Best Oven Baked Salmon Recipe

This baked salmon recipe is everything you want in a quick, healthy dinner—flavorful, tender, and incredibly moist. Smothered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, it’s one of the easiest and most delicious ways to cook salmon in the oven.

Ready in under 20 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights and elegant enough for a dinner party. Serve it with your favorite healthy side dishes like roasted veggies, cauliflower rice, or a fresh salad for a complete, balanced meal everyone will love.

Looking for a foolproof salmon recipe that’s perfect for lunch or dinner—and even loved by picky eaters? This oven-baked salmon is one of my favorite go-to meals for busy weeknights. It’s quick to prepare, turns out succulent and juicyevery time, and develops a perfectly crispy exterior that’s hard to resist.

What I love most is how versatile it is. You can easily double the recipe for meal prep, and pair it with everything from roasted veggies and quinoa to mashed cauliflower or a fresh green salad.

This recipe requires minimal prep, yet it’s bursting with flavor thanks to a garlic butter sauce that enhances the natural richness of the salmon. If you’ve ever struggled to get your salmon moist and flavorful, this method will change the game. Keep reading to learn exactly how to bake salmon in the oven for perfect results every single time.

Why You’re Going to Love This Baked Salmon

• Super Easy to Make: This recipe comes together with minimal prep and effort. Just season, bake, and serve—it’s that simple.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Baked salmon stores well in the fridge, making it ideal for make-ahead lunches or quick weeknight dinners. Just reheat and pair with your favorite sides!
• Low-Carb and Keto-Friendly: Packed with healthy fats and lean protein, this recipe is naturally low in carbs and fits perfectly into a keto or low-carb lifestyle.
• Incredibly Flavorful: A simple seasoning blend or garlic butter glaze enhances the natural richness of the salmon without overpowering it.
• Juicy and Tender Every Time: Oven baking keeps the salmon moist with a slightly crisp exterior—no dry fish here!
• Versatile: Pair it with just about anything—roasted vegetables, zoodles, cauliflower rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
• Rich in Nutrients: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, B vitamins, and high-quality protein, making it as nourishing as it is delicious.
• No Fancy Equipment Needed: All you need is a sheet pan and your oven—no grill, no foil packets, and no stress.
• Family-Friendly: Its mild flavor and tender texture make it a hit with both adults and kids.
• Elegant Yet Effortless: This dish looks impressive enough for entertaining but is easy enough for everyday dinners.

Ingredients for Baked Salmon

The best part about this easy baked salmon recipe is that it requires only a handful of simple, everyday ingredients—making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Salmon Fillets: Choose fresh salmon fillets that look moist, vibrant, and pink with no discoloration. Frozen fillets also work well—just be sure to thaw them completely before baking.
• Butter: I like using salted butter for extra richness, but you can also use unsalted butter, olive oil, or your preferred vegetable oil if you’re keeping it dairy-free.
• Lemon: A medium-sized lemon adds brightness and tang to the dish. You’ll use both the juice and a few thin lemon slices for added flavor and presentation.
• Garlic Cloves: Use freshly minced garlic for the best flavor, but garlic powder is a convenient substitute when you’re short on time.
• Fresh Parsley and Dill: These herbs add a fresh, aromatic touch and pair beautifully with the citrus and butter.
• Paprika: Adds mild warmth, a pop of color, and just a hint of smokiness.
• Salt and Pepper: Season to taste. Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper enhance all the flavors and bring everything together.

How to Make Oven Baked Salmon

This oven-baked salmon comes together in just minutes, and the garlic butter sauce gives it rich flavor in every bite. Here’s exactly how to make it:

Prepare the Salmon

Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel—this helps the seasoning stick and ensures the fish bakes evenly with a nice golden finish.
In a small bowl, melt the butter and mix in the minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh herbs like parsley and dill.

Brush the garlic butter mixture generously over the tops of the fillets, making sure to coat them evenly.

Bake the Salmon

Place the fillets skin-side down on a foil-lined or parchment-lined baking tray for easy cleanup.
Bake in a preheated oven at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and turns opaque.

Optional: For an extra golden top, you can broil the salmon for the last 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.

How To Tell If Salmon Is Cooked?

You can check if the salmon is cooked using a fork and has a light pink color. If it flakes easily, it means that it’s cooked. 

You can also use an instant meat thermometer to test salmon for doneness. According to the FDA, salmon is done cooking when the thermometer inserted in the thickest part of the salmon reads 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).

Tips for Making the Perfect Baked Salmon

Want juicy, flavorful salmon every time? These simple tips will help you bake it to perfection—moist, tender, and never dry:

• Don’t Overbake: Salmon cooks quickly, and overbaking can make it dry and tough. Keep a close eye and bake just until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque in the center. 12–15 minutes at 400°F (200°C) is usually perfect for average-thickness fillets.
• Use Foil for Extra Moisture: For an ultra-moist result, wrap the salmon in foil before baking. This locks in the natural juices and helps the flavors from the garlic butter or lemon seep into the fillets while cooking.
• Let It Rest Before Serving: After removing the salmon from the oven, let it rest for 2–3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and makes each bite more tender.
• Choose Evenly Sized Fillets: If you’re baking multiple pieces, try to use salmon fillets that are similar in size and thickness so they cook evenly.
• Don’t Skip Drying the Fish: Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps create a better surface for your garlic butter or spice rub to stick—and helps prevent excess moisture from steaming the fish instead of roasting it.
• Add Lemon Slices on Top: For a boost of citrusy aroma and a beautiful presentation, lay thin lemon slices over the fillets before baking.
• Use a Meat Thermometer for Precision: For perfectly cooked salmon, the internal temperature should reach 125–130°F (52–54°C) for medium and up to 145°F (63°C) if you prefer it fully cooked.
• Customize the Flavor: Add your own twist with spices like cayenne, Italian seasoning, or a touch of honey or Dijon mustard for a hint of sweetness or tang.

Storing Ideas 

• Fridge: Oven-baked salmon can be stored in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for about 30 seconds or in the oven at 400 F for about 5 minutes.
• Freeze: Oven-baked salmon is freezer friendly and can be stored for up to 4 months. Thaw salmon overnight, then reheat in the oven.

Serving Suggestions

Once your baked salmon fillets are cooked to tender, juicy perfection, it’s time to plate them up with your favorite sides. This dish pairs well with a wide range of veggies and starches for a balanced and satisfying meal.

• Oven-Roasted Vegetables: You can’t go wrong with asparagus, green beans, brussels sprouts, bell peppers, mushrooms, or broccoli. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and complements the richness of the salmon.
• Roasted Potatoes: Crispy on the outside and fluffy on the inside, roasted potatoes are a comforting classic that always works well with fish.
• Creamy Cauliflower Mashed Potatoes: A low-carb, keto-friendly alternative to traditional mashed potatoes. They’re rich, velvety, and perfect for soaking up any extra garlic butter from the salmon.
• Lemon Herb Quinoa or Rice: Light and flavorful, these grains make a great base to turn the salmon into a full, nourishing bowl.
• Simple Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette or creamy avocado dressing adds a crisp, refreshing contrast.
• Zucchini Noodles or Spaghetti Squash: For a lighter, veggie-forward pairing, try salmon over zoodles or roasted spaghetti squash for a healthy and filling option.

Equipment Needed To Make Baked Salmon

• A mixing bowl.
• Paper towel.
• Baking Paper
• Baking Tray

Is Salmon Keto?

Salmon is delicious, recommended for its nutritional qualities, and is probably one of my favorite proteins to eat on a keto diet. 

So yes, salmon is a healthy option for any diet. It’s one of the most nutrient-dense foods available and a fantastic source of protein. In addition, salmon is an excellent keto food since it is low in carbs, high in good fats, B vitamins, and selenium. 

How To Choose The Perfect Salmon

There are three characteristics to keep in mind when choosing a salmon. 

1. First, texture – Choose glossy filets that are firm to touch.
2. Then, appearance – Look for filets that have a vibrant, rich color. Salmon should be pink or coral in hue, depending on the salmon variation. You should look for a brightly colored fish rather than a white one.
3. Smell – The fish should not have a bad smell. Salmon with a fishy smell should be avoided.

Can I Cook Frozen Salmon In The Oven?

Sure, you can cook frozen salmon in the oven, and here is a great way to do it:

• Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F / 220 degrees C.
• Season the salmon fillets and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake in the oven for 12-15 minutes with the baking paper on top. Then remove the paper and leave for another 8-10 minutes. The total time may depend on the size and thickness of the fish.

Best Oven Baked Salmon Recipe

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Prep time 5 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Yelds 4 servings

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Description

 

This baked salmon recipe is everything you want in a quick, healthy dinner—flavorful, tender, and incredibly moist. Smothered in a rich, garlicky butter sauce, it's one of the easiest and most delicious ways to cook salmon in the oven.

Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 4 salmon fillets 6-ounce
• 2 tbsp butter melted, or olive oil
• 1/2 tbsp lemon juice
• 2 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tsp fresh parsley finely chopped
• 1 tsp fresh dill finely chopped
• 1 tsp paprika
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

 

• Preheat the Oven. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
• In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, parsley, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Season the Salmon. Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator and place them on the prepared baking sheet.Generously brush each fillet with the garlic butter mixture, coating the tops evenly.
• Bake the Salmon. Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. For best results, use an instant-read meat thermometer. The salmon is done when the internal temperature reaches 135°F to 145°F (57°C to 63°C).
• Rest and Serve. Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes before serving. This helps retain moisture and improves texture.

Nutrition Facts

Amount per serving.

Calories

249kcal

Total Carbs

1g

Net Carbs

Protein

34g

Fat

11g

Fiber

1g

Sugar

1g

How do we calculate the nutrition info?

These nutrition facts listed are determined using nutrition information from the USDA Food Database. Our nutrition facts are accurate, but if you are using different products, please make your calculations. Net carb count is calculated by subtracting both fiber and sugar alcohols because they don’t raise blood sugar.

Course dinner

Cuisine American

Keyword salmon recipe

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