This Oven Baked Salmon is brushed with garlic butter, then sprinkled with a delicious brown sugar spice mix for the perfectly baked, flavorful salmon fillet. This is hands-down the best and easiest way to prepare salmon fillet for dinner! Show
There is nothing quite like a whole 2 pound salmon fillet gracing the dinner table. It’s so easy you can make it basically any night of the week (no need to be intimidated by cooking fish anymore!)… But it’s also so impressive, you can make it for any fish-loving dinner guests and it will be absolutely perfect. While I do love air frying salmon fillets, the only way to make a whole side is in the oven, and it’s honestly just as easy and probably my favorite way to eat salmon. I’ve been showing you how I oven bake chicken breast and how I oven bake pork chops last week – now it’s time to go for fish! Ingredients you’ll needHere is a visual overview of the ingredients in the recipe. Scroll down to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities! Ingredients for Oven Baked Salmon: Salmon fillet, melted butter, minced garlic, brown sugar, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, ground paprika, salt and pepper.Ingredient notes
How to bake salmon in the oven1. Place the salmon on a piece of foil set on a rimmed baking sheet. Fold the sides slightly up around the salmon, to catch any dripping butter. Combine the minced garlic with the melted butter. Brush about half of it over the salmon. 2. Combine the spices, then sprinkle them evenly over the salmon. Drizzle with the remaining garlic butter.
3. Bake the salmon at 375°F for about 15-20 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. The fish is done when it flakes easily, but is still glossy/shiny – not dull. See further below for some temperature references.
I like to sprinkle on some chopped parsley, but you can skip it if you prefer/don’t have the time. Recipe tips
Internal temperature for salmonThe USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F minimum for all fish. However, this is quite high for salmon and if you’re willing to forego this internal temperature recommendation at your own risk, 125°F – 130°F is actually when salmon is the most succulent, while still perfectly flaky. As far as the risk goes… most chefs will cook salmon to 120°F – 125°F and if you order salmon when you eat out, chances are you’ve been eating salmon cooked below 145°F all along. I usually cook my salmon to 125°F, then let it rest until it reaches 130°F – about 5 minutes. Then I serve it. But please pick a temperature you feel comfortable with, and if you want to cook your salmon to 145°F it will still be perfectly nice. Just make sure you pull it FAST when it reaches the temperature. I do highly recommend a food thermometer (affiliate link) for controlled cooking. They are cheap and effective, and I’ve been a huge fan ever since I started using one a few years ago. I even use it to check the internal temperature of cake. Well worth the small investment! Serving ideasI enjoy this salmon with a side of my instant pot potatoes or mashed potatoes (or instant pot mashed potatoes, ha!)- they’re all done so fast for a speedy dinner all around! You can also serve rice with your salmon if you prefer. We always add some vegetables, too, but which greatly depend on the season. Sometimes it’s just frozen peas, but sautéed green beans (or air fryer green beans), roasted broccoli (or air fried broccoli) or roasted asparagus (or… you guessed it, air fryer asparagus) are all great choises. A refreshing Cucumber Tomato Avocado Salad, a black bean mango salsa or a chunky avocado salsa go really well with this recipe, too! More easy salmon recipes
PS If you try this recipe, please leave a review in the comment section and add a star rating in the recipe card – I appreciate your feedback! Follow along on Pinterest, Facebook or Instagram. Sign up for my email list, too! Printable Recipe Card Oven Baked SalmonThis Oven Baked Salmon is brushed with garlic butter, then sprinkled with a delicious brown sugar spice mix for the perfectly baked, flavorful salmon fillet. Recipe by Nora from Savory Nothings made it? tap the stars to add your rating!5 from 158 votes Print Add Review Recipe detailsPrep 10 mins Cook 20 mins Total 30 mins Servings 6 servings Difficulty Easy Ingredients 1x2x3x
Instructions
Want to save this recipe?Create an account for free to start your personal recipe box. Save any recipe by tapping the heart in the bottom right corner. Join NowNotesIngredient notesSalmon: I always use a whole skin-on side of salmon. I like to because it’s much harder to overcook vs single fillets. Feel free to use 4 cut fillets though, and bake them for 10-15 minutes instead.Garlic: If you don’t have fresh garlic, you can use 1 extra teaspoon dried garlic powder.Italian seasoning: I love the flavor this adds, but feel free to leave it out or use a different dried herb (oregano is delicious, so is rosemary).Recipe tips
Internal temperatureThe USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F minimum for all fish.However, this is quite high for salmon and if you’re willing to forego this internal temperature recommendation at your own risk, 125°F – 130°F is actually when salmon is the most succulent, while still perfectly flaky.I usually cook my salmon to 125°F, then let it rest until it reaches 130°F – about 5 minutes. Then I serve it. But please pick a temperature you feel comfortable with, and if you want to cook your salmon to 145°F it will still be perfectly nice. Just make sure you pull it FAST when it reaches the temperature.I do highly recommend a food thermometer (affiliate link) for controlled cooking. They are cheap and effective, and I’ve been a huge fan ever since I started using one a few years ago. I even use it to check the internal temperature of cake. Well worth the small investment!NutritionCalories: 348kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 34gFat: 22gSaturated Fat: 9gCholesterol: 124mgSodium: 368mgPotassium: 843mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 431IUVitamin C: 3mgCalcium: 38mgIron: 2mg Nutrition is an estimate. More recipe informationCourse: Main Course Cuisine: Healthy Recipe first shared on 01/01/2020. Updated with new photos, new text and updated recipe on 01/09/2022. Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400?Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400? Baking salmon at 400 degrees F is the perfect temperature to cook the fish and get crispy skin. If you're looking for a more gentle cooking method, you can bake salmon at 350 degrees F for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
What is the most popular way to cook salmon?Pan-frying or pan-searing is one of the best ways to cook salmon fillets. It's quick, easy, and gives the fish that perfect crispy, crunchy skin. A simple pan-fried salmon is the secret to a flavorful and healthy weeknight dinner in 30 minutes or less.
What is the best temperature to bake salmon in the oven?What is the best temperature to bake salmon? 400°F (205°C) is ideal as it allows the fish to gain colour and the skin to become crispy. If you prefer a milder method, you can bake it at 350°F (175°C) for 20-25 minutes or until done. The salmon baked at 425°F (215°C) produces tender, creamy fillets that cook quickly.
Do you cook salmon covered or uncovered in the oven?Bake salmon, uncovered, 4 to 6 minutes per ½-inch thickness. Bake a dressed salmon 6 to 9 minutes per 8 ounces of fish. Always check your fish at the minimum baking time to ensure your baked salmon doesn't get overcooked.
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