Oven-Baked Lemon Honey Herb Salmon Recipe
This Oven-Baked Salmon recipe features a perfectly tender and flavorful salmon fillet baked atop lemon slices and infused with a delicious garlic, honey, and herb butter sauce. Easy to prepare and finished under the broiler for a beautifully browned top, it’s a healthy and elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes baking + 5 minutes broiling
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Salmon and Garnish
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced
- 1 large skin-on salmon fillet (about 3 lb.)
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Finely chopped fresh parsley, for serving
Butter Sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 6 tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 2 tbsp. honey
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Baking Sheet: Arrange a rack in the center of your oven and preheat to 350°F (175°C). Line a large rimmed baking sheet with foil, then place a layer of parchment paper on top to prevent any interaction between the lemon slices and the foil. Arrange the lemon slices evenly in the center of the parchment.
- Season and Arrange Salmon: Season the salmon fillet generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Place the salmon, skin-side down, on top of the lemon slices on the baking sheet.
- Make and Pour Butter Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together the finely chopped garlic, melted butter, honey, dried oregano, and fresh thyme until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the salmon, ensuring it is well coated. Carefully fold up the parchment paper and foil around the salmon to create a sealed packet.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for about 25 minutes, or until the flesh is opaque, cooked through, and flakes easily with a fork.
- Broil for Browning: Switch your oven to the broiler setting. Broil the salmon, watching closely to avoid burning, until it develops browned spots on top, about 4 to 6 minutes.
- Serve: Transfer the salmon and lemon slices to a serving platter. Sprinkle with finely chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, vibrant finish. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Using parchment paper on top of foil prevents the lemon’s acidity from reacting with the foil and imparting a metallic taste.
- Broiling at the end adds a flavorful caramelized crust to the salmon; watch carefully to avoid burning.
- Fresh herbs like thyme and parsley amplify the dish’s aroma and can be adjusted based on preference.
- This recipe works well with other fatty fish like trout or arctic char.
- For a dairy-free option, substitute butter with olive oil.
