Classic No-Fuss Baked Salmon
This classic recipe for baked salmon is incredibly easy to prepare and results in perfectly cooked, flaky fish every time. With minimal ingredients and straightforward instructions, it's an ideal meal for any night of the week.
Equipment
- Oven
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil
- Small Bowl
- Whisk
- Paper Towels
Ingredients
Main
- 4 fillets Salmon Fillets about 6 oz each, skin-on or skin-off
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil
- 1 Lemon half sliced for baking, half for serving
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- 0.5 teaspoon Dried Dill optional
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- 0.25 teaspoon Black Pepper
- Fresh Parsley or Dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy clean-up.
- Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels to ensure a crispy exterior.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and all the seasonings: garlic powder, paprika, dried dill (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush evenly with the seasoning mixture. Optionally, place lemon slices on or alongside the salmon.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove salmon from the oven, let it rest for 2-3 minutes, then garnish with fresh parsley or dill and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving.
Notes
For best results, do not overcook the salmon; it should still be moist and tender. Adjust seasonings to your preference. A meat thermometer can be used to ensure the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for perfect doneness.