How To Bake The Best Salmon In The Oven

This baked salmon recipe really is easy. All you need is a fresh lemon butter sauce that goes on top of the salmon. The ingredients you need are:

• Salmon: We prefer salmon fillets that are light pink and fresh. You could also go with frozen fillets without any freezer burns. This recipe also works for larger pieces.
• Butter: Everything tastes better with butter. It adds a buttery taste to the fish and also adds moisture. Replace it with olive oil or any other vegetable oil if you like.
• Lemon Juice: Salmon and lemon is a match made in heaven. You can either bake it alongside the salmon in the baking tray or use it to make a sauce that goes over the fish like in this recipe. A single medium-sized lemon works fine but you can use more if you want to enhance the tangy flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Salt and pepper to taste because who likes their meals bland anyway?
• Herbs: You can choose from a number of fresh herbs but we use chopped parsley and dill for this recipe. It complements the salmon.
• Garlic: Mince 2 or 3 of your own garlic to add to the salmon.

Once you have everything you need, its time to cook the salmon. This recipe is easy, takes 15 minutes and gives you juicy delicious salmon.

The following is a step-by-step guide to bake the best salmon in the oven:

1. Prepare The Salmon

Take your salmon fillets and dry them with a paper towel. Removing any remaining moisture on the salmon is important while baking because it ensures that the salmon gets a crispy skin.

If you’re cooking a frozen salmon, let it thaw overnight on the counter. It is important to use room-temperature salmon if you want soft and pink salmon by the end.

2. Season The Fish

As you prepare your salmon to cook, get the salmon seasoning together to create a mixture. In a small bowl, add melted butter and lemon juice. Take this mixture and brush it on the salmon. Make sure to get all sides of the fish.

Then, take your dry spices and mix them together with the minced garlic. Rub this mixture on the brushed fish. The lemon-butter sauce adds moisture to the fish and also helps the seasoning stick better.

3. Bake The Samon

Finally, bake the seasoned salmon in a preheated oven at 400ºF for 10-15 minutes. Check on the fish at the 8-minute mark and cook accordingly.

To check the doneness, take a fork and simply flake the flesh. If the fish is flaky and light pink in color, your salmon is done.

4. Garnish and Serve

Once it is properly cooked, bring the salmon out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Transfer it to a serving plate and garnish with some chopped parsley and dill.

Similarly to the estimated time, temperature is also an important aspect of baking salmon. The temperature at which you cook salmon depends on what type of salmon you’re cooking. 

If you are baking salmon fillets, 400ºF works best. But this temperature might seem a bit aggressive if you’re looking for a larger piece of fish.

For a 2-pound fish that is wrapped in a foil, 375ºF is the right temperature.

A good estimate of the bake time for salmon is 10-15 minutes. Just to be sure, start checking on the fish at the 10-minute mark. The time, however, also depends on which temperature you choose to cook salmon.

It’s best to bake the salmon at 400ºF. This temperature is best because it is high enough for the fish to cook quickly without drying it out and still low enough to not cause any burning.

In order to check the doneness, simply flake the salmon with a fork. If the fresh is perfectly flaky, your salmon is done. But if you want to be absolutely sure without affecting the consistency of the meat, use a meat thermometer. The reading for medium well salmon fillet is 135-140ºF.

• Keep The Skin On: We suggest you leave the skin on the salmon as it creates a barrier between the fish and the heat source. This way you can protect the moisture on the fish and keep it from being dry. Similarly, the skin also becomes crispy at the end, bringing a textural difference to the dish.
• Cook Immediately After Seasoning: Always cook your salmon within 10 minutes after seasoning. Since the seasoning mixture contains lemon juice, the acidity can affect the flavor and texture of the fish if kept for too long.
• Put Under The Broiler For Cripsy Top: Another way to achieve the crispy top is by cooking the salmon in the broiler for a few minutes. Do not broil for more than 3 minutes as it can dry up your salmon significantly.
• Don’t Overcook: It’s best to undercook your salmon than overcook. This is because overcooked salmon is dry and rubbery. However, if the salmon is not quite cooked, you can simply remove it from the oven and cover it. The fish will keep on cooking even at room temperature because of the heat trapped.

Choosing the right salmon is crucial for baking it to perfection. Here are some key points to consider:

Quality of Salmon

Select salmon that is fresh, vibrant, and sustainably raised. Avoid salmon with discoloration, a slimy texture, or a strong fishy smell.

Types of Salmon

There are several types of salmon to choose from, each with its unique flavor and texture.

• Atlantic Salmon: This salmon is known for its mild flavor and tender texture.
• King Salmon (Chinook): Rich and fatty with a buttery texture.
• Sockeye Salmon: Deep red flesh with a stronger flavor.
• Coho Salmon (Silver): Medium fat content and a delicate taste.
• Pink Salmon: Light in color and flavor, often used for canned salmon.

Wild Caught vs Farm-Raised

Wild-caught salmon is generally considered more nutrient-dense and sustainable, while farm-raised salmon is more affordable and available year-round.

Fresh vs. Frozen

When it comes to choosing salmon, you have the option of fresh or frozen. Fresh salmon is often preferred for its texture and flavor, but frozen salmon can be just as good, especially if it's flash-frozen immediately after being caught.  

Thickness of Fillets

Choose salmon fillets that are about 1 inch thick. This ensures even cooking and prevents overcooking or undercooking. 

While baking on a sheet oan is a popular and convenient method, there are several other ways to bake this delicious fish. Here are a few alternative techniques:

Baking Salmon in Foil

• Preparation: Cut large pieces of aluminum foil to wrap each salmon fillet individually.
• Seasoning: Place the salmon in the center of the foil, season, and add a slice of lemon and a spring of dill.
• Sealing: Fold the sides of the foil over the salmon to create a sealed packet.
• Baking: Place the packets on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven.

Baking Salmon on a Cedar Plank

The method of cooking salmon on a cedar plank imparts a delicious, smoky flavor to the fish. Soak the cedar plank in water for at least 30 minutes before using. Place the salmon on the plank, season as desired, and bake at 375 degrees F for 15-20 minutes.

The beauty of baked salmon is that it goes with plenty of different sides. It works with veggies as well as something indulgent like mashed potatoes or mac and cheese.

If you’re serving it with veggies, roasted green beans is the best option but it also goes well with roasted Brussels sprouts or even air-fried potatoes.

Interestingly, you can also serve salmon with some rice, if you’d like.

In order to store salmon, simply put it in an air-tight container and place it in the fridge for up to a week. To ensure that the fish doesn’t go dry, cover it with aluminum foil.

Reheating salmon is also quite easy. You can do it in the oven, over the pan or in the microwave. We suggest you not reheat your salmon in the microwave because it can be quite dry.

When reheating in the oven or a pan, use low and slow heat with a splash of water. Adding water helps the fish retain its moisture.