Description
This Baked Honey-Lemon Salmon with Thyme is a quick, flavorful, and healthy dish featuring succulent salmon fillets brushed with a sweet and tangy honey-lemon glaze, enhanced by fresh garlic and fragrant thyme. Perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner, it delivers tender, flaky fish with a vibrant citrus aroma in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 fillets of salmon (4-6 oz each)
Glaze
- 2 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 Tbsp honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp fresh thyme (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
- 1 lemon
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the salmon evenly and thoroughly.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier. Arrange the salmon fillets on the sheet with space between each fillet for even cooking.
- Make Glaze: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, honey, and minced garlic until well combined. This mixture will add a sweet and savory flavor to the salmon.
- Coat Salmon: Brush the honey-garlic glaze evenly over each salmon fillet. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and black pepper according to your taste preference.
- Add Lemon and Thyme: Slice the lemon into thin half-moons. Place the lemon slices on top of the salmon and sprinkle fresh or dried thyme evenly over the fillets to infuse aromatic citrus and herbal notes.
- Bake Salmon: Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 10-12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and appear opaque when done.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and serve immediately. This dish pairs wonderfully with grains, steamed greens, or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
Notes
- To test doneness, the salmon should flake easily with a fork and be opaque throughout.
- If using frozen salmon, thaw fully before baking for best results.
- You can substitute fresh thyme with dried thyme at a ratio of one-third (1 tsp dried thyme instead of 1 Tbsp fresh).
- For extra crisp edges, broil for the last 1-2 minutes but watch closely to avoid burning.
- Leftover salmon can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 8 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American