Baking salmon is one of the easiest and healthiest ways to prepare this tasty fish at home. Whether you’re new to cooking or want to master how to bake salmon perfectly, this guide will show you everything you need to know. Learning how to bake salmon opens up a world of quick weeknight dinners and meals for guests. This fish cooks fast, tastes great, and gives your body important nutrients to stay healthy and strong.

Salmon has become popular because it’s simple to prepare and packed with good fats called omega-3s. These special fats help your heart stay strong and your brain work well. When you bake salmon in the oven, you lock in all the natural flavors and moisture. The result is tender, flaky fish that melts in your mouth.

How to Bake Salmon (Basic Recipe)

Starting with a basic recipe helps you understand the simple steps needed for perfect results. This method works for any type of salmon fillet from your local store. The basic approach lets the natural flavor of the salmon shine through.

Ingredients

Here’s what you need for a simple baked salmon recipe:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 lemon cut into slices
• Fresh herbs like dill or parsley (optional)

These basic ingredients let the salmon’s natural taste come forward. You probably have most of these items in your kitchen already.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly baked salmon:

Step 1: Prepare Your Oven Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Step 2: Get the Salmon Ready Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps the seasoning stick better. Place the fillets skin-side down on your baking sheet.

Step 3: Season the Fish Brush each fillet with olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly over the top. Add lemon slices on each piece.

Step 4: Bake Until Done Put the baking sheet in the oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork.

Step 5: Serve Right Away Remove from the oven and let rest for 2 minutes. Garnish with fresh herbs if you like.

Nutrition Information

One serving of basic baked salmon provides:

• Calories: 280
• Protein: 34 grams
• Fat: 15 grams (mostly healthy fats)
• Omega-3 fatty acids: 2,500 mg
• Vitamin D: 50% of daily value
• Vitamin B12: 80% of daily value

Tips for Baking Salmon

Following a few key tips ensures your salmon turns out perfect every time.

Choose Quality Fish Fresh salmon should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Look for firm flesh with bright color. Ask your fish counter when the salmon arrived to get the freshest option.

Don’t Overcook Salmon continues cooking after you remove it from the oven. Take it out when it’s almost done in the center. The extra heat finishes the job. Overcooked salmon becomes dry.

Use a Thermometer A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of cooking. Insert it into the thickest part. When it reads 145°F, your salmon is ready to eat.

Let It Rest Give your salmon a few minutes to rest after baking. This allows the juices to spread throughout the fish.

Try Different Seasonings While salt and pepper work great, experiment with other flavors:

• Cajun seasoning for spicy kick
• Lemon pepper for tangy taste
• Garlic powder and paprika for smoky notes
• Honey and soy sauce for sweet-savory mix
• Italian herbs for Mediterranean flair

Garlic Butter Baked Salmon Recipe

Adding garlic and butter takes your salmon to the next level. This recipe tastes fancy but remains easy enough for weeknight cooking. The butter and garlic create a sauce that coats every bite.

What You Need for Garlic Butter Salmon

Gather these ingredients:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 ounces each)
• 4 tablespoons butter (melted)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• Lemon wedges for serving

The butter adds richness while garlic provides savory depth.

How to Make Garlic Butter Salmon

Creating this dish takes just a few steps:

Prepare the Garlic Butter Mix melted butter with garlic, lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Stir everything together well.

Coat the Salmon Place salmon fillets on a lined baking sheet. Brush half of the garlic butter over each fillet.

Bake to Perfection Put the pan in a 400°F oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily.

Add Final Touch Remove from oven and brush with remaining garlic butter. Serve with fresh lemon wedges.

Nutrition Information

One serving of garlic butter salmon provides:

• Calories: 340
• Protein: 34 grams
• Fat: 22 grams
• Carbohydrates: 2 grams
• Omega-3s: 2,500 mg

Restaurant-Style Pan-Seared Salmon

Sometimes you want crispy skin and a golden crust. This method starts on the stovetop and finishes in the oven. The result looks and tastes like restaurant fish.

Ingredients

You’ll need these items:

• 4 salmon fillets with skin on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh thyme sprigs (optional)
• Lemon for serving

Keeping the skin on protects the fish during searing. It also becomes crispy when cooked right.

Instructions

This two-step method creates amazing results:

Get Everything Ready Preheat your oven to 400°F. Pat salmon dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper. Let it sit for 10 minutes.

Sear Skin Side First Heat oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down in the hot pan. Press gently with a spatula for the first minute.

Create the Crust Cook without moving for 5-6 minutes. The skin should become golden and crispy.

Flip and Finish Carefully flip the salmon. Add butter and thyme to the pan. Move the skillet to the oven. Bake for 3-4 minutes.

Rest and Serve Remove from the oven using oven mitts. Let rest for 2 minutes. Serve with the crispy skin facing up.

Nutrition Information

One serving of pan-seared salmon provides:

• Calories: 320
• Protein: 34 grams
• Fat: 19 grams
• Omega-3s: 2,500 mg

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen salmon works well. Thaw it in the fridge overnight first. If cooking from frozen, add 5-7 extra minutes to baking time. Pat dry before seasoning.

What sides go best with baked salmon?

Salmon pairs well with roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Rice, quinoa, mashed potatoes, and fresh salads also work great. Steamed green beans make another excellent choice.

How do I prevent salmon from sticking to the pan?

Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and lightly oil it. Make sure your salmon is dry before placing it down. For pan-searing, use enough oil and wait until the pan is hot.

Can I meal prep baked salmon for the week?

Yes! Baked salmon stays fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days in a sealed container. Reheat gently in the oven at 275°F for about 10 minutes. Cooked salmon also freezes well for up to 2 months.

Why is my salmon dry after baking?

Dry salmon usually means it was overcooked. Watch your timing carefully and use a thermometer. Remove salmon when it’s almost done in the center. It continues cooking after you take it out.

Conclusion

Baking salmon is simple once you know the basics. These three methods give you options for any night of the week. The basic recipe works great for quick dinners. The garlic butter version adds special flavor. Pan-seared salmon gives you crispy texture. All three cook fast and taste delicious. Try these recipes and make healthy fish part of your meals.