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Baked Salmon

Easy Baked Salmon

This easy baked salmon recipe delivers tender, flaky fillets seasoned with garlic butter and lemon. Perfect for home cooks of any skill, it's a healthy, flavorful, and affordable seafood meal you can make quickly. Enjoy it with simple sides or use leftovers in salads and bowls.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Resting Time 20 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 6 pieces
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 360
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5-2 lbs salmon fillet about six 4-ounce portions
  • salt and freshly ground black pepper
Garlic Butter
  • 3 tablespoons butter melted
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 teaspoons lemon juice
  • fresh chopped parsley optional garnish
  • lemon slices optional garnish

Equipment

  • Baking tray

Method
 

  1. Let the salmon rest at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before cooking. Pat dry with paper towels.
  2. Line a baking tray with aluminum foil and lightly spray with non-stick cooking spray.
  3. Place the salmon fillet skin side down on the tray.
  4. Melt butter and stir in minced garlic and lemon juice to make garlic butter. Spoon it evenly over the salmon.
  5. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches 120-130°F for medium doneness.
  6. Remove salmon from oven and let it rest before serving. Garnish with parsley and lemon slices if desired.

Notes

Use fresh, high-quality salmon for best results. Do not rinse the fish; pat dry instead. Season salmon just before baking to keep it moist. Leaving the skin on protects the fish during cooking. Avoid overcooking for tender, juicy salmon.
Try variations like Cajun seasoning or dill for different flavors. You can also cook salmon in an air fryer at 400°F for 8-10 minutes.