Baked Salmon with Lemon & Herbs

Focus Skill: Judging Doneness & Oven Roasting

Learn how to achieve perfectly flaky salmon every time with this simple, 15-minute oven method. No more dry fish!

Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6–8 oz / 170–225 g each)
• 1 lemon (half zested, half sliced into rounds)
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil
• 1–2 tsp fresh chopped dill or parsley (or 1/2 tsp dried)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 garlic clove, thinly sliced

Steps

• Prep the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• Prep the Fish: Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel (this helps it roast instead of steam). Place it skin-side down on the sheet.
• Season: Drizzle olive oil over each fillet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the lemon zest and herbs on top, then lay the lemon slices (and garlic) over the fish.
• The Bake: Bake on the middle rack for 12–15 minutes (for 1-inch thick fillets).
• The Flake Test: The salmon is done when the flesh flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque. (Internal temp: 125–130°F / 52–54°C).
• Serve: Serve immediately with an extra squeeze of lemon.