Baked salmon is a weeknight dinner dream. It’s incredibly healthy, packed with flavor, and comes together in a flash. If you’re looking for an easy, impressive meal, this simple baked salmon recipe is for you.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions:
- Salmon Fillets: Use skin-on or skin-off, wild-caught or farmed. Fresh is best, but thawed frozen works.
- Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil works perfectly. Avocado oil is a fine substitute.
- Lemon: Fresh lemon juice and slices are key for brightness. Limes can work in a pinch.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is preferred. Garlic powder can be substituted (about ¼ teaspoon per clove).
- Herbs: Fresh dill or parsley complement salmon beautifully. Dried herbs can be used, but use about half the amount.
Ingredients:
- 2 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or parsley)
- ½ lemon, thinly sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
- Total Time: 20-25 minutes
- Prep Time: 5-7 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Servings: 2
- Tools Needed: Baking sheet, parchment paper
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat Oven and Prepare Pan
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. This prevents the baked salmon from sticking.
2. Season the Salmon
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Place them on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, then sprinkle evenly with salt, pepper, and minced garlic.
3. Add Herbs and Lemon
Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill (or parsley) over the salmon. Arrange the lemon slices on top of each fillet. This infuses the baked salmon with wonderful citrusy notes.
4. Bake to Perfection
Bake the salmon for 12-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Storage Instructions:
Store leftover baked salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave on a low setting or in a preheated oven at 275°F (135°C) until just warmed through to prevent drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ):
- How do I know when my baked salmon is cooked? The easiest way is to use a fork; it should flake easily. An instant-read thermometer should read 145°F (63°C).
- Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking. Pat it very dry before seasoning.
- What can I serve with baked salmon? Roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli, a simple side salad, or quinoa are all great options.
- Can I cook this on the grill instead? Absolutely! Place the lemon slices directly on the salmon and grill over medium heat until cooked through.
- What if I don’t have fresh herbs? You can use dried herbs. Use about half the amount of dried herbs compared to fresh.
- Is baked salmon healthy? Yes, baked salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential vitamins.