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Quick Zesty Baked Coho Salmon Recipe Easy Gourmet Dinner Idea

quick zesty baked coho salmon - featured image

A quick and easy baked coho salmon recipe with a bright, tangy citrus and garlic marinade that delivers a fresh, zesty flavor perfect for busy weeknights or gourmet dinners.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 coho salmon fillets (6 oz / 170 g each), skin on or off
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • Zest of 1 lemon, finely grated
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
  • Salt to taste (preferably kosher salt)
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (205°C).
  2. In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, honey, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
  3. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down on a lined baking sheet.
  4. Brush or spoon the marinade evenly over each fillet. Let sit for 5-10 minutes at room temperature.
  5. Bake salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until opaque and flaky.
  6. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs on top immediately after baking.
  7. Let salmon rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.

Notes

Patting the salmon dry before marinating helps the marinade stick and promotes slight caramelization. Avoid overbaking to keep the salmon moist and flaky. Let the salmon rest before serving to redistribute juices. Fresh lemon juice is preferred over bottled for best flavor. If using a glass baking dish, add 1-2 minutes to baking time. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days and reheated gently in the oven at 275°F for about 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: baked salmon, coho salmon, quick dinner, easy salmon recipe, zesty salmon, healthy dinner, gluten-free, low-carb