Baked Salmon (Easy & Flaky!) Recipe

Introduction

Baked salmon is a simple, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any night of the week. This recipe delivers moist, flaky salmon with fresh herbs and a hint of lemon, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

• 4 6-oz salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic (minced or crushed)
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (chopped)
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and parsley.
3. Step 3: Arrange the salmon fillets in a baking dish or on a baking sheet with space between them. Use paper towels to pat them dry.
4. Step 4: Brush the salmon fillets on both sides with the olive oil mixture. Season both sides with sea salt and black pepper. If desired, place a thin lemon slice over each piece of fish.
5. Step 5: Bake salmon for 10-15 minutes, until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness: 120-125 degrees F (48-52 degrees C) for medium rare, 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) for medium, 135 degrees F (57 degrees C) for medium well, or 140-145 degrees F (60-63 degrees C) for well done. For moist, flaky salmon, aim for 135-140 degrees F.

Tips & Variations

• Use a meat thermometer to check doneness precisely and avoid overcooking.
• Swap fresh dill and parsley with thyme or basil for different herb flavors.
• For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in the olive oil mixture for 30 minutes before baking.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover baked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 275 degrees F (135 degrees C) for 10-15 minutes to prevent drying out. Salmon is best enjoyed fresh, but can also be added cold to salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Just be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator before preparing to ensure even cooking.

How can I tell when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches about 135-140 degrees F (57-60 degrees C). Using a thermometer helps ensure moist, flaky results without overcooking.

Baked Salmon (Easy & Flaky!) Recipe

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★★★★★

5 from 109 reviews

This easy and flaky baked salmon recipe features tender salmon fillets marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. Perfectly seasoned and baked to moist perfection, it makes a healthy and delicious meal that comes together quickly.

• Author: Maya
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients

• 4 6-oz Salmon fillets
• 1/4 cup Olive oil
• 1 tbsp Lemon juice
• 2 cloves Garlic, minced or crushed
• 1 tbsp Fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400°F (204°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the salmon evenly.
2. Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, fresh dill, and parsley to make a fragrant, herb-infused mixture.
3. Arrange the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then lay them spaced apart on a baking dish or sheet to allow even cooking.
4. Season the salmon: Brush the olive oil mixture thoroughly over both sides of each fillet. Sprinkle with sea salt and black pepper. Optionally, place a lemon slice atop each fillet for extra citrus flavor as it bakes.
5. Bake the salmon: Place the dish in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, monitoring internal temperature for your desired doneness: 120-125°F for medium rare, 130°F for medium, 135°F for medium well, or 140-145°F for well done. Aim for 135-140°F for perfectly moist, flaky salmon.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to check salmon doneness precisely for best results.
• Patting salmon dry before seasoning helps the olive oil mixture adhere better and promotes even cooking.
• Fresh herbs can be adjusted or substituted with dried if fresh are unavailable (use about one-third the amount).
• Lemon slices are optional but add a lovely aroma and subtle citrus flavor during baking.
• Leftover baked salmon can be refrigerated up to 2 days and enjoyed cold or reheated gently.

Keywords: baked salmon, easy salmon recipe, flaky salmon, healthy salmon, herb baked fish