Tender, flaky salmon is spiced simply but sublimely, then baked in the oven in foil, this lemon pepper salmon is exactly the kind of recipe you and I need more of in our lives. Lemon pepper salmon asks very little of you—I was not kidding about the 10 minutes of prep, fewer if you are super speedy—and rewards you richly in return. The salmon fillet is baked to perfection, and the foil packet method makes it nearly foolproof. Nervous about cooking fish? Baking is one of the easiest ways to cook salmon. You can read more in my Baked Salmon Temp Guide. We all have some really hectic, stressful nights. Rather than ordering take out, turn to this ever-trusted baked salmon. It’s easy to make, even on a deadline (I developed this recipe while finishing the edits for my cookbook). It gives your body fuel and nourishment to keep you energized, and it tastes exquisite. This lemon pepper salmon is the latest spinoff of my go-to Baked Salmon in Foil. Foil-packet baking is my favorite way to make salmon, because it is foolproof! I used to be super intimidated to cook fish, and I thought it was something too “fancy” to make at home. NOT TRUE. Like my Spicy Baked Salmon and Pesto Salmon, this oven method is flawless. You can also take it to the grill, using the tips in this Grilled Salmon in Foil. My other salmon recipes (like this Salmon Meuniere) have dozens of glowing reviews, including from plenty of first-time salmon bakers. I know this lemon pepper salmon will be no exception!
How to Make Lemon Pepper Salmon
The Ingredients
Salmon. You can make baked salmon with the skin on or off. I prefer my lemon pepper salmon with the skin on for ease (it helps lock in extra moisture). The skin peels off easily after your salmon is cooked, so you can remove it before serving or just eat around it on your plate. That said if you prefer your baked salmon without skin, you can either select it that way at the grocery store. If it doesn’t come that way to begin with, the seafood will often remove it for you.It’s important to look for high-quality, wild-caught varieties of salmon. Where I shop, that usually means coho, sockeye, or king—most of the time I choose coho or sockeye (king is delicious but super pricey). Try to avoid farm-raised, fatty Atlantic salmon. They are often fed an artificial diet and contain less nutrients. This type of salmon is typically more watery as well, which can cause your salmon dish to become mushy. Lemon. While I always enjoy lemon with my fish, in this version it SHINES. The recipes uses both the lemon zest and juice for max citrus impact.Black Pepper. The citrus flavors are truly elevated by the inclusion of black pepper. It adds a nice kick of flavor to the salmon without making it spicy. (Another place you can find this killer combo: Lemon Pepper Wings).Herbs. For a bit of extra color and freshness. You can use anything you have growing in your garden or what looks best at your grocery store. Another bonus of cooking with herbs and lemon: they add incredible fresh flavor to this dish without any extra calories. No herbs on hand? In this recipe, you can omit them. The lemon and pepper still carry the flavor.Olive Oil. Olive oil adds healthy fats, keep the salmon moist, and ensure it bakes perfectly.
The Directions
What to Serve with Lemon Pepper Salmon – Sides Suggestions
Asparagus. The ULTIMATE lemon pepper salmon side dish! This Bake Asparagus would be delicious here.Vegetables. For a fresh, healthy side dish, try pairing the lemon pepper salmon with a sautéed or roasted vegetable. Sautéed Cabbage, Sautéed Zucchini, Roasted Zucchini, or Roasted Brussels Sprouts would all be excellent.Rice. Salmon pairs perfectly with rice. Try it with this Lemon Rice for something easy and elevated.Pasta. A hearty side option for when you need a more filling meal. This Brussels Sprouts Mac and Cheese or Avocado Pasta would be SO good!Salad. Try a salad for a cool side dish option. I love pairing lemon pepper salmon with this Anytime Arugula Salad or this Spinach Strawberry Salad.
More Favorite Baked Salmon Recipes
Soy Ginger Salmon. Flavorful, easy salmon with an incredibly delicious, sticky glaze.Whole30 Salmon. This recipe yields the most tender, flaky salmon with a creamy avocado sauce.Garlic Salmon. Healthy, simple, and ready in just 30 minutes using one pan.Pineapple Glazed Salmon. Perfectly cooked salmon topped with a colorful, fresh pineapple avocado salsa.Balsamic Glazed Salmon. This dish looks so impressive, and it’s ready in just 20 minutes.
Do you bake salmon at home? I’d love to hear about some of your favorite ways to flavor it! Also, if you try this Lemon Pepper Salmon, please leave a comment letting me know how it turned out! Hearing from you keeps me so energized (and, it will keep me energized while I work on my book edits this weekend too)!
