Aperol-Glazed Salmon with Lemon and Thyme
A bright, citrusy salmon fillet with a glossy glaze that balances Aperol's bittersweet notes with fresh lemon and aromatic thyme. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 29 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, Aperol, fresh lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp Aperol
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 1 clove, minced garlic
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Whisk together 3 tbsp Aperol, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1 minced garlic clove in a small bowl until emulsified.
- Step 3: Brush the Aperol mixture evenly over salmon, then sprinkle with 1 tsp thyme leaves. Place fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
- Step 4: Bake for 12-14 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, basting once with pan juices halfway through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Glazed Salmon with Lemon and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 29 minutes (15 min prep + 14 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Aperol-Glazed Salmon with Lemon and Thyme?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Glazed Salmon with Lemon and Thyme?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Aperol-Glazed Salmon with Lemon and Thyme for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Aperol-Glazed Salmon with Lemon and Thyme gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Used half the salt and it was still plenty flavorful.
- ★★★★★
The aroma while cooking this was absolutely heavenly.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
