How to make perfect oven-baked salmon in under 25 minutes! It’s tender, moist, flaky, flavorful, and perfect for serving with veggies, grains, salads, and more! Show
If you want to learn how to cook salmon in the oven for restaurant-quality results, look no further. This perfect oven-baked salmon is simple to prepare, requires just a handful of pantry basics, and is ready, kitchen to table, in just 25 minutes! I’ve already shared recipes for teriyaki salmon and lemon dill salmon. But I realized I had yet to share my basic, tried-and-tested, delicious, super simple garlic and lemon oven-roasted salmon. The results are super delicious for such a simple ingredient list, but work to achieve perfect salmon baked fillets every time. No need to feel intimidated by salmon again. Even better, there’s no need for a long marinating period, and it’s practically an effortless method. Just prepare the simple lemon and garlic marinade and brush or rub the fillets. Then bake them to perfection in this easy baked salmon recipe. Serve alongside your favorite veggies and grain for a simple, delicious, and nutritious meal any time! Oven-baked salmon topped with herbsBaked Salmon IngredientsThis BEST salmon in the oven recipe requires just 4 ingredients and salt and pepper, with optional thyme.
The Most Flavorful Salmon to BuyFor the best quality and flavor (and leaner fillets), I recommend using wild salmon such as Sockeye, Chinook, Coho salmon, etc.
How To Shop For SalmonA top tip for making this the best baked salmon recipe is to purchase the best salmon you can.
You can read more about the best and worst types of salmon to buy on the Monterey Bay Aquarium website. Baking salmon is surprisingly simple once you have the right method. Keep reading to learn how to cook salmon in oven for perfect results every time! Step 1: Prepare the SalmonFirst, use paper towels to pat the salmon fillets dry. Then, allow them to come to room temperature on the counter for 15 minutes. There’s no need to rinse the raw salmon. This will just risk spreading bacteria across your sink and kitchen. Preheat the oven to 375ºF/190ºC and line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Then, juice the lemon and mince the garlic, adding them to a small bowl with the olive oil. Brush this mixture into both sides of the salmon (or rub with your hands), seasoning it with salt and pepper afterward. Add the herbs (optional). For more flavor, you can bake the salmon on a bed of or topped with thin lemon slices. This will also help to keep the salmon moist. Step 2: Bake the SalmonBake the salmon, skin-side down, for 12-15 minutes, until the salon is a light opaque pink and flaky. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your fillets. You can optionally broil the fillets for a minute or two at the end. Finally, remove the oven-baked salmon from the oven and enjoy with your sides of choice! How To Tell When Salmon Is Ready?When cooking salmon in the oven, how long to cook salmon varies based on the thickness of the fillets. You may want to rely on other methods to ensure that your salmon is ready. There are three key signs I look out for:
Note that salmon is a bit like steak, though, because you can cook it to different levels of doneness. For example, for medium-rare, I’d aim for around 120ºF/49ºC, for medium around 130-135ºF/55-57ºC, or 140ºF/60ºC for medium to well done. Many aim for around 130ºF/55ºC for the most succulent results.
What To Serve With Baked Salmon?This versatile protein is a wonderful protein to serve alongside all sorts of veggies, grains, and sides, such as:
You can also enjoy the leftover salmon chilled within salads or grain/pasta salads (like Greek pasta salad or quinoa salad), on sandwiches, wraps, and more! FAQsIs it better to bake salmon covered or uncovered? This really comes down to preference. Foil-wrapped salmon is super juicy as it locks in moisture. However, some people prefer the slightly drier top and skin of baked salmon (while still being flaky and juicy in the middle). Can you bake salmon from frozen? Absolutely, you’ll just need to add more cooking time. I recommend adding an extra 10 minutes before testing its readiness. Is it okay to eat salmon every day? Technically, yes, it’s “safe” to eat every day.
However, if you are eating salmon often, I highly recommend ensuring that it’s sourced responsibly/sustainably and contains low levels of contaminants. In general, wild salmon is healthier in terms of fat levels and nutrient content. Can you eat salmon skin? Yes, salmon skin is edible, though some people prefer not to. Even if you don’t plan on eating the salmon skin, I recommend keeping it on the fillets until after baking. This will help hold the salmon together. How long does it take to bake salmon at 375ºF? Based on their thickness and your oven, the fillets will take 12-15 minutes. In comparison, a whole salmon will take between 35-40 minutes. However, use a thermometer in the thickest part of the fish to ensure it’s cooked properly. More Seafood Recipes
If you try this easy baked salmon recipe, I’d love to hear your thoughts/questions below. Also, I’d appreciate a recipe card rating below, and feel free to tag me in your recipe recreations on Instagram @Alphafoodie!
Step 1: Prepare the Salmon
Step 2: Bake the Salmon
How to Make Ahead and Store?
Optional Add-ins and Variations:
Check the blog post for more tips, serving recommendations, and answers to top FAQs! Calories: 390kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 45g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7g | Monounsaturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 125mg | Sodium: 682mg | Potassium: 1132mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 94IU | Vitamin C: 5mg | Calcium: 38mg | Iron: 2mg Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400?The temperature of 350 F is perfect for cooking salmon. At this temperature, the salmon will cook slowly without becoming burnt or dried out. It is a great temperature for chicken and pork as well.
How long does salmon take in the oven at 180?Place your side or fillet of salmon down on top of the oil with a little zest of lemon, sprinkle of sea salt and twist of black pepper. Bake in a 180ºC oven for 15 - 20 minutes.
How long does it take salmon to cook at 375?Whole salmon will take about 35 to 40 minutes to cook in a 375 F oven. As you can see, it takes much longer to cook a whole salmon than salmon fillets. Be sure to check its internal temperature to avoid overcooking it or drying it out. Salmon's internal temperature should reach 160 F to 170 F when cooked.
How long do I bake salmon at 425?Bake, uncovered, at 425° for 15-20 minutes or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
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