If you have been searching for a reliable and delicious way to enjoy seafood, you will absolutely love this Perfect Oven-Baked Salmon Recipe. It combines the richness of fresh salmon with zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, creating a dish that is moist, flavorful, and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this recipe brings out the best in salmon with minimal effort and maximum taste. Get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with a beautifully baked salmon that fl flakes perfectly every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this salmon recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role in highlighting the natural flavors of the fish while adding bright, savory notes that make every bite memorable.
- Fresh Salmon Fillet (1 to 1.5 pounds): Choose high-quality, ideally wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Use extra virgin olive oil to add richness and help the seasonings adhere beautifully to the fish.
- Lemon Juice (juice of one lemon): Provides a fresh, tangy brightness that balances the salmon’s natural oils.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): Brings a warm, herbal Mediterranean touch without overpowering the dish.
- Garlic Powder (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle savory depth, enhancing the salmon without being too assertive.
- Sea Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential for seasoning and bringing out all the flavors.
- Black Pepper (to taste): Freshly cracked for a little kick and aromatic spice.
- Fresh Parsley (a handful, chopped): Used as a garnish to brighten the presentation and add a gentle herbaceous note.
How to Make Perfect Oven-Baked Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature ensures the salmon cooks evenly and develops a tender, flaky texture without drying out.
Step 2: Prepare Your Baking Sheet
Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil. This step prevents the salmon from sticking and makes cleanup a breeze.
Step 3: Position the Salmon
Place your salmon fillet skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. This orientation helps keep the fish moist and allows the skin to crisp slightly, adding a wonderful texture contrast.
Step 4: Make the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. This simple mixture infuses the salmon with zesty, savory notes that brighten its natural richness.
Step 5: Coat the Salmon Evenly
Brush or spoon the marinade generously over the salmon, making sure every part is coated. Don’t be shy — this is where all the delicious flavors come alive.
Step 6: Optional Marinating Time
If you have the time, let the salmon rest in the marinade for 15 to 30 minutes before baking. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper, but if you’re in a hurry, you can go straight to baking.
Step 7: Bake to Perfection
Place the salmon in the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The timing depends on the thickness of your fillet, so keep an eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Step 8: Rest Before Serving
Once out of the oven, let the salmon rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making every bite moist and tender.
Step 9: Garnish and Finish
Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top and add a squeeze of lemon juice just before serving to heighten the fresh flavors.
Step 10: Ready to Serve
Your Perfect Oven-Baked Salmon Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed alongside your favorite sides, perfectly warm and infused with delicious tastes.
How to Serve Perfect Oven-Baked Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh parsley not only adds a pop of color but also a mild herbal brightness that complements the citrus and garlic flavors. A final squeeze of fresh lemon juice elevates the dish further by adding zing and vibrant acidity.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, consider sides like roasted vegetables, steamed asparagus, or a light quinoa salad. These choices keep the meal balanced and healthy while allowing the salmon to shine as the main attraction.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve the salmon over a bed of mixed greens or alongside creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting touch. For a fun twist, flake the salmon and mix it into a warm pasta dish or a fresh grain bowl to enjoy the Perfect Oven-Baked Salmon Recipe in a new way.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place leftover salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 days. Make sure it’s cool before sealing to maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon by wrapping it tightly in plastic wrap and then aluminum foil or placing it in a freezer-safe bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months but is best enjoyed sooner for optimal taste.
Reheating
Reheat your salmon gently in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. This slow approach helps preserve moisture and prevents it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this Perfect Oven-Baked Salmon Recipe?
Absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon in the refrigerator before marinating and baking to ensure even cooking and the best texture.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It will look opaque and moist but not raw or translucent in the center.
Can I substitute dried oregano with fresh herbs?
Yes, fresh herbs like dill, thyme, or basil can be great alternatives. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs compared to dried since fresh herbs are less concentrated.
Is it okay to skip the marinating step?
Definitely! While marinating enhances flavor, you can bake the salmon immediately after coating it with the spice and oil mixture. It will still be delicious.
What sides pair best with this salmon?
Simple, fresh sides like steamed broccoli, roasted potatoes, or a light salad work wonderfully. These keep the meal balanced and complement the salmon’s flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Perfect Oven-Baked Salmon Recipe is truly a winner for anyone who loves fuss-free, flavorful meals. It delivers tender, juicy salmon with bright, fresh seasonings that make every bite a joy. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and discover just how easily you can bring restaurant-quality seafood to your own kitchen table. Trust me, once you nail this, baked salmon will quickly become one of your go-to meals.
Print
Perfect Oven-Baked Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Perfect Oven-Baked Salmon recipe delivers a tender, flaky, and flavorful salmon fillet infused with a Mediterranean-inspired marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, and garlic powder. Simple to prepare and quick to cook, it is ideal for a healthy and elegant dinner that pairs well with a variety of sides.
Ingredients
Salmon and Marinade
- 1 to 1.5 pounds Fresh Salmon Fillet (high-quality, ideally wild-caught)
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra virgin for best flavor)
- 1 each Lemon Juice (juice of one fresh lemon)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (for Mediterranean flavor)
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder (adds savory flavor without overpowering)
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt (sea salt recommended)
- To taste Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
Garnish
- 1 handful Fresh Parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it reaches the optimal temperature for baking the salmon evenly.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it lightly with olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking during cooking.
- Place Salmon: Place the salmon fillet on the prepared baking sheet skin-side down for crispy skin and even cooking.
- Make Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to create a flavorful marinade.
- Coat Salmon: Evenly coat the salmon fillet with the marinade using a brush or spoon, ensuring full coverage for maximum flavor.
- Marinate (Optional): Let the salmon marinate for 15-30 minutes if time allows, to enhance flavor penetration but this step is optional for quicker cooking.
- Bake Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork and has reached an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.
- Rest Salmon: Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring moistness.
- Garnish: Garnish the salmon with freshly chopped parsley and a fresh squeeze of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the salmon warm alongside your favorite sides such as roasted vegetables, salad, or rice.
Notes
- Use wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Marinating is optional but recommended for enhanced flavor development.
- Do not overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
- You can substitute dried oregano with fresh herbs like dill or thyme if preferred.
- Check salmon’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F (63°C) for food safety.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
