Introduction

This baked salmon recipe is simple, quick, and delivers perfectly flaky fish every time. With a fresh herb and lemon marinade, it’s a healthy and delicious meal that’s perfect for any night of the week.

Baked Salmon (Easy & Flaky!) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

4 6-oz salmon fillets
1/4 cup olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced or crushed
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tsp sea salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C).
Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and parsley.
Step 3: Arrange the salmon fillets in a baking dish or on a baking sheet, spacing them apart. Use paper towels to pat the fillets dry.
Step 4: Brush the salmon fillets on both sides with the olive oil mixture. Season both sides with sea salt and black pepper. If desired, place a thin lemon slice over each fillet.
Step 5: Bake salmon for 10-15 minutes, until it reaches your preferred doneness: 120-125°F (48-52°C) for medium rare, 130°F (54°C) for medium, 135°F (57°C) for medium well, or 140-145°F (60-63°C) for well done. For perfectly moist, flaky salmon, aim for 135-140°F.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh herbs for the best flavor, but dried can work in a pinch—just use half the quantity.
Try adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or chili flakes for a spicy twist.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or over a bed of rice or quinoa for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. Salmon can also be flaked and added to salads or sandwiches for a quick second meal.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the salmon before baking and pat it dry to ensure even cooking and better flavor absorption.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

The best way is to use a meat thermometer and check the internal temperature. The salmon should be moist and flaky, with 135-140°F being an ideal range for most preferences.

Baked Salmon (Easy & Flaky!) Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 115 reviews

This easy and flaky baked salmon recipe is perfect for a healthy and delicious meal. Tender salmon fillets are brushed with a fragrant mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, fresh dill, and parsley, then baked to perfection. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a simple yet elegant way to enjoy heart-healthy fish with bright, fresh flavors.

Author: Bella
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
Total Time: 20-25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

4 6-oz Salmon fillets

Marinade

1/4 cup Olive oil
1 tbsp Lemon juice
2 cloves Garlic (minced or crushed)
1 tbsp Fresh dill (chopped)
1 tbsp Fresh parsley (chopped)
1 tsp Sea salt
1/4 tsp Black pepper
Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking your salmon.
Prepare the marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, and chopped parsley to create a flavorful and aromatic marinade.
Arrange the salmon fillets: Place the salmon fillets spaced evenly in a baking dish or on a baking sheet. Pat the fillets dry with paper towels to help the marinade stick better.
Coat and season the salmon: Brush both sides of the salmon fillets generously with the olive oil mixture. Sprinkle sea salt and black pepper over both sides. If you like, top each fillet with a thin lemon slice for extra freshness.
Bake the salmon: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 10-15 minutes until the salmon reaches your preferred internal temperature — 120-125°F for medium-rare, 130°F for medium, 135°F for medium well, or 140-145°F for well done. For perfectly moist and flaky salmon, aim for 135-140°F.

Notes

Patting the salmon dry before seasoning helps the marinade adhere better and promotes even cooking.
You can substitute fresh herbs with dried ones if needed, but reduce quantity by half.
Check internal temperature with a food thermometer for best results and avoid overcooking.
Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days and are great for salads or sandwiches.
Optional lemon slices add brightness but can be omitted if preferred.

Keywords: baked salmon, easy salmon recipe, flaky salmon, healthy dinner, lemon garlic salmon, baked fish