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A plated 20-minute easy salmon dinner, perfectly cooked with a crispy skin.

Classic 20-Minute Easy Salmon Dinner

This easy recipe delivers a delicious and healthy salmon dinner in just 20 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Flaky salmon fillets are seasoned and baked to perfection with lemon and herbs.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 fillets
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 4-6 ounces salmon fillets per person (wild-caught or sustainably farmed)
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 fresh lemon for zest and juice
  • 1 tsp garlic powder (or 2 cloves fresh minced garlic)
  • 1 tsp dried dill
  • ½ tsp salt (to taste)
  • ¼ tsp black pepper (to taste)

Optional for Serving

  • Fresh parsley or chives for garnish
  • extra lemon wedges

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  • Pat the salmon fillets dry and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.

Seasoning & Baking

  • Drizzle olive oil over each fillet, then sprinkle with garlic powder, dried dill, salt, and black pepper.
  • Grate lemon zest over the salmon, then top with lemon slices.
  • Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C).

Serving

  • Remove from the oven, let rest for a minute, then squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and serve with extra lemon wedges if desired.

Notes

The cooking time for salmon can vary based on thickness; use an instant-read thermometer for best results to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C). If you don't have parchment paper, you can lightly grease the baking sheet to prevent sticking.