Foolproof Oven-Baked Salmon Recipe for Seafood Lovers

Salmon lovers rejoice as this simple oven-baked salmon recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavor right from your kitchen.

Tender, flaky fish with a golden-brown exterior awaits your culinary adventure.

The secret lies in minimal seasoning that lets the salmon natural richness shine through.

Perfectly cooked fish doesn’t require complicated techniques or fancy equipment.

Fresh ingredients and a straightforward approach guarantee delicious results every single time.

Quick to prepare and even faster to devour, this salmon promises a weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion.

You’ll want to keep this foolproof recipe in your cooking arsenal for countless delightful meals.

How to Serve Simple Oven-Baked Salmon Gracefully

• Pair with Zesty Greens: Serve the salmon alongside a crisp mixed green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, herbal flavors of the fish.
• Create a Grain Companion: Complement the salmon with fluffy quinoa or herbed brown rice, which will soak up the delicious olive oil and herb juices from the fish.
• Add Bright Citrus Touch: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon just before serving to enhance its delicate flavor and provide a tangy contrast to the herb-infused fillet.
• Elevate with Quick Sides: Roast asparagus or green beans with similar herbs and olive oil to create a cohesive and elegant plate that highlights the salmon's natural goodness.

Smart Storage Tips for Simple Baked Salmon Leftovers

• Refrigerate Quickly: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within two hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Consume Wisely: Enjoy refrigerated salmon within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety, checking for any signs of spoilage before reheating.
• Reheat Gently: Warm leftover salmon in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out and preserve moisture.
• Freeze for Later: Wrap cooled salmon tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil, then store in a freezer-safe container for up to 2-3 months, ensuring minimal freezer burn.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 367 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Use for Simple Oven-Baked Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Wild-caught salmon delivers richer flavor and more omega-3 nutrients, with firm flesh that guarantees succulent results.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute herbs evenly and creates a silky moisture barrier for tender salmon.
• Garlic: Adds robust, earthy undertones with a punch of aromatic depth to the fish.
• Rosemary: Provides piney, woodland notes that complement the salmon's natural richness.
• Thyme: Introduces subtle, slightly minty undertones that elevate the overall herbal profile.
• Salt: Enhances and balances the natural flavors of the fish and herbs.
• Black Pepper: Delivers a gentle warmth and mild spiciness to the dish.

• Lemon Slices: Brightens the dish with a fresh, citrusy zest that cuts through the salmon's richness and adds visual appeal.

Gear for Cooking Simple Oven-Baked Salmon

• Baking sheet: Essential for roasting salmon evenly and catching any drips.
• Parchment paper: Prevents sticking and makes clean-up a breeze.
• Small bowl: Perfect for mixing herbs and oil to create the flavor-packed marinade.
• Pastry brush: Helps spread the herb mixture smoothly and evenly over the salmon.
• Chef's knife: Useful for slicing lemons for garnish and preparing ingredients.

Bake Simple Oven-Baked Salmon in These Easy Steps

• Oven Preparation

Warm the oven to a toasty 400°F, creating the perfect cozy environment for our salmon.

• Salmon Placement

Spread a protective parchment paper layer on the baking sheet, gently nestling the salmon fillets in their soon-to-be delicious spot.

• Flavor Fusion

Craft a magical blend of fragrant herbs and rich olive oil, whisking together garlic, rosemary, and thyme with a sprinkle of salt and pepper.

• Seasoning Ritual

Lovingly paint the herb mixture across the salmon, ensuring every inch gets a delectable coating of flavor.

• Baking Magic

Slide the baking sheet into the warm oven, letting the salmon transform for 12-15 minutes until it becomes perfectly flaky and tender.

• Final Touch

Present the golden salmon with a cheerful garnish of bright lemon slices, ready to delight taste buds and create a memorable meal.

Tips to Get the Most from Your Oven-Baked Salmon

• Swap rosemary and thyme for dill, parsley, or basil to create different flavor profiles and match your taste preferences.
• Cut baking time to 8-10 minutes if you prefer a more tender, slightly pink center, perfect for those who enjoy a less-cooked texture.
• Sprinkle panko breadcrumbs or crushed almonds over the salmon before baking to create a delightful crispy layer that adds extra texture and nutty flavor.
• Serve salmon alongside roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a light mixed green salad to balance the rich, omega-3 packed fish and create a complete, nutritious meal.
• Cook extra salmon fillets and store in airtight containers for up to 3 days, making it an excellent option for quick lunches or dinner leftovers.

Succulent Oven-Baked Salmon Recipe

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4.9 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mexican spice-rubbed salmon offers a zesty culinary adventure with minimal preparation. Succulent fish fillets emerge from hot ovens, promising bold flavors that delight you with each delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz/170 g each)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, sliced for garnish

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Instructions

1. Preheat Preparation: Calibrate oven to 400°F (200°C), ensuring precise temperature for optimal salmon roasting.
2. Baking Surface Setup: Line baking sheet with parchment paper, creating a seamless non-stick platform for delicate fish fillets.
3. Herb Marinade Creation: Whisk together extra virgin olive oil, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, thyme, kosher salt, and black pepper into a vibrant, aromatic coating.
4. Salmon Seasoning: Thoroughly massage herb-infused oil across salmon fillets, guaranteeing comprehensive flavor penetration and even coverage.
5. Oven Roasting: Arrange seasoned salmon on prepared baking sheet, maintaining slight separation between pieces, and roast for 12-15 minutes until fish becomes translucent and easily flakes.
6. Doneness Verification: Test salmon’s readiness by gently prodding with a fork, ensuring complete cooking throughout the fillet’s thickness.
7. Resting and Finishing: Remove from oven and allow brief resting period for juice redistribution, then adorn with fresh lemon slices to amplify natural maritime flavors.
8. Serving: Present immediately while salmon remains warm, tender, and at peak gustatory perfection.

Notes

• Herb Infusion Technique: Blend olive oil with fresh herbs and garlic to create a deeply aromatic marinade that penetrates the salmon’s delicate flesh.
• Temperature Precision: Use a 400°F oven to achieve perfectly cooked salmon with a golden exterior and moist, tender interior.
• Doneness Check: Test salmon’s readiness by gently flaking with a fork – it should separate easily and look opaque throughout without any translucent sections.
• Resting Period: Allow salmon to rest briefly after cooking, which helps redistribute natural juices and ensures maximum tenderness and flavor retention.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 367
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 100 mg
• Fat: 23 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 0 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg