!
LOOKING FOR MORE SALMON RECIPES?
Grilled Salmonย
Baked Salmon
Firecracker Salmon
Honey Garlic Salmon
Creamy Tuscan Salmon
Salmon Pasta
Asian BBQ salmon
Blackened Salmon
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Baked Lemon Pepper Salmon
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Ingredients
SALMON AND ASPARAGUS
LEMON PEPPER GARLIC BUTTER
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted (may sub half olive oil)
- 4-6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 1/2 tablespoons lemon pepper seasoning
- 1 ยฝ teaspoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 tsp EACH dried thyme, dried basil, paprika
- 1/2 tsp EACH dried dill, onion powder, salt
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
- Line a baking sheet with foil for easy cleanup. Add asparagus to the baking sheet and drizzle with 1 ยฝ tablespoons olive oil and sprinkle with 1 ½ teaspoons lemon pepper and ¼ teaspoon salt. Toss to coat then push to the sides of the pan to make room for the salmon down the middle (the asparagus will be overlapping which is okay).
- Place a long piece of foil in between the asparagus. Spray with cooking spray then add salmon skin side down (if it has it) and fold foil up around the sides of the salmon to create a boat (donโt cover); set aside.
- Add the butter and minced garlic cloves to a medium bowl and microwave until butter is melted. Whisk in all remaining Lemon Pepper Butter ingredients. Pour evenly all over salmon.
- Bake for 12-16 minutes or until salmon is almost opaque throughout (internal temp of 125-130 degrees F at the thickest part) and easily flakes with a fork. Let rest 5 mintues before slicing. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and season with freshly cracked salt and pepper to taste (I like more pepper) – always taste first!
Video
Notes
Tips and Tricks
- *Salmon fillets: You can also use six or seven 6-8 oz. salmon fillets.ย Frozen fillets are a great option because they are packaged at peak freshens. Thaw before using.
- Slice salmon if needed to fit: If your salmon fillet won’t fit on the pan, slice it into 2-inch pieces then line the pieces next to each other in rows within the foil “boat.” You can place all of the salmon at the top of the pan and the asparagus at the bottom if that fits better.
- Let salmon come to room temperature:ย Salmon should never be baked cold straight from the refrigerator otherwise it will cook unevenly.ย Place the salmon on the counter 30 minutes before youโre ready to bake it.ย You can slather it in the lemon pepper butter during this time.
- Use a meat thermometer: Overcooked salmon is dry salmon.ย The only way to ensure perfectly cooked salmon is to use a meat thermometer. ย ย You can pick up an inexpensiveย instant read thermometerย at the grocery store or Amazon, or I am obsessed withย thisย digital probe thermometerย โ you will never overcook any protein again!ย
- Prep ahead:ย Whisk all of the lemon pepper butter ingredients together and refrigerate. Line the salmon on a baking sheet with the asparagus and cover with foil. When ready to bake, microwave the lemon butter for 15 seconds or so to soften then slather it over the salmon. Let the salmon rest on the counter for 30 minutes, then proceed to bake per recipe instructions.ย ย
- Leftovers: See post for tons of leftover ideas!
How to store and reheat
- To store: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.ย
- To freeze: Freeze leftover salmon for up to 3 months. To freeze, slice salmon into fillets and place fillets in a freezer size bag in a single layer, squeeze out excess air to preserve freezer burn, label and freeze.ย You can also freeze individual salmon fillets by wrapping in plastic wrap before storing together.ย Thaw salmon in the refrigerator overnight then reheat per instructions below. ย ย I do not recommend freezing the asparagus because it will become mushy once frozen and thawed.
- To reheat from the fridge:ย Cut the salmon into fillets and gently reheat in a skillet, covered, for about 5 minutes or in the microwave at 30-second intervals.ย You can also warm in the oven for about 10 minutes at 275 degrees F, until it reaches an internal temperature of 125ยฐF to 130ยฐF. Take care not to overcook the salmon or it will become dry.ย
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Leave a Review, I Always Love Hearing From You!
Najia Omer says
This turned out absolutely perfect! Full of flavour and easy to make, well explained. Made for family dinner and it received high praises from people who donโt normally even like salmon!
Jen says
Yay! Thank you so much, Najia! I am so happy it was such a hit!
Dorice says
Made this for Easter, large group of 20 from 14 years to 93 years of ageโฆ..it was a hit with everyone โฆeven those that donโt โlikeโ fish. Also followed the recipe (rare for me) another great dish delivered from Carlsbad Cravingsโฆ.have been following and making your recipes for years. Your work is great thank you for keeping our tummies happy!
Jen says
I’m glad it was a hit with even those who were unsure about fish! Thank you for your review, it means so much to me that you follow and try so many recipes!