Oven Baked Salmon Recipe

Introduction

Delicious and simple, oven baked salmon is a healthy meal that comes together quickly with minimal fuss. This recipe highlights a flavorful garlic butter glaze and a nice balance of spices to enhance the natural taste of the fish. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

• 1 (2-pound) whole salmon fillet (skin-on preferred)
• 3 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• Ground black pepper (to taste)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Place a large piece of foil on a rimmed baking sheet and set the salmon fillet on top, skin side down and pink side up. Fold the foil edges around the salmon to form a shallow “boat” that will hold juices.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush half of this mixture evenly over the salmon. In another bowl, mix together brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice blend evenly over the fish, then drizzle the remaining garlic butter on top.
3. Step 3: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 15 to 22 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. You can baste the salmon with its juices halfway through baking for extra moisture. Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For a citrus twist, add a few lemon slices on top of the salmon before baking.
• Use olive oil instead of butter if you prefer a lighter or dairy-free option.
• Check the salmon’s internal temperature with a food thermometer; it should reach 125°F for medium rare or 145°F for well done.
• Serve with fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added freshness.

Storage

Store leftover baked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes or until heated through. Avoid using the microwave to prevent drying out the fish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use salmon fillets instead of a whole fillet?

Yes, you can use individual salmon fillets. Adjust the baking time to approximately 12-15 minutes depending on thickness.

What if I don’t have Italian seasoning?

You can substitute with a mix of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary to create your own Italian seasoning blend.

Oven Baked Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 141 reviews

• Author: Simon
• Total Time: 27-32 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This oven-baked salmon recipe features a whole 2-pound fillet seasoned with a flavorful blend of melted butter, garlic, brown sugar, and spices. Wrapped in foil for a moist and tender finish, this dish is easy to prepare and perfect for a healthy, satisfying meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon and Seasoning

• 1 (2-pound) whole salmon fillet (skin-on preferred)
• ¾ teaspoon salt
• Ground black pepper (to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 teaspoon ground paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Butter Garlic Mixture

• 3 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)

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Instructions

1. Prep: Heat your oven to 375°F. Place a large piece of aluminum foil on a rimmed baking sheet. Lay the salmon fillet on top, skin side down and the pink side facing up. Crimp the edges of the foil around the salmon to create a foil ‘boat’ that will hold in the moisture during baking.
2. Season: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter and minced garlic together, then brush half of this garlic butter mixture evenly over the salmon. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sprinkle this spice mixture evenly over the salmon. Finally, drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top to keep it extra flavorful and moist.
3. Bake: Place the foil boat with the salmon into the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 22 minutes. The exact time depends on your desired doneness—salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 125°F for medium-rare or 145°F for fully cooked. Optionally, you can baste the salmon with its own juices halfway through cooking to enhance flavor and moisture. Once baked, remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute.

Notes

• For medium-rare salmon, bake until internal temperature reaches 125°F; for well-done, bake to 145°F.
• Wrapping the salmon in foil ensures it stays moist and tender.
• You can substitute olive oil for melted butter for a lighter alternative.
• Serve with fresh lemon wedges or herbs like dill or parsley for added flavor.
• Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-22 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: oven baked salmon, salmon fillet recipe, baked fish, healthy salmon, easy salmon dinner, garlic butter salmon