If you’re searching for a show-stopping seafood recipe that’s as effortless as it is delicious, look no further than this Best Baked Salmon. Perfectly moist, flaky fish is bathed in a tangy lemon-garlic marinade, then roasted to golden perfection. Whether you’re planning a busy weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend meal, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your own oven—and it’s wonderfully simple to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s talk about what makes this Best Baked Salmon really shine. It all comes down to a handful of pantry staples and fresh ingredients, each bringing something special to the table: richness, brightness, bold spice, and that irresistible herby finish.
- Salmon fillets: Four center-cut pieces (about 6 ounces each) are ideal for even cooking and maximum moisture.
- Olive oil: Adds a silky texture, keeps the fish juicy, and helps the flavors meld together.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with zesty citrus acidity—always use fresh for the best kick.
- Garlic cloves (minced): Bring your salmon to life with that classic, pungent warmth only fresh garlic delivers.
- Dijon mustard: Offers a tangy, punchy backbone to the sauce and helps emulsify the marinade.
- Honey: Balances out the tartness and gives the fillets a lovely caramelized finish.
- Dried oregano: Aromatic and earthy, it echoes classic Mediterranean flavors.
- Paprika: Adds a gentle hint of smoky spice and a beautiful bronze color.
- Salt and black pepper: The essential seasoning pair to enhance every single ingredient.
- Lemon slices and fresh parsley: For garnish—these add color, fragrance, and a burst of freshness at serving.
How to Make Best Baked Salmon
Step 1: Prepare the Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C)—that perfect sweet-spot temperature for salmon. Line a sturdy baking sheet with parchment paper for easy clean-up, or lightly grease it if you prefer. This not only prevents sticking but also ensures you get those delicate fillets onto your plate in one beautiful piece.
Step 2: Whisk the Flavorful Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. You’re creating a silky, punchy liquid that hits every note: tart, savory, and just a touch of sweet. This quick little mixture is the secret to why Best Baked Salmon always tastes so vibrant.
Step 3: Arrange the Salmon
Lay each salmon fillet skin-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Give them a bit of space so heat and air can circulate—this encourages even roasting and those perfectly flaky layers you crave with the Best Baked Salmon.
Step 4: Brush and Bake
Generously brush the marinade over each piece of salmon, making sure to coat every nook and cranny for maximum flavor. If you have a few extra minutes, let them marinate right on the tray for 15–30 minutes to infuse even deeper flavor. Slide the tray into your hot oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fillets are just cooked through and flake easily with a fork. Trust me, the aroma is unbelievable.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Remove the tray from the oven and immediately sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and tuck a few vibrant lemon slices around the fish. The combination adds color and a bright, summery fragrance to your spread. Serve right away for that fabulous, tender, Best Baked Salmon experience.
How to Serve Best Baked Salmon
Garnishes
Finish your Best Baked Salmon with a flourish: scatter plenty of chopped fresh parsley over the top and adorn with thin lemon slices or wedges. If you want to take it even further, try an extra drizzle of good olive oil or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt for pure elegance.
Side Dishes
Pairing is everything! A fluffy bowl of steamed rice, garlicky roasted vegetables, or a crisp green salad all work beautifully beside your Best Baked Salmon. If you want to get creative, try a quinoa pilaf, roasted asparagus, or some buttery mashed potatoes for a hearty comfort meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t be afraid to get playful: flake the baked salmon onto a bed of greens for a refreshing salad, stuff it into warm pita bread with herby yogurt sauce, or serve over lentils for a Mediterranean feast. The possibilities with Best Baked Salmon are almost endless, so let your imagination run wild!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), transfer the cooled salmon to an airtight container and refrigerate. It stays fresh and flavorful for up to 3 days, making it ideal for meal-prep lunches or a quick dinner salad later in the week.
Freezing
Best Baked Salmon also freezes surprisingly well. Cool the salmon completely, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap, and place in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date and freeze for up to 2 months. This is a lifesaver for busy nights or last-minute guests!
Reheating
To maintain moisture and flavor, reheat your salmon gently: cover and warm in a 300°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. You can also microwave on low power, but be sure not to overcook or the texture can become dry.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw the fillets completely in the refrigerator before marinating and baking as directed. The results are just as delicious, and you’ll still have that signature Best Baked Salmon taste and texture.
How do I know when my salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should be opaque, slightly firm, and flake easily with a fork. For extra precision, look for an internal temperature of 145°F. It’s the key to juicy, melt-in-your-mouth Best Baked Salmon every time.
Can I swap in other herbs or spices?
Certainly! Best Baked Salmon is super versatile. Try thyme, dill, or basil instead of oregano, or add a pinch of chili flakes for heat. Make it your own, and don’t be afraid to experiment with what you have on hand.
What kind of salmon works best?
Both wild-caught and farmed salmon work well here; just look for pieces of even thickness. Wild salmon usually has a deeper color and richer flavor, while farmed salmon tends to be a bit milder and fattier—either is delicious for Best Baked Salmon.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! Whip up the marinade a day in advance and keep it covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, your Best Baked Salmon comes together quicker than ever—just brush, bake, and enjoy.
Final Thoughts
This Best Baked Salmon is a go-to favorite in my kitchen for good reason: it’s impossibly easy, endlessly adaptable, and guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters. Give it a try, and I promise—it’ll soon be your signature salmon dish, too!
Print
Best Baked Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A delightful recipe for the best baked salmon that’s easy to make and bursting with flavor. Tender salmon fillets marinated in a zesty lemon-garlic sauce and baked to perfection. Perfect for a quick and healthy dinner!
Ingredients
Salmon Fillets:
4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
Marinade:
2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 garlic cloves minced, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon honey, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1/2 teaspoon paprika, salt and black pepper to taste
Garnish:
Lemon slices and fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Salmon: Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Brush each fillet generously with the marinade.
- Bake Salmon: Bake for 12–15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with lemon slices and parsley, then serve.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in the sauce for 15–30 minutes before baking.
- Pair with rice, roasted vegetables, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 210mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
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