Ultimate Lemon Pepper Salmon Recipe

Sometimes I crave a dinner that feels fancy but takes almost zero effort to throw together after a long day. This Lemon Pepper Salmon hits that sweet spot with bright citrus notes and a buttery finish that melts in your mouth.

My family asks for this dish constantly because the fresh zest and cracked pepper create the most incredible crust. It comes together so quickly that I can have a healthy meal on the table before anyone starts complaining about hunger.

What Makes This Lemon Pepper Salmon a Keeper for Years to Come

You will appreciate how the high heat locks in juices while crisping up the edges of the fish. It requires only a handful of pantry staples that you likely already have sitting in your kitchen right now.

Cleaning up is a breeze since everything cooks on a single baking sheet lined with foil or parchment. This method guarantees perfectly flaky fish without the stress of flipping or worrying about it sticking to a pan.

It works beautifully for busy weeknights yet looks impressive enough to serve to guests at a dinner party. The balance of sharp lemon and spicy black pepper wakes up your taste buds in the best way possible.

If you enjoyed this fresh seafood dish, you should definitely try my Quick Grandma’s Blackberry Peach Cobbler Recipe for a sweet finish. I also highly recommend my Cozy Lemon Bars Recipe if you want to keep the citrus theme going strong.

Everything You Need for Perfect Lemon Pepper Salmon

Here is the simple list of items you will need to gather from your pantry and fridge:

• Salmon filets: You need four pieces that are about 6 ounces each and patted very dry.
• Garlic: Use two fresh cloves and mince them finely for the best flavor distribution.
• Lemons: You will need two large fruits for juice, zest, and slicing.
• Olive oil or butter: Melted butter adds richness, but olive oil works well for a dairy-free version.
• Black pepper: Freshly cracked pepper is essential here for that signature spice.
• Salt: Use a generous amount to season the fish before adding the sauce.

My Method for Perfect Lemon Pepper Salmon

Let’s get the oven ready and start cooking:

1. Start by preheating your oven to 400°F so it is nice and hot when the fish goes in. Take your salmon filets out of the refrigerator and let them sit on the counter for about 20 minutes to take the chill off, which helps them cook more evenly. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or grease a baking dish to prevent sticking.
2. Pat each salmon filet completely dry with paper towels to ensure the seasonings stick and the fish roasts rather than steams. Arrange the pieces on your prepared baking sheet with a little space between them. Sprinkle salt generously over the tops and sides of the fish to build a savory foundation.
3. In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the minced garlic, freshly cracked black pepper, lemon juice, lemon zest, and your choice of melted butter or olive oil. Stir vigorously until the mixture is well combined and fragrant. Spoon this zesty sauce evenly over each filet, using a brush or your fingers to rub it into the meat so there are no dry spots left.
4. Place thin lemon slices on top of each filet for a beautiful presentation and extra citrus flavor infusion. Bake the salmon for 10 to 18 minutes, depending on how thick your pieces are and your preferred doneness. You will know it is ready when the fish is opaque and flakes easily when you gently press it with a fork.

My Best Tips for Perfect Lemon Pepper Salmon

Make sure you pat the fish completely dry with paper towels before adding any oil or seasonings. Removing that excess moisture allows the Lemon Pepper Salmon to develop a nice texture rather than steaming in its own juices.

I always recommend using freshly cracked black pepper instead of the pre-ground stuff from a tin. The flavor difference is massive and gives the dish that signature bold kick you are looking for.

Watch the cooking time closely because the thickness of your filets will determine exactly how long they need in the oven. You want to pull the Lemon Pepper Salmon out the second it flakes easily with a fork to keep it moist.

Best Ways to Enjoy Lemon Pepper Salmon

I love pairing this bright main dish with roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli to keep the meal light and fresh. A fluffy bed of rice or quinoa soaks up the extra lemony garlic sauce perfectly.

You can also flake the leftovers over a large green salad for a quick and healthy lunch the next day. The citrus flavor intensifies slightly overnight and makes the Lemon Pepper Salmon taste even better cold.

I love seeing what you make in the kitchen, so please tag me on Pinterest when you try this recipe.

Lemon Pepper Salmon Recipe

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• Author: Amelia Bryan
• Total Time: 26 min
• Yield: 4 servings
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

A bright and zesty Lemon Pepper Salmon recipe that bakes in under 20 minutes. The garlic butter sauce creates a moist, flavorful dinner perfect for busy nights.

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Ingredients

• 2 large lemons (for juice, zest, and slicing)
• 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 4 salmon filets (approx. 6 oz each)
• 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper
• Salt (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil

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Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to 400°F. Remove the salmon from the fridge about 20 minutes prior to cooking to let it come to room temperature. Prepare a baking sheet by lining it or greasing it lightly.
2. Dry the salmon filets thoroughly with paper towels. Place them on the baking sheet and season generously with salt on all sides.
3. In a small bowl, combine the minced garlic, cracked black pepper, lemon juice (about 2 tbsp), lemon zest (1 tsp), and melted butter or oil. Whisk until well blended. Spoon and rub this mixture over the top and sides of each filet.
4. Top each piece of fish with a lemon slice. Bake for 10 to 18 minutes, adjusting for thickness, until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Notes

If you want a dairy-free version, olive oil works perfectly instead of butter. Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 12 min
• Resting Time: 20 min
• Cook Time: 14 min
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baked
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 filet
• Calories: 325
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 76mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 0g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 94mg

Keywords: lemon pepper salmon, easy salmon recipe, baked fish dinner, healthy weeknight meal