Description
This easy baked salmon recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner option that is both healthy and flavorful. Featuring a simple spice blend and a touch of lemon juice, the salmon fillets are baked until tender and flaky with an optional broil step to add a crispy crust. It’s quick to prepare and requires minimal cleanup, making it ideal for busy home cooks looking for a nutritious and delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
Spice Mix
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit (200 degrees Celsius). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to make cleanup easier.
- Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, which will help achieve a crispier texture.
- Mix Spices: In a small bowl, combine the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to create the seasoning mix.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Brush the lined baking sheet with olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking during baking.
- Season Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down onto the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the lemon juice evenly over each fillet, then sprinkle the spice blend across the top of the salmon fillets.
- Optional Foil Cover: Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil if you prefer a more tender and moist salmon texture.
- Bake: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, adjusting the time depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part.
- Optional Broiling: For a crispy crust, place the salmon under the broiler for 1 to 2 minutes after baking.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and allow it to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to lock in juices and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Line the baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Always dry the salmon with paper towels before seasoning to promote a crispier skin.
- Allow the salmon to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
- Cover the salmon with foil during baking for a more tender and moist result.
- Adjust the baking time based on the thickness of the salmon to prevent over or undercooking.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking to keep it juicy.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (about 6 ounces)
- Calories: 300
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg