This oven-baked salmon is perfect for busy weeknights or meals with friends. It’s a quick and easy fish meal that’s tender and delicious every time!
Some nights, you just need dinner to be fast, simple, and foolproof. Alex and I are constantly searching for dinner ideas like these, so we created this master oven-baked salmon recipe. It comes together in minutes and has an irresistible flavor you’ll never get tired of!
It’s one of those easy recipes that still delivers a “wow” factor when you want to share a meal with friends, but it’s quick enough to be a doable weeknight dinner. Pair it with a simple veggie side dish or salad, and you have a go-to meal for any occasion!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
There are so many methods for cooking salmon, but nothing tops this oven-baked recipe. Here are a few reasons this is the salmon recipe I keep in my back pocket:
- Effortless and reliable: This recipe produces tender, flaky fish that’s hard to resist. It’s easy to prepare and quick for busy weeknights. I personally find it much easier than seared salmon, which can be messy.
- Perfectly seasoned: The spice blend Alex and I created of smoky paprika, garlic, and brown sugar adds a bold, savory-sweet flavor. (I use a similar combo for my baked chicken thighs recipe.)
- Crispy and delicious: The brown sugar helps to create a golden crust with an irresistible crispy texture.
- Nutrient-packed: This dish is full of lean protein and omega-3s, making this salmon as nourishing as it is delicious.
5-Star Reader Review
“It was absolutely delicious, and so easy to make! The fish was very flaky and tender, and the smoky flavor is almost addictive. What could be better than having something that is easy to make and tastes wonderful?”
– Annika
Ingredients at a Glance
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a role in making the salmon shine. Put them together, and you’ve got a healthy, flavor-packed salmon dinner!
- Salmon: Tender, flaky, and rich in protein, vitamin D, and omega-3 fatty acids.
- Olive oil: A drizzle keeps the fish moist, helping prevent dryness and enhancing tenderness.
- Seasoning blend: Smoked paprika, garlic, thyme, cumin, onion powder, salt, and a touch of brown sugar combine for a balanced savory, smoky, and sweet flavor.
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Allow the salmon to come to room temperature (or brine it in salt water).
Step 2: Place the room temperature salmon on a foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season (see full recipe).
Step 3: Bake the salmon for 10 to 16 minutes, until just tender and pink at the center and the internal temperature is 125 to 130°F in the center.
Tips for Perfectly Baked Salmon
A few simple tricks will help you get the best results every time:
- Watch the cook time: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it. At 400°F, a 1-inch thick fillet should cook in about 15 minutes. The best indicator of doneness is an internal temperature between 125°F and 130°F. Use an instant-read thermometer for accuracy and measure at the thickest point of the fish!
- Add crispiness at the end: For a golden crust, switch the oven to broil for the last 1-2 minutes of baking.
- Choose your fillet wisely: Look for center-cut fillets 1 to 1 ½ inches thick for the best salmon. When possible, I choose skin-on, wild-caught salmon fillets. The skin helps retain moisture and adds flavor!
- Adjust the cook time for thinner fillets: Sockeye salmon and other thinner cuts will take less time. Check early to avoid overcooking!
- Brine your salmon: Brining the salmon adds flavor, gives it a more tender texture, and can help retain moisture. It also helps to reduce albumin (the white stuff that sometimes rises to the surface when cooking salmon).
Delicious Side Pairings
Add a side dish and make a meal out of it! For more ideas, check out my go-to sides for salmon.
- Green salads: Balance the richness of the fish with something crisp and refreshing, like a chopped salad, apple salad, fennel orange salad, kale salad, or arugula salad.
- Sautéed veggies: While your salmon bakes, toss some veggies into a skillet for a simple sauteed vegetable side. Try steamed green beans, peas, broccoli, sauteed broccolini, or sauteed spinach.
- Whole grains: For something hearty, serve salmon alongside lemon rice, couscous, orzo, or quinoa.
- Potatoes: You can’t go wrong with potatoes, whether it’s creamy mashed potatoes or golden pan-fried potatoes.
Sauces to Serve with Salmon
The great thing about this recipe is that it doesn’t require much to taste great! If you want to take it up a notch, here are a few of my favorite salmon sauce ideas (my tops being the dill sauce and chimichurri):
- Butter sauce: Try a garlic butter sauce, lemon butter sauce, or lemon pepper sauce.
- Creamy sauce: Dip it into mustard sauce, classic remoulade, or dill sauce.
- Chimichurri: Fresh cilantro and parsley combine into a fresh, tangy, bright green chimichurri sauce.
- Creamy pan sauce: Try sun-dried tomato cream sauce for a pop of flavor.
Storing Leftovers and Reheating
Leftover salmon can be just as tasty the next day when stored properly! Be sure to refrigerate the dish within 2 hours of cooking — place the room-temperature fillets skin side down in an airtight container to lock in the moisture. (You can also wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or foil.)
If you want to freeze your salmon, ensure the fillets are very tightly wrapped. Baked salmon leftovers stored this way will keep for 2-3 months; defrost overnight in the refrigerator.
When you’re ready to reheat the dish, place it in the oven at 300°F until warm, about 10 to 15 minutes.
Need inspiration for repurposing your baked salmon? Check out these leftover salmon recipes, such as salmon salad or a salmon rice bowl!
Dietary notes
This recipe is pescatarian, dairy-free, and gluten-free.
FAQs
To prevent salmon from drying out in the oven, cook at a maximum temperature of 400°F and for around 15 minutes. If you have an instant-read thermometer, the center should be tender and pink with an internal temperature between 125°F and 130°F. Brush with olive oil to add moisture!
The healthiest ways to cook salmon are baking, poaching, or using an air fryer. These methods help retain the salmon’s omega-3 fatty acids.
Yes, you can eat salmon skin, and it’s a great source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids! Leaving the skin on the fillet also makes for a crispy texture.
Oven-Baked Salmon
This easy salmon recipe is perfectly seasoned and bursting with flavor. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s ideal for busy weeknights and is sure to impress!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: Seafood
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds or 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, wild caught if possible*
- Olive oil
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ¼ teaspoon cumin
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F. Allow the salmon to come to room temperature (or brine it*).
- Place a large sheet of aluminum foil or parchment paper on a baking sheet and brush it with olive oil.
- Pat each piece of salmon dry and place it on the foil skin side down. Brush with olive oil and sprinkle with kosher salt.
- Mix the brown sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, thyme, and cumin in a small bowl, then sprinkle the mixture evenly over the salmon fillets.
- Bake the salmon for 10 to 16 minutes, depending on thickness, until just tender and pink at the center (the internal temperature should be between 125°F to 130°F in the center). A 1-inch thick fillet should cook in about 15 minutes total. For a crispy top, when the salmon is at 115°F, broil for about 2 minutes (about the last 2 minutes of the cook time).
Notes
*Brine the salmon (optional): Mix 4 cups room-temperature water and 3 tablespoons kosher salt in a shallow dish while the oven preheats. Place the salmon in the water and wait for 15 minutes (this should be about the time it takes to preheat).
For extra flavor, you can garnish with a lemon slice or a squeeze of lemon juice, or try my lemon salmon recipe!
More Salmon Recipes
If you enjoyed this recipe, leave a review and let me know! For more salmon recipes you’ll love, try:
- Everyday favorites: Pan-seared, marinated, grilled, or poached salmon.
- Specialty picks: Smoked salmon or sockeye salmon.
- Fresh twists: Salmon tacos, a salmon sandwich, a salmon Caesar salad, or pesto salmon.
- Hearty meals:Salmon burgers, a salmon bowl, or this tasty honey garlic salmon.
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