Description
This Oven Baked Salmon recipe offers a flavorful and healthy way to enjoy tender salmon fillets with a buttery garlic and spice blend. Perfectly cooked in the oven to achieve moist and flaky fish, it’s an easy and impressive meal ready in just 30 minutes, serving 6 people.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 (2-pound) whole salmon fillet, skin-on preferred
Seasoning & Sauce
- 3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep: Heat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay a large piece of foil on a rimmed baking sheet. Place the salmon fillet on the foil skin side down, pink side up. Crimp the edges of the foil around the salmon to create a small 'boat' to hold juices during cooking.
- Season: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush half of this mixture evenly over the top of the salmon. In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend over the salmon evenly. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter mixture on top.
- Bake: Place the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 15 to 22 minutes, depending on your preferred doneness. For those aiming for precise cooking, salmon is done at an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare and up to 145°F (63°C) for well done. Halfway through baking, you can baste the salmon with the collected juices to keep it moist. After baking, remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Check internal temperature with a food thermometer for perfect doneness: 125°F for medium-rare, 145°F for fully cooked.
- Using foil helps retain moisture and makes cleanup easier.
- For a healthier option, substitute olive oil for butter.
- Serve with fresh lemon wedges or herbs like dill or parsley for extra flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
