Baked Salmon
Baked salmon is a delicious, nutritious, and easy-to-prepare dish that brings a burst of flavor to your plate without much effort. It’s the perfect solution for both busy weeknights and special dinners when you want something healthy but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Salmon’s natural richness, combined with its mild flavor, makes it a versatile choice, and baking is one of the best ways to lock in its moisture and flavors. Whether you’re serving it with roasted veggies, a fresh salad, or a hearty grain, baked salmon is a reliable go-to that pleases the palate while providing essential nutrients, including heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. This recipe highlights how you can create a satisfying meal in under 30 minutes, with just a handful of ingredients and minimal cleanup.
The beauty of baked salmon is that it doesn’t require fancy ingredients or complicated steps to turn out perfectly every time. A simple mix of olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs transforms this fish into a restaurant-quality meal right at home. Plus, salmon's versatility makes it a great choice for a variety of cuisines and flavor profiles. Ready to learn how to bake the perfect salmon? Let’s get started!
Why Baked Salmon Is So Good for You
Salmon is renowned for being one of the healthiest fish you can eat, and baking it keeps all the nutrients intact. One of its most impressive benefits is its high concentration of omega-3 fatty acids, which are crucial for heart and brain health. Omega-3s can reduce inflammation, improve cholesterol levels, and even lower blood pressure. Aside from omega-3s, salmon is also rich in high-quality protein, which is essential for muscle repair and growth. Plus, it’s packed with important vitamins and minerals, including B vitamins, selenium, and vitamin D, making it a powerhouse of nutrition.
Another bonus? Salmon is a great option for weight management, as it's filling yet low in calories. It keeps you full for longer without the heaviness that often comes with richer, less healthy meals. Regular consumption of salmon can also contribute to glowing skin, thanks to the antioxidant astaxanthin, which also helps protect your cells from damage.
Choosing the Best Salmon
Not all salmon is created equal, so it’s important to know what to look for. Fresh, wild-caught salmon is always the best option if it’s available to you. Wild salmon is often higher in nutrients and has a more robust flavor than farm-raised varieties. However, frozen salmon is a great alternative if you can’t find fresh, as it’s usually frozen shortly after being caught, preserving its quality. When it comes to cuts, choose fillets with the skin on for baking. The skin helps keep the fish moist as it cooks, preventing it from drying out and adding extra flavor.
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook: The key to perfect salmon is keeping it moist and tender. Check the internal temperature with a meat thermometer, or flake the salmon with a fork to see if it’s cooked through. It should be opaque but still juicy.
- Resting Time: Let the salmon sit for a few minutes after baking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the fish more flavorful and moist.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh lemon juice, garlic, and herbs make a big difference in flavor. Dried herbs work in a pinch, but fresh thyme or parsley will elevate the dish.
- Skin-On Fillets: Cooking with the skin on helps lock in moisture. If you prefer not to eat the skin, it will peel off easily once the salmon is baked.
What to Serve with Baked Salmon
This baked salmon recipe is versatile enough to pair with a wide range of sides. Here are a few healthy and delicious options to complement your meal:
- Roasted Vegetables: Try roasting carrots, broccoli, or asparagus alongside the salmon for a simple, nutrient-packed side dish.
- Quinoa or Rice: Serve the salmon over a bed of quinoa or brown rice to make the meal more filling while keeping it balanced and healthy.
- Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast to the rich, flaky salmon.
- Sweet Potatoes: For a heartier option, mashed or roasted sweet potatoes provide a sweet and savory contrast to the salmon’s flavor.
Variations to Try
One of the best things about salmon is its ability to take on different flavors. Here are a few variations you can try to mix things up:
- Maple-Glazed Salmon: Swap the lemon marinade for a sweet and savory glaze made with maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce for a delicious twist.
- Herb-Crusted Salmon: Press a mixture of breadcrumbs, fresh herbs, and Parmesan cheese onto the fillets before baking for a crispy, herbaceous topping.
- Spicy Cajun Salmon: Sprinkle the fillets with Cajun seasoning and a dash of paprika before baking for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Baked salmon is the perfect dish when you want something healthy, delicious, and easy to make. With just a few ingredients and a simple method, you can have a flavorful, nutritious meal on the table in under 30 minutes. Whether you keep it classic with lemon and herbs or try one of the variations, baked salmon is sure to become a favorite in your recipe rotation.
Baked Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F: Heat the oven to 425°F with a rack placed in the middle. Line a roasting pan or baking sheet with foil.
Pat the salmon dry: Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel.
Rub the salmon with oil, salt, and pepper: Drizzle some oil over the top of each salmon — just enough to coat the salmon — and rub it over the salmon with your fingers or a pastry brush. Sprinkle the salmon generously with salt and pepper.
Place the salmon in the roasting pan: Place the salmon in the roasting pan, skin-side down. Transfer to the oven.
Roast for 4 to 6 minutes per half-inch thickness of salmon: Roasting time depends on the thickness of your salmon, as determined by the thickest part of the salmon fillet. For every half-inch of salmon, roast 4 to 6 minutes — 4 minutes will give you salmon that is still a touch rare, 6 minutes will thoroughly cook it.
Salmon is done when easily flaked: You can also check the doneness of your salmon with a fork. When the salmon flakes easily with a fork, it's ready. If you like, you can use an instant read thermometer to check the fish for doneness. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, which should be measured at the thickest part of the fillet.
Serve immediately: Enjoy your salmon immediately. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for about 5 days, and can be gently reheated in the microwave or used cold.
8 servings
- Amount per serving
- Calories250
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 16.8g22%
- Total Carbohydrate .2g1%
- Total Sugars .1g
- Protein 23.2g
* The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Baked Salmon is one of many healthy recipe ideas that you can find on our recipe page.
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Ingredients
Directions
Preheat the oven to 425°F: Heat the oven to 425°F with a rack placed in the middle. Line a roasting pan or baking sheet with foil.
Pat the salmon dry: Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel.
Rub the salmon with oil, salt, and pepper: Drizzle some oil over the top of each salmon — just enough to coat the salmon — and rub it over the salmon with your fingers or a pastry brush. Sprinkle the salmon generously with salt and pepper.
Place the salmon in the roasting pan: Place the salmon in the roasting pan, skin-side down. Transfer to the oven.
Roast for 4 to 6 minutes per half-inch thickness of salmon: Roasting time depends on the thickness of your salmon, as determined by the thickest part of the salmon fillet. For every half-inch of salmon, roast 4 to 6 minutes — 4 minutes will give you salmon that is still a touch rare, 6 minutes will thoroughly cook it.
Salmon is done when easily flaked: You can also check the doneness of your salmon with a fork. When the salmon flakes easily with a fork, it's ready. If you like, you can use an instant read thermometer to check the fish for doneness. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, which should be measured at the thickest part of the fillet.
Serve immediately: Enjoy your salmon immediately. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for about 5 days, and can be gently reheated in the microwave or used cold.
