Description
This Easy Baked Salmon recipe offers a simple, flavorful way to prepare tender and moist salmon fillets with a fragrant blend of spices and lemon juice. Perfectly baked at 400°F, this dish yields flaky salmon with an optional crispy crust achieved by brief broiling. Ideal for a quick, healthy dinner with minimal cleanup and delicious results.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Optionally, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare Salmon: Pat each salmon fillet dry thoroughly using paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier texture.
- Mix Seasoning: In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Lightly brush the rimmed baking sheet with olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking during baking.
- Season Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Drizzle lemon juice evenly over the fillets, then sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over each piece.
- Optional Foil Cover: Cover the pan with aluminum foil if you prefer a more tender, less crispy finish to your salmon.
- Bake Salmon: Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, adjusting the cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F at its thickest point.
- Optional Broil for Crispy Crust: For a crispy top, broil the salmon for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Rest and Serve: Remove salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to retain its juiciness.
Notes
- Line the baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Dry the salmon well with paper towels before seasoning to encourage crispy skin.
- Let the salmon rest at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking for even cooking.
- Cover the salmon with foil during baking for a more tender texture.
- Adjust baking time based on the thickness of the fillets to avoid over or undercooking.
- Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after baking for juicy results.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
