5-Minute Lemon Broiled Salmon

Sometimes, dinner needs to come together in a hurry, but that doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be delicious and sophisticated at the same time. This broiled salmon with lemon and a Greek dressing is the perfect answer.

Salmon doesn’t need a lot of dressing up. Cooked right, it can stand on its own merits with just a little bit of salt and pepper, just like a good steak.

That doesn’t mean, however, that salmon shouldn’t ever get dressed up. But it does mean that simple is elegant. Just a few simple additions can make that already gorgeous salmon steak into something spectacular.

Lemon is a perfect pair with fish of all kinds, and salmon is no exception. The citrus tang highlights the light flavor of the fish.

Lemon zest and a Greek lemon dressing to drizzle on the finished fish are all you need to make a perfectly delicious dinner in a hurry.

Ingredients

All you need is eight ingredients to make this quick and delicious dinner.

• Salmon steaks. Try to get 4-5 salmon steaks of similar size and thickness to make it easier to get consistent cooking doneness and timing.
• Lemon zest. The lemon zest adds a bright citrus note to the salmon. Zest 1 lemon, and use the rest of the lemon to make the Greek lemon dressing.
• Salt and pepper. Kosher salt or coarse sea salt is a great choice. And fresh ground black pepper is a must.
• Olive oil. For the base of the Greek lemon dressing, use good quality extra virgin olive oil.
• Garlic. Minced garlic is just right for the dressing. Depending on how much you love garlic, 2-3 large cloves, or more.
• Lemon juice. Remember that lemon you zested? Now squeeze it and use the juice. You’ll want the juice of two lemons.
• Oregano. Fresh oregano is great to add an additional flair to the dressing or the fish, but also use some dried oregano for more intense flavor.

How to Broil Salmon

Step 1 – Preheat the broiler. Set an oven rack to within about 6 inches of the top heating element in your oven. In my oven, this is the highest position the rack can go. Turn on the broiler to high.

Step 2 – Mix seasonings. Mix together 1 tsp kosher salt, 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper, and about 1 Tbsp of lemon zest (from 1 lemon). Rub the seasonings with your fingers to release the oils in the lemon zest.

Step 3 – Prepare the salmon. Arrange salmon filets skin side down on a foil-lined baking tray. Leave a little bit of space between each one for more even cooking. Sprinkle the salt, pepper, and lemon zest mixture on the filets and press onto the tops.

Step 4 – Broil. Place the tray on the top rack under the preheated broiler. It should take about 5-6 minutes to cook, depending on the thickness of the salmon filets. You’ll know it’s done when the tops begin to brown and crisp up, and the salmon looks opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5 – Make the dressing. Juice two lemons and mince two large cloves of garlic. Put the lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk to combine. While whisking briskly, pour in the extra virgin olive oil. Continue whisking until emulsified.

Step 6 – Serve. Use a spatula to remove the salmon from the hot tray. The skin should stick to the foil, so you only need to plate up the filets. Drizzle with the Greek lemon dressing.

Serve the lemon broiled salmon with a fresh salad or Mediterranean quinoa salad. Your freshly made Greek salad dressing is the perfect finish for everything on the whole plate!