Discover this simple baked salmon recipe that transforms a fresh fillet into a healthy, quick, and flavorful meal. It is perfect for busy weeknights when you need something delicious on the table without fuss. Our easy baked salmon recipe is the perfect solution, delivering tender, moist fish with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon Recipe
This baked salmon recipe stands out for its convenience and delicious results. It’s truly a game-changer for anyone looking for healthy weeknight meals.
- Quick & Easy: Have dinner ready in under 20 minutes from start to finish.
- Simple Ingredients: You only need a few common pantry staples to create a gourmet-tasting dish.
- Moist & Flaky: Our method ensures your salmon is perfectly cooked, tender, and never dry.
- Effortless Cleanup: Baking in foil means practically no mess, making post-dinner tidying a breeze.
- Incredibly Versatile: This dish pairs beautifully with a wide array of sides, suiting any craving.
Ingredients for Perfect Baked Salmon
Gather your simple ingredients for this incredible baked salmon recipe. Fresh, high-quality salmon is the star, complemented by just a few essential seasonings to enhance its natural flavor. This approach keeps the recipe quick and beginner-friendly, focusing on the quality of the fish.
- 1 lb. wild-caught salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon ghee or olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Notes & Substitutions
When choosing salmon, opt for wild-caught salmon whenever possible for its superior flavor and nutritional profile. Research shows that wild-caught salmon offers significant health benefits compared to its farmed counterpart. However, high-quality farmed salmon works well too. You can easily swap ghee for other oils like avocado oil or coconut oil based on your preference. Feel free to experiment with different seasonings such as garlic powder, smoked paprika, or dried herbs to customize the flavor profile.
Equipment Needed
You likely have most of these items in your kitchen already, making this baked salmon recipe even more accessible.
- Standard baking sheet
- Aluminum foil or parchment paper
- Small bowl for seasoning
- Instant-read meat thermometer (highly recommended for precision)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these steps for a perfect baked salmon recipe every time. This straightforward method ensures tender, flavorful fish with minimal effort, making it ideal for home cooks. You will love how simple it is to achieve restaurant-quality results in your own kitchen.
- Prepare the Oven and Baking Sheet: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This step is crucial for easy cleanup and helps the salmon cook evenly.
- Prepare the Salmon: Gently pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. This removes excess moisture, ensuring a better sear or crust if you choose to broil later. For this easy baked salmon recipe, place the salmon, skin-side down, directly onto the prepared foil.
- Season the Salmon: Brush the pink flesh of the salmon generously with ghee or olive oil. This adds flavor and helps the seasonings adhere. Evenly sprinkle the salt and black pepper over the top of the salmon. Ensure good coverage for consistent seasoning.
- Seal with Foil: Fold the sides of the foil up and around the fish to create a loose packet. This effectively seals in the moisture, steaming the salmon for a tender, flaky result. This technique is key to a moist baked salmon.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet with the foil-wrapped salmon into the preheated oven. Bake for 10 minutes. Alternatively, bake for approximately 5 minutes per ½ inch of thickness, measuring at the thickest part of the fillet.
- Check for Doneness: The salmon is cooked when it easily flakes with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The USDA recommends cooking salmon to 145°F (63°C) to ensure it is safe to eat. Use an instant-read meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the fillet to confirm accuracy.
- Rest and Serve: Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven. Let it rest in the foil packet for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the fish incredibly moist. Enjoy your perfectly cooked baked salmon recipe immediately.
Pro Tips for the Best Baked Salmon
These pro tips ensure your baked salmon recipe turns out perfectly. Mastering these small details makes a big difference in the final dish, guaranteeing moist, flavorful results every time.
- Room Temperature Salmon: Allow your salmon to sit at room temperature for about 10-15 minutes before baking. This promotes more even cooking.
- Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough. Use a meat thermometer to pull it from the oven exactly at 145°F (63°C) internal temperature.
- Foil is Your Friend: The foil packet locks in moisture, creating a steamy environment that keeps the fish tender. It also makes cleanup incredibly easy.
- Bake Skin-On: Baking salmon with the skin on helps protect the delicate flesh from drying out. The skin also makes it easier to handle the fillet without it flaking apart.
- Enhance Flavors: Add fresh lemon slices or a sprig of fresh dill or parsley to the foil packet before baking for an aromatic boost.
Serving Suggestions, Storage, and Variations
Serving Suggestions
Enjoy your delicious baked salmon recipe with these pairings. It is incredibly versatile and complements many different sides.
- Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts for a complete and healthy meal.
- Fresh Salads: Serve alongside a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast.
- Grains: Combine with fluffy quinoa, brown rice, or a creamy risotto for a satisfying and filling plate.
Storage & Reheating
Properly store your cooked baked salmon recipe leftovers to maintain freshness. This allows you to enjoy your meal for several days.
- Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze cooked salmon for longer storage, up to 2 months. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, before placing it in a freezer-safe bag.
- Reheating: Gently reheat salmon in the oven at a low temperature (around 275°F/135°C) until just warmed through. This prevents it from drying out.
Recipe Variations
Explore exciting variations for this versatile baked salmon recipe. These ideas allow you to customize the flavors to your liking.
- Lemon-Dill Salmon: Add fresh lemon slices and a generous sprinkle of fresh dill to the salmon before baking.
- Garlic-Herb Infused: Mix minced garlic with dried Italian herbs, then rub over the salmon for an aromatic twist.
- Spicy Chili-Lime: Combine chili powder, cumin, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice for a vibrant, zesty kick.
- Sheet Pan Meal: Bake the salmon alongside quick-cooking vegetables like thin asparagus spears or broccoli florets for a complete meal on one pan.
Nutrition Information
This baked salmon recipe offers an excellent source of lean protein and healthy fats. It is a fantastic choice for a balanced diet. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for various eating plans.
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Serving Size | 4 oz. |
| Calories | 195 kcal |
| Carbohydrate | 1 g |
| Protein | 23 g |
| Fat | 11 g |
| Saturated Fat | 3 g |
| Cholesterol | 72 mg |
| Sodium | 341 mg |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 1 g |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What temperature for baking salmon?
Bake salmon at a moderate oven temperature of 375°F (190°C). This allows the fish to cook evenly without drying out too quickly.
How long should I bake salmon?
For this easy baked salmon recipe, bake for approximately 10 minutes, or about 5 minutes per half-inch of thickness. Always check the thickest part.
How to tell if salmon is done?
Salmon is fully cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy.
How to store baked salmon?
Store cooked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to two months.
What to make with leftover baked salmon?
Transform leftover baked salmon recipe into delicious salmon salad, add it to pasta dishes, or flake it into tacos.
Conclusion
You now have all you need for a fantastic baked salmon recipe that is incredibly simple to prepare. This healthy meal offers rich flavor and impressive health benefits, making it a perfect weeknight staple. Encourage yourself to try this accessible recipe tonight; it’s a testament to how easy and rewarding home cooking can be. Try this baked salmon recipe tonight and see how easy it is!
Easy Baked Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with foil.
- Place salmon skin-side down on foil, brush with ghee, and season with salt and pepper. Fold foil around the fish to seal in moisture.
- Bake for 10 minutes, or 5 minutes per ½ inch thickness, then serve immediately.
Notes
Emily Thompson is a home cook and food enthusiast who believes that great meals bring families together. She loves exploring creative twists on classic American comfort food, always testing new ideas in her kitchen. Emily is passionate about sharing simple, practical recipes and time-saving tips to help busy people enjoy cooking at home. Her approachable style makes every dish accessible, delicious, and perfect for those seeking inspiration for everyday meals and special occasions. Find Emily’s latest creations and kitchen wisdom on yumeasymeals.com.
