Baked Salmon (Easy & Flaky!) Recipe

Introduction

This baked salmon recipe is simple, flavorful, and perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner. With fresh herbs and a zesty lemon touch, it yields moist, flaky fillets that everyone will enjoy.

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 each piece. Pat them dry with paper towels.
4. Step 4: Brush the salmon fillets on both sides with the olive oil mixture. Season with sea salt and black pepper on both sides. Place a thin lemon slice on each fillet if desired.
5. Step 5: Bake for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches your preferred doneness: 120-125°F for medium rare, 130°F for medium, 135°F for medium well, or 140-145°F for well done. For moist, flaky salmon, aim for 135-140°F.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, marinate the salmon in the olive oil mixture for 15-30 minutes before baking.
• Try swapping fresh dill and parsley for fresh thyme or basil for a different herbal note.
• Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftover baked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a low oven (about 275°F) or microwave briefly to prevent drying out. Leftover salmon is also great cold in salads or sandwiches.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I bake salmon from frozen?

It’s best to thaw salmon before baking for even cooking. If baking from frozen, add extra cooking time and check doneness carefully.

How do I know when salmon is cooked perfectly?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Salmon is moist and flaky between 135-140°F. Overcooking can make it dry.

Baked Salmon (Easy & Flaky!) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 131 reviews

This easy and flaky baked salmon recipe features perfectly cooked salmon fillets brushed with a flavorful mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh herbs. A simple yet elegant dish that’s quick to prepare and bake, delivering moist, tender salmon every time.

• Author: Marco
• 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

Salmon

• 4 6-oz Salmon fillets

Marinade

• 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 Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for perfect salmon baking.
2. Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, and chopped parsley until well combined.
3. Arrange Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on a baking dish or baking sheet with space between each. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, helping the marinade adhere better.
4. Apply Marinade and Season: Brush both sides of each salmon fillet with the olive oil and herb mixture. Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper evenly on both sides. Optionally, place a thin lemon slice on top of each fillet for added flavor and presentation.
5. Bake Salmon: Bake salmon in the preheated oven for 10-15 minutes. Cook until the internal temperature reaches your desired doneness: 120-125°F (48-52°C) for medium rare, 130°F (54°C) for medium, 135°F (57°C) for medium well, or 140-145°F (60-63°C) for well done. For perfectly moist, flaky salmon, 135-140°F is recommended.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer for best results to avoid overcooking.
• Adjust baking time depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
• Fresh herbs can be substituted or omitted based on preference.
• Let salmon rest for a few minutes after baking to allow juices to redistribute.
• Serve with your choice of sides such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad.

Keywords: baked salmon, easy salmon recipe, flaky salmon, healthy seafood, lemon garlic salmon, herb crusted salmon