Lemon Garlic Grilled Salmon
The ultimate 'I'm tired but want something healthy' dinner. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
When you're exhausted but don't want to settle for just a bowl of cereal, this grilled salmon is your best friend. It uses very few ingredients, so there's no hunting through the pantry for obscure spices. The lemon and garlic do all the heavy lifting, giving you that bright, restaurant-quality taste without any of the prep stress. It cooks incredibly fast in a hot pan or on a grill. Expect a juicy fillet with a nice sear—it’s honest food for a long day.
Ingredients
- 2 unit salmon fillets
- 3 unit garlic cloves — minced or smashed
- 1 unit lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 pinch salt
- 1 pinch black pepper
Method
- 1 Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This is key for getting a good sear.
- 2 In a small bowl (or just right on the fish), mix the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- 3 Rub the mixture evenly over both sides of the salmon.
- 4 Heat a heavy skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Let it get hot for about 3 minutes before adding fish.
- 5 Place salmon in the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side without moving it until a golden crust forms.
- 6 Flip the fillets and cook for another 3-4 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
- 7 Squeeze the juice of half the lemon over the fish just before serving.
Variations
- The 'No-Cook' Option — Skip the pan and bake at 400°F for 12-15 minutes instead.
- Veggie Boost — Toss some asparagus spears in the same pan with the salmon for a complete meal.
Notes
If you're worried about sticking, ensure your pan is hot enough before the fish hits it. A cast iron skillet makes for the best crust!
Equipment that helps
- Cast iron or heavy skillet — Provides even heat distribution for a consistent sear on the fish.
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