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lemon garlic salmon copycat recipe

Lemon Garlic Salmon

If you're as enthusiastic about food as I am, you've likely pondered the perfect accompaniments to a dish like lemon garlic salmon.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 18 minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Course: Entree
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keyword: Lemon Garlic Salmon
Servings: 6
Calories: 300kcal

Equipment

  • Oven

Ingredients

For the Salmon

  • 1 large lemon sliced
  • 2 pounds fresh salmon fillet skin-on or skinless
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika optional, for a hint of smokiness
  • Kosher salt to taste
  • Freshly chopped parsley for garnish

For the Lemon Garlic Sauce

  • 5 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 2 large lemons juiced and zested
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup optional, for balancing acidity
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sauce

  • Start by making the lemon garlic sauce. In a medium bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, black pepper, paprika, honey (if using), and oregano. Whisk the ingredients together until combined. This sauce will be the star of the show, so taste and adjust the flavors if necessary. Set aside for later.

Step 2: Preheat the Oven or Grill

  • If you’re baking your salmon, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Alternatively, if you're grilling, prepare your grill for medium heat. Either method will work wonders for this recipe.

Step 3: Season the Salmon

  • Place your salmon fillet on a parchment-lined baking sheet or on the grill. Season generously with kosher salt and a dash of smoked paprika if you’d like added flavor. Spread the lemon garlic sauce over the top of the salmon, ensuring it’s well-coated. This is where the magic starts brewing!

Step 4: Add Lemon Slices

  • Top the salmon with the lemon slices. This not only looks beautiful but also infuses extra liquid flavor as it bakes or grills.

Step 5: Cook the Salmon

  • Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or grill for about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet. The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork and has turned opaque.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

  • Once cooked, remove your salmon from the oven or grill. Give it a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for that touch of vibrancy. Serve immediately with your choice of sides and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemons and garlic elevate the flavors immensely compared to dried alternatives.
  • Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best when it is just cooked through. It continues to cook a bit after removal from heat.
  • Experiment with Seasonings: Feel free to add other herbs like thyme or dill.
  • Marinate for Extra Flavor: If you have time, marinate the salmon in the lemon garlic sauce for an hour prior to cooking for deeper flavors.
  • Keep the Skin On: The skin helps keep the salmon moist and adds extra flavor during cooking.

Nutrition

Calories: 300kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 1g
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