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baked salmon

How to Make Baked Salmon Easy Recipe

Print Recipe
Learn to make perfectly baked salmon at home. Step-by-step guide with flavor variations, storage tips, and why this simple dish works every time.
Course Main Course
Cuisine international
Keyword baked salmon, baked salmon recipe, easy salmon recipe, healthy salmon, how to bake salmon, salmon dinner
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 2 people
Calories 410

Equipment

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper
  • Paper towels
  • Sharp knife
  • Fork
  • Meat thermometer (optional)
  • Cutting board

Ingredients

  • 500-600 g salmon fillets fresh or thawed frozen
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lemon
  • 2-3 cloves garlic minced
  • Fresh dill or parsley about 1 tbsp
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp butter optional

Instructions

Prep The Oven:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Prepare Salmon:

  • Remove salmon from fridge. Pat dry with paper towels. Check for pin bones and remove if you find any. Place skin-side down on prepared baking sheet.

Season First Layer:

  • Drizzle salmon with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper generously. Add minced garlic.

Add Herbs:

  • Tear fresh herbs and scatter on top. Dill or parsley or both.

Add Lemon:

  • Squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything. Add a slice of lemon on top for looks if you want.

Add Butter:

  • Optional but nice. Add a small pat of butter on top to keep it moist.

Bake:

  • Put in 400°F oven. Set timer for 12 minutes if thin fillets, 15 if medium, 18 if thick.

Check Doneness:

  • After time is up, check with fork. Salmon should flake easily. Or use thermometer - 145°F is done.

Remove From Oven:

  • Carefully take out. Let sit 1 minute before serving.

Serve:

  • Plate with your choice of sides. Squeeze extra lemon if you want.

Storage:

  • Fridge: 3-4 days in airtight container
  • Freeze: 2-3 months in freezer bag
  • Reheat: 300°F oven for 10 minutes (don't microwave)