Ingredients:

  • 4 fillets salmon (approx. 6 oz / 170g each), skin on or off
  • 1 teaspoon Kosher or Sea Salt, plus extra for seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon freshly ground Black Pepper
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 4 large cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest (from 1 medium lemon)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • ½ teaspoon Honey or Maple Syrup (Optional)
  • ½ teaspoon Dried Italian Herbs (e.g., Oregano, Thyme)
  • 2 tablespoons fresh Parsley or Dill, finely chopped (for garnish)
  • 4 thin lemon slices, for baking and presentation

Instructions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy handling. Pat the salmon fillets aggressively dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the fillets lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Melt the 4 tablespoons of butter. In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried Italian herbs, and honey (if using). Whisk briefly until emulsified.
  3. Place the prepared salmon fillets onto the lined baking sheet. Spoon about 1 tablespoon of the lemon-garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of each fillet, ensuring the garlic pieces are distributed. Place one thin lemon slice directly on top of each coated fillet. Drizzle any remaining butter mixture around the sides of the salmon.
  4. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 18 minutes. The fish is ready when it is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork, or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  5. Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the salmon rest directly on the sheet for 3-5 minutes. Garnish generously with freshly chopped parsley or dill and serve immediately.