Crispy Oven Baked Salmon Recipe: A Tasty Family Favorite

Seafood enthusiasts know that a perfect salmon recipe can turn an ordinary dinner into a memorable culinary experience.

This delectable oven baked salmon recipe promises a delightful blend of flavors and textures that will impress even the most discerning palates.

The secret lies in selecting fresh, high-quality salmon and using simple yet elegant seasonings.

Herbs and lemon complement the fish’s natural richness, creating a harmonious dish that takes minimal effort.

Each bite delivers a succulent, flaky texture that melts in your mouth.

The aroma will fill your kitchen with an inviting warmth that draws everyone to the table.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-worthy meal that’s surprisingly easy to master at home.

What Makes Oven Baked Salmon So Dependable

• Create a restaurant-worthy salmon dish with minimal kitchen skills, perfect for home cooks wanting to impress without complex techniques.
• Easily adjust seasoning blend to match personal taste preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different palates and dietary needs.
• Prepare a nutritious, delicious protein-packed dinner in less than 30 minutes, ideal for busy families and professionals seeking convenient cooking options.
• Using foil for baking ensures an easy cleanup process, reducing post-meal kitchen maintenance and saving precious time after cooking.

What You Need for Oven Baked Salmon

• Salmon Fillet: A rich, flavorful fish that serves as the star of this delicious oven-baked dish.

• Brown Sugar, Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Garlic Powder: A combination of sweet and savory spices that creates a complex flavor profile for the salmon.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the dish.

• Butter, Garlic: A classic combination that adds richness and aromatic depth to the salmon.

Steps to Perfectly Bake Salmon Every Time

Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Surface

Crank up your oven to a toasty 375°F.

Grab a rimmed baking sheet and cover it with a large aluminum foil sheet.

Gently place your salmon fillet on the foil with the skin facing down.

Carefully fold the foil edges upward, creating a cozy little boat that will catch all the delicious cooking juices.

Step 2: Create Flavorful Garlic Butter

Melt the butter until it’s smooth and silky.

Stir in freshly minced garlic, blending the ingredients until they become a fragrant mixture.

Generously brush half of this golden garlic butter across the salmon’s surface, allowing the rich aroma to fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Craft a Flavor-Packed Seasoning Blend

• Brown sugar
• Italian seasoning
• Paprika
• Garlic powder
• Salt
• Black pepper

Sprinkle this magical seasoning mix evenly over the salmon.

Drizzle the remaining garlic butter on top for an extra burst of flavor.

Step 4: Bake to Salmon Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven.

Bake for 15-22 minutes, depending on the fillet’s thickness and your preferred doneness.

For medium salmon, aim for an internal temperature of 135°F.

If you prefer fully cooked, target 145°F.

Step 5: Rest and Serve with Flair

Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for about 5 minutes.

This crucial resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is incredibly moist and tender.

Plate your masterpiece and get ready to impress everyone at the table.

Pro Tips for Flaky and Moist Oven Salmon

• Check salmon thickness and desired doneness – thicker fillets need longer baking, while thinner cuts cook faster to avoid overcooking.
• Experiment with different seasoning blends like Cajun, lemon-herb, or Asian-inspired mixes to create exciting taste variations.
• Replace butter with olive oil for a lighter option, or use coconut aminos instead of salt for lower-sodium diets.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect salmon – 135°F for medium, 145°F for fully cooked, preventing dry or undercooked fish.

How to Store and Reheat Oven Baked Salmon

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Ensure the salmon is completely cooled before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with foil, cover loosely with another foil sheet to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
• For quick reheating, place salmon on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking.
• Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating using oven or microwave method.

Best Pairings for Oven Baked Salmon

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a chardonnay or sauvignon blanc with bright acidity to complement the rich, buttery salmon flavors and cut through the garlic's intensity.
• Create Herbed Quinoa Side: Prepare light quinoa with fresh dill and lemon zest to provide a clean, refreshing contrast to the salmon's robust seasoning and add nutritional balance.
• Match with Roasted Asparagus: Grill thin asparagus spears with olive oil, sea salt, and cracked pepper to echo the salmon's earthy Italian seasoning while offering a tender-crisp vegetable accompaniment.
• Enhance with Citrus Salad: Toss mixed greens with segments of orange, grapefruit, and a light vinaigrette to introduce a zesty, bright element that cuts through the salmon's richness and cleanses the palate.

Creative Twists on Classic Baked Salmon

• Herb-Crusted Salmon: Replace Italian seasoning with fresh chopped dill, parsley, and chives for a bright, herbaceous flavor profile that enhances the fish's natural taste.
• Low-Sodium Version: Eliminate added salt and use salt-free herb blends, replacing butter with olive oil to create a heart-healthy alternative that doesn't compromise on taste.
• Keto-Friendly Option: Swap brown sugar with erythritol or monk fruit sweetener, keeping the same caramelization effect while maintaining low-carb requirements for ketogenic diets.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all spices are certified gluten-free and use certified gluten-free seasonings to make this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

FAQs

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Wild-caught salmon like sockeye or king salmon are excellent choices. They have rich flavor and firm texture that holds up well during baking. Fresh salmon fillets are ideal, but high-quality frozen salmon can also work perfectly.

• Can I use dried herbs instead of Italian seasoning?

Yes, you can substitute Italian seasoning with a blend of dried basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. If you don’t have those, using just dried basil and oregano will still provide great flavor to your salmon.

• How do I know if the salmon is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. For medium salmon, aim for 135°F, and for fully cooked salmon, reach 145°F. The fish should look opaque and easily flake with a fork when it’s done cooking.

• Is it necessary to use foil when baking salmon?

Foil helps retain moisture and makes cleanup easier, but you can also use a parchment-lined baking sheet. The key is creating a method that prevents the salmon from drying out during baking.

Oven Baked Salmon Recipe

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4.6 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean-inspired Baked Salmon sails onto dinner plates with bold Mediterranean herbs and zesty lemon flavors. Crisp exterior and flaky interior promise a restaurant-quality seafood experience you’ll savor down to the last delectable bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds whole salmon fillet (skin-on preferred)

Seasoning Mix:

• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning blend
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• Ground black pepper, as desired

Fat and Aromatics:

• 3 tablespoons butter (melted) or olive oil
• 2 minced garlic cloves

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Instructions

1. Prepare the baking environment by heating the oven to 375°F and creating a protective foil base on a rimmed baking sheet, positioning the salmon fillet skin-side down within a foil “boat” to capture cooking juices.
2. Craft a fragrant garlic butter by melting butter and incorporating minced garlic, then generously brushing half the mixture directly onto the salmon surface to infuse rich flavor.
3. Develop a complex seasoning blend by combining brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper, evenly distributing this mixture across the salmon’s surface and finishing with a drizzle of remaining garlic butter.
4. Slide the prepared salmon into the preheated oven, allowing it to bake for 15-22 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve desired doneness—targeting an internal temperature of 135°F for medium or 145°F for fully cooked salmon.
5. Remove the salmon from the oven and permit a brief 5-minute resting period, enabling juice redistribution and ensuring a moist, tender final dish ready for serving.

Notes

• Check salmon thickness carefully to adjust cooking time and prevent overcooking, which can make the fish dry and tough.
• Opt for fresh, high-quality salmon with vibrant color and firm texture for the best flavor and moist result.
• Use a meat thermometer to guarantee perfect doneness, preventing the common mistake of dry salmon by removing it from the oven at the right temperature.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 260 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0 g
• Protein: 34 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg