Name: Easy Baked Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 1 2-pound whole salmon fillet skin-on preferred; 3 tablespoons melted butter OR olive oil; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon ground paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; ¾ teaspoon salt; ground black pepper to taste

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This Easy Baked Salmon Recipe is your ticket to a quick, delicious dinner that works for busy weeknights or impressing guests. With a garlicky butter glaze and a touch of sweet-savory spices, this salmon comes out tender, flaky, and full of flavor in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re new to cooking fish or a seasoned home chef, this Baked Salmon Recipe makes it simple to serve up a stunning meal. Perfect for any night, it’s a dish that looks as good as it tastes.

Let’s walk through how to make this Oven Baked Salmon, plus tips for getting it just right and ideas for pairing it with your favorite sides.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Baked Salmon Recipe

Quick Prep: Ready in half an hour with minimal effort.
Big Flavor: Garlic butter and a spice blend create a perfect balance.
Versatile: Great for casual dinners or special occasions.
Tender and Juicy: Cooks to flaky perfection every time.
Healthy Choice: Packed with protein and omega-3s.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Easy Baked Salmon Recipe for a 2-pound fillet, serving 4-6 people.

For the Salmon

Salmon Fillet (2 lbs, skin-on): Keeps the fish moist and flavorful.
Unsalted Butter (3 tbsp, melted): Adds richness; olive oil works for dairy-free.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Brings bold, savory depth.
Brown Sugar (1 tbsp): Adds a hint of sweetness and caramelization.
Italian Seasoning (1 tsp): Gives herby warmth; swap with oregano if preferred.
Garlic Powder (½ tsp): Enhances the garlic flavor.
Paprika (½ tsp): Adds color and a subtle smoky note.
Salt (½ tsp): Brings out all the flavors.
Black Pepper (¼ tsp): Adds a gentle kick.

For Garnish (Optional)

Fresh Parsley (1 tbsp, chopped): For a pop of color and freshness.
Lemon Wedges: For a bright, zesty finish.

Equipment Needed

Rimmed baking sheet
Aluminum foil
Small bowl
Pastry brush or spoon
Food thermometer (optional)

Preparation Guide Easy Baked Salmon Recipe

This Baked Salmon Recipe is straightforward, delivering a restaurant-quality dish with ease. Here’s how to make it.

Set Up the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with foil, folding up the edges to catch any drips.
Place the salmon skin-side down on the foil and pat it dry with paper towels.

Prepare the Garlic Butter

Mix melted butter with minced garlic in a small bowl. Let it sit for a few minutes to cool slightly, making it easier to brush on.
Brush half of the garlic butter over the salmon, coating it evenly.

Season the Fish

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Sprinkle the spice mix over the salmon, pressing lightly so it sticks.
Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top for extra richness.

Bake the Salmon

Bake for 15-20 minutes, depending on the fillet’s thickness. It’s done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks glossy, not dry.
For precision, check the internal temperature: 125-130°F for tender, flaky salmon, or 145°F for USDA safety.
Optionally, spoon pan juices over the salmon halfway through for extra moisture.

Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing. Slice and enjoy your Oven Baked Salmon hot.

Chef’s Tips

Keep the Skin On: It prevents sticking and locks in moisture for a juicy Baked Salmon Recipe.
Watch the Clock: Check early to avoid overcooking—salmon should stay glossy and tender.
Use a Thermometer: Aiming for 125-130°F gives the best texture, though 145°F is safer if preferred.
Foil Saves Cleanup: It traps the garlic butter and makes washing up a breeze.
Cool the Butter: Slightly cooled butter brushes on smoothly without running off.

Serving Suggestions

Pair this Easy Baked Salmon Recipe with sides to make it a complete meal:

Potatoes: Serve with creamy mashed potatoes or roasted baby potatoes for comfort.
Rice or Grains: Jasmine rice or quinoa soaks up the flavorful juices.
Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or steamed broccoli for color.
Salads: A cucumber avocado salad or mango salsa adds a fresh, vibrant touch.
Drinks: Pair with a chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or lemon-infused sparkling water.

Storing and Make-Ahead

This Oven Baked Salmon is best fresh but can be stored or prepped ahead:

Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Enjoy cold or gently reheated.
Reheat: Warm in a 275°F oven for 10 minutes, covered with foil, or microwave briefly to avoid drying out.
Make-Ahead: Season the salmon up to 4 hours ahead and refrigerate. Bake just before serving.
Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Tip: Use leftovers in salads, tacos, or pasta for quick meals.

Variations and Substitutions

Make this Baked Salmon Recipe your own with these tweaks:

No Butter: Use olive oil for a dairy-free version with a slightly different flavor.
No Sugar: Skip brown sugar for a fully savory dish; it’s still delicious.
Herb Swap: Try rosemary or thyme instead of Italian seasoning for a fresh twist.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of cayenne for a kick.
Lemon Boost: Mix 1 tsp lemon zest into the butter for extra brightness.

FAQs

Can I use skinless salmon?
Yes, but brush the foil with oil to prevent sticking and check doneness early to keep it tender.

How do I know when it’s done?
The salmon should flake easily and look glossy. Aim for 125-130°F for juicy results or 145°F for safety.

Can I skip the brown sugar?
Definitely—it’ll be less caramelized but still tasty for this Easy Baked Salmon Recipe.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?
Add 1 tsp extra garlic powder to maintain the flavor.

Can I prep this ahead?
Season up to 4 hours in advance and refrigerate, then bake fresh for the best results.

How do I avoid dry salmon?
Don’t overbake—remove when flaky and shiny, checking early to ensure tenderness.

Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes, olive oil works great for a dairy-free option with a slightly different taste.

What sides pair well?
Mashed potatoes, rice, roasted veggies, or a fresh salad complement the salmon beautifully.

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Conclusion

This Easy Baked Salmon Recipe delivers a tender, flavorful fillet with minimal effort, making it a must-try for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. With its garlic butter glaze and sweet-savory spices, this Oven Baked Salmon is as simple as it is impressive. Give it a go for your next meal and enjoy a seafood dish that’s sure to please. Drop a comment below to share your favorite sides or how you made it your own!

Happy cooking!