Easy Baked Salmon in the Oven 🐟🔥 Flaky, Juicy, and Done in Under 25 Minutes

Easy Baked Salmon in the Oven is the go-to method for a fast, healthy, and reliably delicious dinner.

Just season, bake, and serve — it’s tender on the inside, lightly crisped on top, and packed with clean, natural flavor that pairs with just about anything.

Ingredients (Serves 2–4)

• 1 lb salmon fillet (skin-on or skinless)
• 1 tbsp olive oil or melted butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 1 tsp garlic powder or minced garlic
• Optional: lemon slices, dill, paprika, or herbs of choice

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it. Pat salmon dry with paper towels.

Step 2: Season the Salmon

Place salmon on the baking sheet. Brush with olive oil or butter, and season generously with salt and pepper. Add optional garlic, herbs, or lemon slices over the top.

Step 3: Bake

Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness. Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the center is just opaque.

• Thin fillets: ~10–12 min
• Thick fillets: ~14–16 min

Step 4: Serve

Squeeze fresh lemon over the top. Serve hot with sides or flake over a salad or rice bowl.

Flavor Variations

• Lemon-Dill: Add lemon juice, zest, and fresh dill before baking
• Garlic Butter: Mix garlic, melted butter, and parsley
• Spicy Honey Glaze: Brush with honey + hot sauce or sriracha
• Herb Crust: Top with chopped parsley, basil, and breadcrumbs
• Soy-Ginger: Drizzle with soy sauce, grated ginger, and sesame oil

Serving Ideas

• With roasted veggies and quinoa or rice
• Over a green salad with vinaigrette
• Flaked into pasta or tacos
• Next to mashed potatoes and sautéed greens

Pro Tips

• Don’t overbake — salmon dries quickly. Remove when slightly underdone; it finishes cooking off heat
• Use a thermometer: 125°F for medium, 130°F for well-done
• Wild salmon cooks faster than farmed — check early
• Let rest for 2 minutes before serving to retain juices

Final Thoughts

Easy Baked Salmon is the dinner workhorse — simple, healthy, and versatile. Whether you serve it straight-up or dress it up with glaze and herbs, this recipe delivers every time with minimal effort.

Oil it. Bake it. Flake it. 🐟🔥🍋

🐟 Explore Salmon Recipes for Every Occasion

From quick weeknight dinners to elegant mains, these salmon recipes cover everything from baking and grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make.

🔥 Easy Baked Salmon in the Oven – Tender, flaky salmon with garlic butter and lemon.
🍽️ Air Fryer Salmon Recipes – Crispy on the outside, juicy inside — done in minutes.
🥫 Canned Salmon Recipes for Quick Meals – Pantry-friendly meals that don’t skimp on flavor.
🌿 Grilled Salmon with Lemon and Herbs – Lightly charred and bright with citrusy herb flavor.
🥗 Salmon Salad Recipes – Fresh, protein-packed salads with flaky or grilled salmon.
🍚 Salmon Rice Bowl Recipes – Build-your-own bowls with veggies, grains, and sauce.
🍝 Creamy Salmon Pasta – Rich, velvety sauce with tender salmon chunks.
🍋 Salmon Pasta with Spinach or Lemon – A lighter twist with greens or zesty citrus.
🥑 Keto Salmon with Avocado – Low-carb, high-flavor, and full of healthy fats.
🍯 Honey Glazed Salmon – Sweet and savory glaze with a caramelized finish.
🧀 Stuffed Salmon with Spinach – Creamy spinach filling wrapped in perfectly baked fillets.
🍱 Asian Glazed Salmon – Soy-ginger glaze with sticky, umami-packed goodness.

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

• 🐟 Classic Seafood Dish Recipes – Think pan-seared salmon with lemon dill and timeless coastal favorites.
• 🦞 Delicious Seafood Boil Recipes – Spicy, saucy boils packed with crab, shrimp, and corn. The ultimate feast.
• 🍝 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Elegant and indulgent, like shrimp linguine in a white wine sauce.
• 🍤 Shrimp Recipes – Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed; smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries
• 🐟 Salmon Recipes – Baking & grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make/
• 🦞 Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, Buttery & Oven-Ready. Comfort food meets coastal flavor.
• 🥣 Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
• 🍽️ Easy Seafood Dinner Recipes – Quick, delicious, easy recipes bring bold flavor with minimal prep and cleanup
• 🥗 Healthy Seafood Recipes – Light, fresh & packed with protein and omega-3s with bright, satisfying flavor
• 🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy, silky rice dishes meet the richness of the sea.
• 🌊 Seafood Stews – Mediterranean, Latin to classic American, hearty stews with satisfying depth in your bowl.
• 🍝🧀 Seafood Lasagna – Lasagna meets the sea in these rich and satisfying delicious twist classic bakes.