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
Scale
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.
