Description
This Lemon Baked Salmon recipe offers a perfect blend of tangy lemon, fresh vegetables, and tender salmon fillets broiled to flaky perfection. It’s a quick and healthy meal rich in protein, ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Marinade
- 4 pieces salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin optional
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, grated
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
Vegetables & Garnishes
- 3 bunches asparagus, trimmed
- 200g cherry tomatoes
- Grated Parmesan cheese (to taste)
- Chopped fresh parsley (to garnish)
- Fresh lemon wedges (for serving)
Instructions
- Prep: In a bowl, combine lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, Dijon mustard, grated garlic, salt, and pepper to make the marinade. Coat the salmon fillets evenly with the marinade and let them rest for at least 5 minutes; marinate up to 1 hour if time permits to enhance flavor.
- Setup: Preheat your oven broiler to 525°F (270°C) and position the oven rack approximately 8 inches from the heat source. Allow it to preheat fully for about 5 minutes for optimal cooking.
- Arrange: Toss the trimmed asparagus and cherry tomatoes with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Spread the vegetables evenly on a baking tray alongside the marinated salmon fillets, ensuring everything is in a single layer for even broiling.
- Cook: Place the baking tray under the preheated broiler. Broil the salmon and vegetables until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 122°F (50°C), which should take about 11 minutes. Keep an eye on the vegetables so they don’t overcook.
- Finish: Once cooked, sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the salmon and veggies. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges to squeeze on top for added brightness.
Notes
- Marinating the salmon for longer than 5 minutes will deepen the lemon flavor but is optional.
- Keep an eye on the broiler to avoid burning, as broiler temperatures vary.
- Check salmon doneness with a fork or a meat thermometer for perfect texture.
- Feel free to substitute asparagus and cherry tomatoes with other quick-cooking vegetables like green beans or bell peppers.
- Parsley and Parmesan add freshness and savory notes but can be omitted for dairy-free diets.
