This lemon pepper salmon is bright, fresh, and done in under 30 minutes. It’s a family favorite weeknight meal that is delicious enough to serve guests any day.
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Amy’s Notes
This Lemon Pepper Salmon is one of my favorite 30-minute dinner recipes, as it’s perfect for a healthy family weeknight meal, yet is delicious enough for weekend guests. This dish is:
- Bright, Fresh Flavor: Lemon zest and juice add a clean, citrusy brightness, similar to this Lemon Salmon Pasta.
- Perfect Texture: A quick bake and short broil create a flaky center with a lightly crisp top.
- Easy Cleanup: Everything cooks on one foil-lined sheet pan, so cleanup is quick and stress-free.
- Everyday Simple: Lemon, olive oil, garlic powder, and basil come together using simple pantry staples.
- Versatile and Reliable: It pairs easily with rice, salad, or pasta, and works just as well as this Lemon Butter Cod Recipe. I hope you love it!
Key Recipe Ingredients
- Salmon Fillet – Use about 2 pounds of salmon that’s roughly 1 inch thick so it cooks evenly and stays juicy. Wild-caught or farm-raised both work fine; just adjust cook time slightly if your fillet is thinner.
- Lemon Zest – Adds bright, citrusy flavor that balances the richness of the salmon. Fresh zest makes a big difference here.
- Lemon Juice – A squeeze of fresh lemon juice keeps the fish tender and adds a clean, tangy finish. Bottled juice works in a pinch, but fresh is best.
- Fresh Basil – Chopped basil brings a fresh, herby note that pairs beautifully with lemon and fish. You can swap in parsley or dill if that’s what you have.
- Garlic Powder – Gives gentle savory depth without overpowering the other flavors. Fresh minced garlic can be used if you prefer a stronger garlic taste.
- Black Pepper – Freshly ground pepper adds a subtle heat and ties in perfectly with the lemon zest.
Substitutions And Variations
Here are some of our favorite substitutions and variations:
- Herb Options: I love using fresh basil, but parsley, dill, or thyme all work beautifully. You can even mix a few together for more depth.
- Citrus Swaps: Try using lime or orange zest instead of lemon for a slightly different flavor. Each one gives the salmon its own fresh, bright note.
- Spicy Version: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a sprinkle of paprika if you like a little heat. It blends nicely with the lemon and garlic.
Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions
- Pat salmon dry and place on pan.
- Mix seasonings in a bowl.
- Press seasoning mix over salmon.
- Bake, then broil until golden and serve.
For full list of ingredients and instructions, see recipe card below.
How To Prep Ahead
Take a look at our best prep-ahead strategies for this recipe:
- Prep the Seasoning Mix: You can stir together the lemon zest, juice, basil, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and olive oil up to a day in advance. Keep it covered in the fridge so it’s ready to spread over the salmon when you’re ready to cook.
- Assemble in Advance: Pat the salmon dry, spread on the lemon-basil mixture, and cover the pan tightly with plastic wrap. Store it in the fridge for up to overnight. When you’re ready, just bake and broil as directed.
Video: Watch Us Make This Recipe
Lemon Pepper Salmon
This Lemon Pepper Salmon is a deliciously quick and easy weeknight meal that's healthy and flavorful. It only needs 15 minutes in the oven.
Servings 6
Calories 238kcal
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon fillet about 1-inch thick
- Zest of 1 large lemon
- Juice of half a lemon
- 2 tablespoons freshly chopped basil leaves
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil plus extra for pan
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 375F with rack on lower middle position. Line a large sheet pan with foil and grease the foil with some olive oil. Set aside.
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Use paper towels to pat-dry the salmon fillet, ensuring that all excess moisture is removed (this step is important, as excess water/moisture causes fish to be "steamed" instead.) Place salmon on the prepared sheet pan.
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In a small bowl, stir together all remaining ingredients until combined. Evenly press the mixture over the top of salmon.
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Bake salmon for 10 minutes in preheated oven. Carefully but quickly take salmon out, move rack to upper position for the broiler, and place salmon tray back on rack.
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Broil on high for up to 5 minutes or until top is nicely browned, but watch carefully for even browning without burning. Remove from heat immediately. Serve with extra slices of lemon.
Video
Notes
- Pat the salmon completely dry before seasoning. This helps it roast beautifully instead of steaming in the oven.
- Choose salmon that’s about 1 inch thick so it cooks evenly and stays tender inside. If your fillet is thinner than 1 inch, reduce the bake time slightly to avoid overcooking.
- Watch closely while broiling. The top can go from golden to burnt quickly, so keep an eye on it.
- Let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving to keep it juicy and flavorful.
- We love fresh basil for this recipe, but parsley, dill, thyme, or oregano can be used as well.
- For extra flavor, drizzle a little olive oil and fresh lemon juice over the salmon right before serving.
- Leftovers taste great flaked into salads, grain bowls, or pasta for an easy next-day meal.
- This recipe is part of our Healthy Sheet Pan Recipes Collection.
- This lemon pepper salmon is amazing with Easy Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms or this 20-Minute Lemon Spinach Orzo Salad.
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Join our Free Recipe Club and get our newest, best recipes each week!Nutrition
Calories: 238kcal | Carbohydrates: 6.1g | Protein: 34.1g | Fat: 9.6g | Saturated Fat: 1.6g | Cholesterol: 77.2mg | Sodium: 313.1mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 2.1g
What To Serve with Lemon Pepper Salmon
Side Dishes
- This Lemon Pepper Salmon pairs beautifully with bright, fresh sides. We love serving it alongside Garlic Roasted Potatoes with Lemon for a cozy, balanced meal.
- It’s also delicious with Easy Rice Pilaf with Mushrooms for an extra burst of flavor.
- For something lighter, try it with Cucumber Sandwiches with Cream Cheese and Lemon at brunch or lunch.
Salads
- For a fresh and hearty pairing, serve this salmon with a bowl of 20-Minute Lemon Spinach Orzo Salad or a crisp Strawberry Salad With Asparagus.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon as long as it’s fully thawed before cooking. Pat it dry thoroughly with paper towels to remove any excess moisture so it roasts nicely instead of steaming.
What if I don’t have a broiler?
If your oven doesn’t have a broiler, simply bake the salmon for a few extra minutes until the top is lightly golden and the fish flakes easily with a fork. You can also finish it in a hot skillet for a minute or two to get a bit of color.
Can I make this recipe with other types of fish?
Definitely. This lemon pepper mixture works well with cod, halibut, or trout. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.
How long does it keep?
Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until just warmed through, or enjoy it cold over salad for an easy next-day meal.
What is the ideal internal temperature for cooking salmon?
While the USDA suggests an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), many chefs prefer taking it out at 125°F–130°F for a more tender, medium finish.
More to Cook and Eat
- Air Fryer Salmon – Seasoned with bold spices and air fried to crispy perfection this flaky, succulent air fryer salmon comes together in less than 20 minutes!
- Miso Glazed Salmon – This Miso Glazed Salmon is healthy, easy, and supremely delish! Using the broiler creates fantastic flavor in a short amount of time.
- Shrimp Scampi Pasta – This Skillet Shrimp Scampi Pasta is loaded with garlic, lemon, and basil. Plenty of succulent shrimp and parmesan are irresistible.
- Pan Seared Tilapia – This Pan Seared Tilapia is my favorite quick fish dinner. It’s fast, flavorful, and finished with a buttery lemon sauce that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
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