Easy and Tasty Baked Salmon Recipe

This Oven Baked Salmon is both tender and flavorful, boasting a vibrant crust bolstered by a perfect blend of spices. This easy-to-follow recipe is not only simple to make but also entirely delightful!

Recipe Highlights

I love cooking this Oven Baked Salmon because it is uncomplicated, healthy, and absolutely delectable. I often keep some salmon seasoning at home, which makes it convenient to prepare for a quick weeknight meal. This dish is a family favorite due to its versatility and ease of preparation.

• FLAVOR: The lively lemon zest paired with robust garlic creates a wonderful taste experience for this Oven Baked Salmon. The seasoning mix introduces the ideal combination of saltiness, sweetness, and spice.
• TEXTURE: When baked, this salmon develops a delightful crust on the exterior while remaining juicy and tender on the inside, yielding a wonderfully flaky bite.
• TIME: The total prep and cooking time for this dish is under thirty minutes.
• EASE: This is a manageable one-pan recipe that is both easy and straightforward. With just a few ingredients, it’s easy to handle, even for those who may not frequently cook fish.

Essential Ingredients

Ingredient Insights

• Salmon- Choose fillets that are either skin-on or skinless, ensuring they…are deboned. Check for any pin bones that may have been missed during processing.
• Salmon seasoning- This mix contains a variety of herbs that combine salty, sweet, and spicy flavors. Alternatively, you can use a pre-packaged seasoning blend.
• Lemon- Infuses bright and tangy flavors that elevate the salmon’s overall taste.
• Olive oil- Helps the seasoning adhere to the salmon and creates a delicious crust.
• Garlic- Fresh garlic cloves, either pressed or grated, provide the most flavor for this seafood dish.
• Sea salt- This flaky salt dissolves quickly on the fish’s surface, though you can omit it if you prefer a less salty flavor.

Additions and Alternatives

• Varied seasonings- Given the flexibility of this recipe, feel free to experiment with garlic salt, herbs de Provence, Italian seasoning, black pepper, or dill.
• Oil substitutes- If you want to replace olive oil, try using soy sauce, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, or melted butter to coat the salmon for additional flavor.
• Sweet options- Consider adding brown sugar or honey to the salmon for a hint of sweetness, which complements the sea salt or soy sauce well.

Instructions for Preparing Oven Baked Salmon

• Prepare seasoning. If you’re making your own salmon seasoning, begin by mixing the ingredients in a small bowl.
• Add oil and garlic to salmon. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel, then place it on a baking sheet or in a deep baking dish. Brush it with olive oil and either press or zest the garlic over the fish, making sure to cover the top and sides evenly.
• Season salmon. Generously sprinkle the salmon seasoning and sea salt (if desired) across the top and sides of the fish.
• Bake. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the salmon for around 13-16 minutes, or until it easily flakes with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillet. Finish off with a splash of fresh lemon juice and enjoy!

Pro Tip: You can also make this dish using a whole (uncut) salmon fillet. I prefer cutting mine into pieces for easier serving.

Tips for the Recipe

• Pat the salmon dry- Ensure the salmon is thoroughly dried, as this aids the oil in adhering to the fish rather than slipping off, given that oil and water do not mix well.
• Avoid seasoning the underside- There’s no necessity to season the underside of the salmon since the skin will typically remain intact and will be discarded after cooking.
• Utilize a thermometer for checking doneness- To confirm it’s fully cooked, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon; it should indicate at least 145°F.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Oven Baked salmon achieves a delightful crust on the exterior while retaining its juiciness, all perfectly flaked. Pair it with Sautéed Garlic Asparagus, Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Air Fryer Corn on the Cob for a complementary side.

**Pasta Options:** Enhance your meal with Tri Color Pasta Salad (VIDEO), Asparagus Pasta, Easy Pasta Primavera, or Easy Penne Alla Vodka.

**Salads:** Consider serving it alongside a Spinach Salad, Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad, Avocado Corn Salad, or Chicken Salad With Grapes.

### Prepare This Recipe in Advance

**Make Ahead:** You can prepare the seasoning mix and apply it to the salmon fillets in their baking dish in advance, storing them in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, just bake and serve.

**Storing:** Once cooled, store the Oven Baked Salmon in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap in your fridge for 3-4 days.

**Freezing:** For extended storage, freeze the cooled salmon in a ziplock freezer bag, where it can last for up to 3 months. To use it, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the grill, in the oven, or on the stovetop.

### More Delicious Salmon Dishes!