How to Cook Salmon in the Oven
Easy Baked Salmon Recipe – Moist, flaky, and flavorful salmon cooked in the oven is a simple yet versatile main protein to pair with all kinds of toppings and side dishes! It’s ready to serve in less than 20 minutes as a protein-rich and delicious dinner any night of the week.
Salmon Cooked In Oven
We love all things seafood (I see-food, and I want it!) We are particularly big fans of salmon… It’s a flavorful fish that is easy to prepare in many different ways, from broiling to grilling, air frying, and more!
Today we share our easiest recipe to make Baked Salmon in the oven. In this fast and simple guide you’ll learn step-by-step how to season and roast individual filets or a whole side of salmon to moist, flaky, and delicious perfection! You need only a handful of wholesome ingredients, a trusty baking sheet, and less than 15 minutes.
You can use this recipe as-is or bake the salmon and dress it up with all sorts of salsa or toppings. Either way, this protein-rich fish is great to add to any clean meal or include as a healthier main dish alongside your favorite comfort foods.
Ingredients You Need
- Wild-caught salmon – individual portions or a whole filet, fresh or previously frozen and thawed with the pin bones removed
- Olive oil – or other high-heat and neutral-tasting oil, like avocado oil or canola oil
- Lemon – cut in half
- Spices – garlic powder, salt and black pepper
How to Cook Salmon in the Oven
- Preheat the oven and set out a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle or brush olive oil over the baking sheet, or line the pan with parchment paper.
- Place the fresh (or previously frozen and thawed) salmon fillets or a whole salmon fillet on the baking sheet. Use a clean paper towel to lightly pat the top of the fish dry.
- Next, cut the lemon in half. Take one-half of the lemon and squeeze the juice over the salmon fillet. Slice the other half of the lemon into rounds to use as a garnish after baking.
- Sprinkle the garlic powder evenly over the tops of the fish. Then, liberally sprinkle on salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven. For individually portioned salmon fillets bake for up to 10 minutes. For a whole uncut salmon fillet bake for 12-14 minutes.
Get the Complete (Printable) Salmon Cooked in the Oven Recipe + VIDEO Below. Enjoy!
Recipe Variations and Tips
- Spices – This easy salmon recipe is a great starting point for how to roast perfectly flaky fish every time. But feel free to change up the seasonings however you like! Try preparing the fillets with lemon pepper seasoning, Old Bay seasoning, Blackened Seasoning, Italian Seasoning, Adobo Seasoning, or other spice blends.
- Portions – As-is, this recipe makes between 4-6 servings of fish. Easily halve the number of filets to 2-3 if you want a smaller weeknight dinner without leftovers.
- Skin on or Off – We always prefer to cook salmon with the skin on. Not only does it help retain a lot of moisture, skin-on salmon tends to be less easy to overcook. You can peel the skins off the flesh after baking, if you don’t want to eat it. However, you can use skinless salmon filets, if you prefer. Reduce the cooking time by about 3-4 minutes, and keep a close eye on them so they don’t dry out.
- Line the Baking Sheet – I suggest using a baking sheet with a deep lip to keep any liquids from splashing off the sides. Use parchment paper to line the tray to help cut down on mess and make cleanup faster.
- Don’t Let the Filets Touch – Each piece of salmon should have a bit of space around it on the baking sheet. Overcrowding or letting the fish touch can cause too much moisture to build up, making the meat mushy.
- Garnish After Baking – Wait to put the fresh lemon slices and any fresh herbs onto the salmon only after cooking in the oven. You want that freshness to shine!
Serving Suggestions
Once the salmon is out of the oven, garnish the fillets with fresh lemon slices. You can also sprinkle on your favorite herbs like fresh chopped dill, scallions, basil, or fresh parsley for a pop of refreshing herbaceous flavor!
As noted above, you can customize the spices to create whatever flavor profile you like. Then, pair the fish with all kinds of complimentary toppings and sides! We love adding some fresh salsas onto the fish, like:
Or use Italian or Greek seasoning on your oven-cooked salmon, and serve it alongside Greek Village Salad and a ramekin of homemade Tzatziki Sauce!
Baked salmon is so versatile, it pairs well with just about any starchy or carb-y sides, too. Serve fillets with fluffy white rice (like our Chipotle-style Cilantro Rice or Caribbean Confetti Rice) or brown rice, pasta, potatoes, polenta, quinoa… Let your imagination run wild!
For a low carb meal, consider serving the salmon with fresh salads, warm and cozy Roasted Root Vegetables or other veggies, or our fave Cauliflower Rice.
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no need to use aluminum foil when cooking salmon in the oven. Usually foil is needed to help keep the fish moist. However, baking it at a relatively high temperature for not very long ensures the meat cooks thoroughly without drying out.
We want salmon that is perfectly medium-rare to medium. When it hits that sweet spot the meat will be tender, light pink, opaque, and flakes easily with a fork, even in the thickest part.
Be careful… If you start to see bits of fat on the top of the fish, that is a sign that the salmon is overcooking. To ensure this doesn’t happen, use an oven thermometer to check that the internal temperature is between 140-145 degrees F.
Leftover salmon will keep well in an airtight container stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Yes, you can freeze salmon after cooking. Let it cool completely before transferring the fish to an airtight freezer-safe container. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight.
Reheat the salmon in the microwave – on low and in short bursts – to keep it from drying out.
Looking for More Easy Seafood Recipes? Be Sure to Try:
- Everything Bagel Seasoned Cod
- Pescado Zarandeado (Mexican Grilled Snapper)
- Lemon Pepper Grilled Cod
- Grilled Grouper with Orange and Olives
- Fish and Rice Tagine
Salmon Cooked In Oven
Video
Ingredients
- 4-6 salmon filets or a whole uncut filet
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Set out a large rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle or brush olive oil over the baking sheet.
- Place the individually portioned salmon fillets, or a whole salmon fillet, on the baking sheet.
- Cut the lemon in half. Squeeze ½ of the lemon juice over the salmon fillet. Slice the other half of the lemon into rounds to use as a garnish after baking.
- Sprinkle the top of the salmon pieces with garlic powder. Then liberally salt and pepper to taste.
- Once the oven is hot, bake the salmon. For individually portioned salmon fillets bake for 8-10 minutes. For a whole uncut salmon fillet bake for 12-14 minutes.
- Once the salmon is out of the oven, garnish with fresh lemon slices. You can also add additional garnishes like fresh chopped dill, scallions, or basil.
I was nervous about cooking salmon at home, but this recipe made it so simple. The step-by-step instructions were easy to follow and my salmon cooked perfectly!
This is hands-down the best baked salmon recipe I’ve ever tried! I’ll be adding it to my weekly dinner rotation!
I tried this salmon recipe last night, and it was absolutely perfect! The instructions were so clear and easy to follow, and the result was tender, flaky, and bursting with flavor.