Baked Salmon with Lemon and Herbs

• 2 fresh salmon fillets (200g each)
• 1 lemon
• 3 garlic cloves
• Fresh dill
• Fresh thyme
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Capers (optional)

👨‍🍳 Step-by-step instructions

1. 1

   Mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, and thyme to make the marinade.

2. 2

   Marinate the salmon in the mixture for 15–20 minutes. Season well with salt and pepper.

3. 3

   Place each fillet on a piece of aluminum foil. Add lemon slices and seal the packet.

4. 4

   Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 15–18 minutes, depending on thickness. Do not open the foil early.

5. 5

   Open the packet during the last 3 minutes of cooking to allow browning. Serve immediately.

💡 Chef's tip

Pat the fillets dry with kitchen paper before marinating: the herbs and lemon adhere better and the skin crisps up more effectively.

📝 Our take

Baked salmon with fresh herbs is the Mediterranean version of a technique that never fails. Dill, thyme, or tarragon all work well, but what makes the real difference is five minutes resting out of the oven before serving: the internal temperature keeps rising and the fish settles into its juiciness.

🍷 Wine & food pairing

Verdejo from Rueda or a Galician Vinho Verde. Wines with enough acidity to cut through the salmon fat and contrast with the lemon.