Lemon Pepper Salmon
Salmon is one of those meals that feels fancy but is actually super simple to make. When you add the fresh, zesty taste of lemon and the bold kick of black pepper, you get a dish that’s packed with flavor and perfect for any night of the week.
Equipment
- Baking sheet or oven-safe pan
- Skillet (if pan-searing)
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Zester or grater
- Tongs or Spatula
- Knife & cutting board
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
- 2 salmon fillets about 6 oz each
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika optional, for extra color and flavor
- 1 tablespoon butter for extra richness
Optional Garnish & Sides:
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
- Lemon slices for serving
- Steamed rice roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad
Instructions
Oven-Baked Method:
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
- Prepare the salmon – Pat the fillets dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture. This helps the seasoning stick better.
- Season – In a small bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, black pepper, salt, garlic powder, and paprika. Brush or rub this mixture evenly over the salmon.
- Bake – Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon easily flakes with a fork.
- Optional Broil – For a slightly crispy top, switch the oven to broil for the last 2 minutes. Watch closely to avoid burning.
- Serve – Remove from the oven and let it rest for a minute. Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon slices before serving.
Pan-Seared Method:
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil.
- Prepare & Season – Pat the salmon dry and season it as described above.
- Sear the salmon – Place it skin-side down in the hot pan and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving it. This helps get a crispy skin.
- Flip & Finish – Turn the salmon over and cook for another 2-3 minutes, adding butter to the pan for extra flavor.
- Check for doneness – The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork. Remove from heat and serve with fresh lemon slices.
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: 350-400 kcal
- Protein: 40g
- Fats: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Carbohydrates: 3-5g (from lemon juice & seasonings)
- Fiber: 0g
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 400-500mg (varies based on seasoning)
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: 2.5-3g (great for heart health!)
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.