Oven Baked Salmon – Simply Home Cooked

Modified: Jan 23, 2025 by Dina

This Oven Baked Salmon is flaky and juicy with a citrusy crust that is topped with the perfect blend of seasonings. This is an easy recipe that tastes absolutely delicious!

Table Of Contents

Recipe Details

I love making this Oven Baked Salmon because it’s easy, healthy, and so tasty. I always have some salmon seasoning on hand, so it’s no trouble to put this together for a weeknight meal. You and your family will love this dish that’s versatile and simple.

• TASTE: Citrusy flavors from the lemon and pungent garlic give wonderful flavor to this Oven Baked Salmon. The seasoning mix gives it a little salt, sweet, and spice for good measure.
• TEXTURE: This salmon is baked in the oven so that it develops a nice crust on the outside while remaining juicy. It’s perfectly flaky, too.
• TIME: This recipe takes less than half an hour to make.
• EASE: This is a one pan dish that’s nice and easy. Using only a few ingredients, you’ll have no trouble, even if you don’t cook fish that often.

What You’ll Need

Ingredient Notes

• Salmon- Use fillets that are deboned and with or without skin. Check for pin bones because sometimes they get missed in the deboning process.
• Salmon seasoning– This mix is an herbaceous combination of salty, sweet, and spicy. You can also use a store-bought one.
• Lemon- This adds bright citrusy notes that really complement the salmon’s flavor.
• Olive oil- This helps the seasoning adhere to the salmon and a nice crust develop.
• Garlic- Pressed or grated fresh garlic cloves give the best flavor to this fish dish.
• Sea salt- This salt is flakier than other varieties, making it dissolve quickly on the surface of the salmon. This is optional if you prefer your salmon saltier.

Add-ins and Substitutions

• Use a different seasoning- This is a versatile recipe, so you can change up the seasoning with garlic salt, herbs de Provence, Italian seasoning, black pepper, or dill.
• Substitute the oil- Instead of coating the salmon with oil, you can spread on soy sauce, Dijon mustard, balsamic vinegar, or melted butter for additional flavor.
• Add some sweetness- Try adding brown sugar or honey to the salmon for a sweeter flavor. This goes great with sea salt or soy sauce.

How to Make Oven Baked Salmon

• Mix the seasoning. If you are making your own salmon seasoning, then combine the ingredients in a small bowl first.
• Add oil and garlic to the salmon. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel and place it on a baking sheet or deep baking dish. Then brush with olive oil and press or zest the garlic over the top, spreading evenly on the top and sides of the salmon.
• Add salmon seasoning. Now generously season the top and sides of the salmon with the salmon seasoning and salt (if desired).
• Bake. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and bake the salmon for about 13-16 minutes, until fork tender. Baking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon. Garnish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and enjoy!

Pro Tip: You can make this recipe with a whole (uncut) salmon. fillet. I just cut mine into a few pieces to make it easier to serve.

Recipe Tips

• Pat the salmon dry- Because water and oil don’t mix, patting the salmon dry will help the oil adhere to the fish instead of sliding off.
• Don’t season the bottom of the salmon- There’s no need to season the bottom since there is usually skin there and it will come off after cooking.
• Check doneness with a thermometer- To check for doneness, insert an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the salmon and the internal temperature should read at least 145°F.

FAQs

Serving Suggestions

This Baked Salmon recipe is full of flavor and perfect for serving with sides, grains, and pasta. Enjoy it with your favorites for the perfect meal.

• Grains: Lay this salmon on a bed of Hibachi Fried Rice, Wild Rice, Quinoa Fried Rice, or Wild Brown Rice.
• Vegetables: Serve it alongside some Sauteed Garlic Asparagus, Crispy Air Fryer Broccoli, Roasted Brussels Sprouts, or Air Fryer Corn on the Cob.
• Pasta: Pair this Oven Baked Salmon with Tri Color Pasta Salad (VIDEO), Asparagus Pasta, Easy Pasta Primavera, or Easy Penne Alla Vodka.
• Salads: Enjoy it with a Spinach Salad, Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad, Avocado Corn Salad, or Chicken Salad With Grapes.

Make This Recipe in Advance

Make ahead: You can prepare the seasoning mix and season the salmon fillets in their baking dish ahead of time, storing them in the fridge. Then just bake them in the oven and serve when you’re ready.

Storing: Store this Oven Baked Salmon once it’s cooled in an airtight container or wrapped in plastic wrap in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freeze: Freeze the cooled salmon in a freezer ziplock bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and then reheat it on the grill, in the oven, or on the stovetop.

More Delicious Salmon Dishes!

Full Recipe Instructions