This oven baked salmon recipe has become a dinner staple at our house for years. Pan searing salmon is the best way to get crispy skin, but you’ll want to know how to cook salmon in the oven too. Similar to baked Chilean sea bass, it’s a quick recipe that comes out tender and flaky. This simple baked salmon is a basic way to cook this fish and great for beginners. Not only is baking salmon easy, but it’s made with simple ingredients — and totally delicious. It doesn’t need any sauces, either.
How To Buy Salmon For Baking
Healthy baked salmon recipes will work with pretty much any salmon you buy, but here are some things to look for if you want the best baked salmon:
Salmon variety: King salmon, coho salmon, or pink salmon are the best varieties for baking, but sockeye is also delicious. Atlantic salmon is always farmed so I typically avoid it. Learn more about the different varieties in my pan seared salmon post.Skin on vs. skinless: Salmon with skin is very important for pan seared salmon, but when you’re baking salmon, it doesn’t matter as much. I still find that getting skin-on salmon leaves you with the best flavor, so get that if you can, but skinless is just fine as well.Descaled vs not: Stores and fish mongers often remove the scales for you, but if they don’t, use a knife to gently scrape them off.Thickness: For baked salmon, the thickness of your salmon doesn’t really matter, just keep in mind that it will affect cook time. I try to buy salmon that is about an inch thick and uniform in thickness, so that it cooks evenly.Appearance: Look for firm, fresh fish that’s a shade of pink-orange in color, though exact color will vary depending on the variety.Whole vs individual fillets: You can bake a whole salmon fillet or individual ones, but this baked salmon recipe is based on individual fillets. You can use the same method for a large fillet as well, but will need to cook it on a sheet pan and it will take longer.Fresh vs frozen: Most fish will be frozen immediately and then some stores will thaw at the store when they put it out. It’s really your preference, but you’ll want to thaw frozen fish before baking.
Easy Baked Salmon Ingredients
This section explains how to choose the best ingredients for baked salmon recipes, what each one does, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card below.
Salmon – I prefer wild-caught salmon, but you can use your favorite variety. (More details on the types of salmon above.)Olive Oil – Or avocado oil. Alternatively, melted butter can be delicious here as well.Lemon Juice – Use fresh or jarred lemon juice. Garlic – Crushed or minced. Use fresh garlic cloves if you like them crushed, or for minced garlic, you can mince it fresh or use the jarred kind.Herbs – I use fresh dill and fresh parsley, but thyme would also go nicely. Dried herbs are not recommended, but if you really want to use them in a pinch, use 1/3 the amount of fresh.Sea Salt & Black PepperLemon slices – Optional, but adds a nice flavor and presentation.
How To Bake Salmon In The Oven
This section shows how to make oven baked salmon, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions, including amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card below. TIP: If you have time, let the salmon fillets come to room temperature on the counter first. This will help them cook more evenly. TIP: If your salmon has skin, be sure it ends up skin side down. You’ll brush the mixture on both sides, but bake with the skin against the baking dish.
How Long To Bake Salmon At 400?
Salmon bake time will depend on the thickness of your salmon, but a good estimate is 10-15 minutes at 400 degrees F.
What Is The Best Baked Salmon Temp?
For baked salmon oven temperature, I recommend 400 degrees F, because this high temp cooks the fish quickly without drying it out. And for perfect salmon, you’ll want to check the internal temperature using an instant read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the salmon, rather than simply testing if the fish flakes with a fork. Here is a temperature guide to know when it’s done to your liking:
Medium rare – 125 degrees F (52 degrees C)Medium – 130 degrees F (54 degrees C)Well done – 140 degrees F (60 degrees C)
Can You Bake Frozen Salmon?
Yes, while many proteins are not safe to cook from frozen, you can bake frozen salmon! They will take longer to cook, but use your instant read meat thermometer to determine when they are done. I recommend covering with foil and baking for 15 minutes, then uncover, and cook for another 5-10 minutes, checking internal temperature after 5 minutes (20 minutes total cooking time).
Storage Instructions
Store: Store any leftovers of this easy oven baked salmon recipe in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.Meal prep: Mix the olive oil mixture ahead and bake the day-of, OR bake salmon in the oven and then portion into individual containers to simply reheat later.Reheat: Reheat salmon in a hot skillet until warm, or for the best result, place in a baking dish covered tightly with foil and reheat in the oven at 300 degrees F. It’s also delicious chilled or at room temperature. Microwaving fish is not recommended, but can be done in a pinch. Freeze: You can freeze baked salmon fillets by wrapping them in plastic wrap, then placing in a freezer bag or airtight container in the freezer for 2-3 months.
What To Serve With Baked Salmon
This easy baked salmon recipe goes perfectly with simple side dishes, especially veggies like:
Roasted AsparagusGreen Beans Almondine – pictured above!Oven Roasted Brussels SproutsZucchini NoodlesRoasted BroccoliTomato Cucumber Avocado Salad
More Healthy Salmon Recipes
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