There’s something about the smell of salmon roasting in the oven that instantly feels like home. I first started baking salmon on busy weeknights when my kids were little, because it was one of the few dinners that felt restaurant-fancy without requiring more than 20 minutes of hands-on time.
Over the years, this recipe became our weeknight hero, crispy on the edges, buttery and tender inside, and bursting with flavor from lemon, garlic, and herbs.
It’s the kind of meal that works for everything, Sunday dinners with friends, quick after-work meals, or even a quiet dinner for two.
The kitchen fills with that comforting aroma of roasted garlic and citrus, and the salmon flakes perfectly with just a gentle nudge of your fork.
Pair it with a simple salad or roasted veggies, and you have a meal that tastes as if you spent all day cooking, even though it came together in under 30 minutes.
This is the baked salmon recipe I reach for again and again because it never fails. It’s easy enough for beginners but elegant enough for guests. Once you try it, you’ll understand why it’s become a staple for families everywhere.
Baked Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the prepared sheet. Pat it dry with paper towels, this helps the seasonings stick and ensures crisp edges.
- Make the butter-garlic mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and dill.
- Brush or pour the mixture evenly over the salmon. Use the back of a spoon to spread it, making sure every inch is coated.
- Top with lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley.
- Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 135°F–140°F internally.
- Optional finish: For crispier edges, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook.
- Rest and serve: Let the salmon rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or an extra squeeze of lemon.
About the Recipe
This foolproof baked salmon recipe is all about balance, simple steps, fresh ingredients, and big flavor. The secret is baking the salmon at a moderate temperature with a drizzle of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon, and a blend of garlic, salt, and herbs that enhances rather than hides its natural taste.
The result? A juicy, flaky fillet that melts in your mouth every single time.
You can use this same recipe for a weeknight dinner for two or scale it up for six to eight servings when hosting friends or family. It’s naturally healthy, gluten-free, and loaded with omega-3s, making it just as nourishing as it is delicious. Serve it warm from the oven or chilled the next day over a salad, it’s endlessly versatile.
Ingredients
Serves 4
- 1 ½ pounds fresh salmon fillet (skin-on preferred)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons melted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon dried parsley (optional)
- 4 thin lemon slices (for topping)
- Optional garnish: chopped parsley or extra lemon wedges for serving
Optional Variations:
- Add a drizzle of honey or maple syrup for a sweet glaze.
- Swap dill for thyme or rosemary for a cozier, herb-forward flavor.
- Sprinkle a touch of paprika or chili flakes for a gentle kick.
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the prepared sheet. Pat it dry with paper towels, this helps the seasonings stick and ensures crisp edges.
- Make the butter-garlic mixture: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, melted butter, garlic, lemon juice, zest, salt, pepper, and dill.
- Brush or pour the mixture evenly over the salmon. Use the back of a spoon to spread it, making sure every inch is coated.
- Top with lemon slices and a sprinkle of parsley.
- Bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillet. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 135°F–140°F internally.
- Optional finish: For crispier edges, broil for 1–2 minutes at the end, just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t overcook.
- Rest and serve: Let the salmon rest for 3–5 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh herbs or an extra squeeze of lemon.
Tips for Success
The beauty of baked salmon lies in its simplicity, but the secret to getting that perfectly juicy texture is temperature control. Always start with room-temperature salmon; if it’s too cold from the fridge, it won’t cook evenly. A quick 10-minute rest on the counter makes all the difference.
When seasoning, less is more. Salmon already has a rich, buttery flavor that shines with a little olive oil, salt, and citrus. Avoid heavy sauces until after baking, so the natural juices stay sealed inside.
And remember, salmon keeps cooking after you remove it from the oven, take it out just before it looks completely done to avoid drying out.
Lastly, don’t skip the rest time. Those few minutes allow the juices to redistribute so your fillet stays tender and moist. Once you learn these small tricks, you’ll never fear dry or overcooked salmon again.
What Goes Well With It
This easy baked salmon pairs beautifully with almost anything. For a light, fresh dinner, serve it alongside roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a citrusy arugula salad. On cozier nights, I love adding creamy mashed potatoes or garlic butter rice to soak up the flavorful juices.
If you’re planning a special dinner, drizzle the salmon with a touch of honey-mustard sauce and serve it with a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon. For casual nights, it’s just as good with roasted vegetables and a slice of crusty bread.
Leftovers make wonderful next-day meals, flaked salmon over mixed greens with avocado, tossed into pasta, or layered on toast with cream cheese and capers. It’s versatile, elegant, and practical all at once.
Nutrition & Health Benefits
Salmon is one of the healthiest proteins you can add to your weekly rotation. It’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health, and it’s packed with high-quality protein to keep you full and satisfied.
That’s why it’s such a favorite among home cooks, it tastes indulgent while being truly nourishing.
The olive oil and butter combination adds healthy fats that make the salmon silky and satisfying, while lemon juice provides vitamin C and brightness. Garlic brings natural antibacterial benefits and deep flavor without the need for heavy sauces.
Together, these simple ingredients create a balance of taste and nutrition that fits right into any healthy lifestyle, whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or cooking a Sunday dinner to impress.
How to Store & Reheat
Leftover baked salmon can be just as delicious the next day if stored properly. Once cooled, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. To freeze, wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap and store them in a freezer bag for up to 3 months, perfect for quick lunches or dinners on busy nights.
When reheating, go gently. A microwave can work in a pinch (use 50% power for 45–60 seconds), but the oven gives the best texture. Warm it at 275°F (135°C) for about 10 minutes until heated through. This keeps the salmon juicy and prevents it from turning tough or rubbery.
If you enjoy it cold, try flaking it into salads or grain bowls straight from the fridge. It’s just as satisfying, and you skip the reheating altogether.
Closing Personal Touch
Every time I make this baked salmon, it reminds me that the best dinners don’t have to be complicated. A few fresh ingredients, a warm oven, and a little love can turn a simple fillet into something special.
My family now calls this “Mom’s Famous Salmon,” and it’s often requested for birthdays, cozy Friday nights, and even the occasional breakfast sandwich the next morning.
Cooking is all about connection, the way flavors bring people together, the way simple recipes create lasting memories. I hope this easy, foolproof salmon becomes one of those recipes in your home too.
Light a candle, pour yourself something to sip, and enjoy the comfort of good food made simply and beautifully.
