Lemon Garlic Herb-Crusted Salmon

Lemon Garlic Herb-Crusted Salmon is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings together the freshness of herbs and the zesty brightness of lemon. This easy-to-make recipe results in perfectly baked salmon with a delightful herb crust, making it a healthy yet indulgent option for any dinner table.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

Directions

Preheat the Oven

1. Heat Up: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Prepare the Salmon

2. Dry the Fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin-side down if applicable.

Make the Herb-Crust Mixture

3. Mix Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, dill, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, mixing until you form a thick paste.

Apply the Herb-Crust

4. Coat the Salmon: Spoon the herb mixture onto the top of each salmon fillet, pressing gently to adhere.

Bake the Salmon

5. Cook: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

Optional Broiling

6. Crisp the Crust: For a golden crust, broil the salmon for an additional 1-2 minutes, keeping a close watch to avoid burning.

Serve

7. Enjoy: Remove the salmon from the oven and transfer to a serving platter. Squeeze fresh lemon wedges over the top before serving.

Serving Information

This recipe serves 4, with a prep time of 10 minutes and a cooking time of 12-15 minutes, totaling approximately 22-25 minutes.

Variations

• Add Heat: For a spicy kick, incorporate red pepper flakes into the herb mixture.
• Herb Swap: Substitute dill with tarragon or basil for a different flavor profile.
• Citrus Twist: Mix in other citrus zests like lime or orange for added depth.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through, or enjoy cold on a salad.

10 FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon?
   Yes, just ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
2. How do I know when the salmon is done?
   The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
3. Can I grill this salmon instead?
   Yes, grill the salmon over medium heat for a similar cooking time, using a grill pan if needed.
4. What sides pair well with this dish?
   It goes well with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
5. Can I prepare the herb mixture in advance?
   Yes, you can make the mixture a day ahead and store it in the fridge.
6. What if I don’t have fresh herbs?
   Dried herbs can be used, but reduce the quantity by about one-third.
7. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, all ingredients used are naturally gluten-free.
8. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
   Yes, this recipe is dairy-free as written.
9. How can I make the salmon more flavorful?
   Marinate the salmon in the herb mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
10. Can I use this recipe for other types of fish?
    Yes, it works well with other fish like trout or cod.

Conclusion

Lemon Garlic Herb-Crusted Salmon is a delightful dish that’s not only quick to prepare but also bursting with flavor. This recipe showcases how simple ingredients can create a restaurant-quality meal at home, perfect for any occasion!

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