Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon and Pepper
Citrusy, fresh and delicious. This tasty Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon and Pepper is filled with flavor. Coat the salmon in a homemade spicy marinade and dry rub using easy-to-find ingredients. Make it in less than 30 minutes and serve it as a main with potatoes, vegetables or salad.
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This gorgeous show-stopping salmon dish is a great addition to any dinner table. Not only does it look impressive, but it tastes just as good, too! Plus, it is ready in less than 25 minutes. The salmon has citrusy flavors from the lemons, a kick from the chili flakes, cayenne pepper, and paprika, and a subtle herby flavor from the parsley. It's a true crowd-pleasing dish and comes out perfectly every time.
Salmon can be cooked in many different ways, such as searing, frying, broiling, and more. For this recipe, I chose to cook the salmon in the oven, as it yields delicious results, is fairly quick, and does not require too much oil.
Serve this oven-baked salmon with lemon and pepper on any day of the week for dinner with Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes, Roasted Cheesy Garlic Asparagus, Easy Couscous Salad with Feta or roasted vegetables. It also makes a stunning main for Good Friday, Easter and other special occasions.
Why You Should Try This Recipe
- This delicious oven-baked salmon with lemon and pepper is mouth-watering and makes a brilliant seafood centerpiece.
- It is read in less than 30 minutes, making it a great dinner option.
- It can be served with various sides like these Quick Crispy Air Fryer Carrot Chips or Baked Sweet Potatoes.
- You can adjust the seasoning to suit your taste.
Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon and Pepper Ingredients
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
- Salmon fillet: I like to use half a whole salmon for this recipe, but you can also use salmon fillet pieces instead. Fresh or frozen salmon can be used for this recipe. If it is frozen, allow it to thaw before marinating.
- Olive oil: Use good-quality olive oil for this recipe to achieve the best results.
- Paprika: Regular or smoked paprika adds spicy notes to the fish.
- Chili flakes: Chili flakes add a lovely texture and taste to the fish. Feel free to alter the amount depending on your preference.
- Garlic cloves (grated): I love using grated garlic because it adds a delicious burst of garlic flavor to the salmon. However, if you don't have garlic cloves to hand you can use garlic paste instead.
- Lemon (juice, zest and slices): Use fresh lemons for this recipe.
- A handful of chopped parsley: Parsley is a great herb that compliments lemon and spices. Use fresh parsley for the best results.
Dry Rub
- Cayenne: Feel free to adjust the amount according to personal taste.
- Paprika: You can also use regular or smoked paprika for the dry rub.
- Chili flakes: Adjust the amount of chili flakes according to personal preference.
Tips and Substitutions
- Salmon: Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel before using it for the recipe to remove excess moisture.
- Dry rub: To add more flavor and color, sprinkle the dry rub over the salmon halfway through cooking. If you don't like spices, alter the amount of spices or skip it altogether.
- Make-ahead salmon: You can make this oven-baked salmon with lemon and pepper recipe ahead by adding the olive oil and spice mixture to the fish and covering it with cling film. Once you are ready to cook, place the fish on a baking tray lined with foil, lightly grease the foil and bake the salmon in a preheated oven.
- Pepper: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili flakes, paprika and cayenne pepper in this oven-baked salmon with lemon and pepper recipe. Use a smaller amount if you prefer less heat and use more if you like your salmon spicy!
How to Make Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon and Pepper
- Preheat the oven to 180C/360F. Add olive oil and spices to a bowl.
2. Mix well and set aside. Then, mix the spices for the dry rub and set them aside for later.
3. Line a baking tray with foil and lightly grease it with oil or butter. Place a salmon fillet, skin side down, on the foil paper.
4. Brush the lemon marinade onto the salmon flesh.
5. Ensure that the salmon is fully marinated.
6. Add some lemon slices and cook in an oven for about 10 minutes.
7. Sprinkle the dry rub on the fish and cook for 5 more minutes.
8. This step will add beautiful color to the salmon. Once the salmon is ready, remove it from the oven and rest for 5 minutes before serving.
9. Serve this tasty oven-baked salmon with lemon and pepper for lunch or dinner with best Mashed Potatoes, Cheesy Baked Asparagus, or Easy Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes.
Recipe FAQs
A Salmon fillet is a cut of salmon. It is very popular because it can be cooked in a variety of ways such as pan-searing, frying, roasting, pan-frying, broiling, grilling and oven baking. Salmon fillets can either be cut into small pieces or served whole for large groups. Most salmon fillets are de-boned before preparing.
If you are baking salmon in the oven it should be cooked for 10-15 minutes depending on the temperature of the oven. If you are cooking salmon on the stovetop, then it can be cooked for 8-10 minutes.
A food thermometer can be used to check if the salmon is cooked. The internal temperature of cooked salmon should be between 45-50C/110-125F. Another option is to use a fork to check for doneness. The fish is done if the salmon flesh begins to flake once a fork is passed through.
Place leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for 4-5 days. Reheat the leftovers in the microwave for 1-2 minutes before serving.
More Tasty Salmon Recipes
Oven-Baked Salmon with Lemon and Pepper
Equipment
- baking tray
Ingredients
- ½ a whole salmon deboned
- 3 tablespoon of olive oil
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- ¼ teaspoon chili flakes
- ¼ teaspoon of oregano
- Salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 2 garlic cloves grated
- 1 lemon juice, zest and slices
- ½ a handful of chopped parsley
- Dry rub
- Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon of cayenne
- ¼ teaspoon of chili flakes
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 180C/360F. Add olive oil, paprika, chili flakes, oregano, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, salt to taste and black pepper to taste to a bowl and stir until well combined.
- To make the dry rub add a pinch of salt cayenne pepper, chili flakes and paprika to a bowl and stir. (optional)
- Then, add a salmon fillet skin side down onto a lightly greased oven tray lined with foil. Add the chili and lemon mixture to the flesh of the salmon. Place 3 or 4 lemon slices on top of the salmon fillet. Cook the fillet in the oven for 10 minutes then sprinkle the dry rub on top to give the salmon fillet a beautiful color.
- Cook salmon for another 5-7 minutes, rest for 5 minutes and serve.
I made this salmon for Sunday's family dinner and the whole clan raved about how delicious and juicy it was. I loved that it was a no-fuss oven recipe. I'll definitely be making this again and again.
I used this recipe for my recent meal Prep and it was so good! Loved the blend of flavors on the salmon. I paired with a simple salad just to round out the meal. Will be using again!
I love serving this with salad too. I'm glad you enjoyed it!
Salmon is one of my absolute favorite proteins to make during the week. The lemon pepper with the salmon was so delicious! I will be making this again soon!
I loved everything about this salmon with lemon pepper recipe. From the ease in preparation to the delightful flavor, my husband and I enjoyed every last bit! I will definitely make this again, soon!
My goodness! I made this for my husband the other night and he almost ate the whole thing. The flavors were spot on and the salmon was so juicy and tender. Will be making this again!
This salmon tasted so fresh and delicious! The lemon zest added such a wonderful note. I can't wait to make this again!
I usually prepare salmon on the stove top, so it was nice to find a recipe where I just pop it into the oven and go. Plus, it tasted fantastic.
I meal prep using salmon quite often so I'm always looking for ways to switch up the flavors. This recipe was so delicious and easy to make. Thanks for sharing!
I'm so glad you enjoyed it and added it to your meal prep rotation.
This salmon was perfectly tender! Made for the perfect dinner with a big green salad on the side.
Salmon and salad are always a winner!
I love salmon so so much and this recipe took my love to a whole other level!!! I loved this and I cannot wait to make it again
This recipe was everything! Lemon and pepper is one of my favorite flavors and on top of salmon, it's delicious!
Loved the Lemon Pepper Salmon. Taste really good, flavorful. I use the Lemon Pepper seasoning so that it wouldn't be so lemony.
Glad you enjoyed it, Erica. It's one of my favorites too!