Citrus Herb Baked Salmon

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 20 min
🍽 Serves: 4
★★★★★
2 Reviews

This Citrus Herb Baked Salmon recipe is all about bright, vibrant flavors that complement the natural richness of salmon. It’s a refreshing twist on a classic dish, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients for Citrus Herb Baked Salmon

Salmon fillets are the star here, providing a rich and flavorful base. Opt for wild-caught if possible for the best taste and sustainability. Olive oil adds a touch of healthy fat while helping the marinade adhere to the fish. Our trio of lemon zest, lime zest, and orange zest bring vibrant citrus notes, while the juices from these fruits infuse the salmon with moisture and flavor. Garlic gives a savory depth, and a mix of fresh dill, thyme, and parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous finish. Don’t forget the salt and pepper to enhance all these flavors.

Tips & Tricks

  • If you like your salmon a bit more charred, broil for the last 2 minutes.
  • Use a microplane for zesting to get fine, even zest without the bitter pith.
  • Marinate in a ziplock bag for even coverage and easy cleanup.

Serving Suggestions

This salmon pairs wonderfully with a light arugula salad or steamed asparagus. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside quinoa or a fluffy couscous. The citrus flavors also complement a simple avocado and tomato salsa.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, just make sure they are fully thawed and patted dry before marinating.
What if I don't have fresh herbs?
Use about a third of the amount of dried herbs in place of fresh ones.
How do I store leftovers?
Place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Reheat gently to avoid drying out.

Citrus Herb Baked Salmon Recipe Walkthrough

First, preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C). This ensures that once the salmon is ready to go, the oven is hot enough to cook it perfectly. While the oven is warming up, let's get our marinade together. In a small bowl, combine the olive oil with all the zests and juices from our citrus fruits, along with the minced garlic. Give it a good mix so that everything is well combined.

Place your salmon fillets in a baking dish, preferably in a single layer to allow even cooking. Pour the marinade over the fillets, making sure to coat them thoroughly. Let the salmon sit in this flavorful bath for about 15 minutes. This short marination time is perfect for infusing the fish without overpowering its natural flavor.

Next, sprinkle the fresh dill, thyme, and parsley over the salmon. These herbs will add a beautiful aroma and flavor as the fish bakes. Season with salt and pepper to your liking. Once ready, pop the dish into your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes. You'll know it's done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Keep an eye on it towards the end to avoid overcooking.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy evenings.
  • Uses fresh, zesty flavors that elevate the salmon.
  • Minimal cleanup with just one baking dish needed.
  • Healthy and full of Omega-3 fatty acids.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon zest
1 tbsp lime zest
1 tbsp orange zest
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1/4 cup fresh lime juice
1/4 cup fresh orange juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp fresh thyme, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon slices for garnish

Step-by-step Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lime zest, orange zest, lemon juice, lime juice, orange juice, and minced garlic to create the marinade.
3. Place salmon fillets in a baking dish and pour the marinade over them, ensuring even coverage. Let them marinate for 15 minutes.
4. Sprinkle fresh dill, thyme, and parsley over the salmon fillets. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Garnish with fresh lemon slices before serving.

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