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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
