Name: Oven Baked Salmon Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 22 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 (2-pound) whole salmon fillet skin-on preferred; 3 tablespoons melted butter or olive oil; 2 cloves garlic minced; 1 tablespoon brown sugar; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1 teaspoon ground paprika; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 3/4 teaspoon salt; Ground black pepper to taste

Jump to Recipe· 4.8 from 20 reviews

If you’ve been hunting for a foolproof way to make a tender, flavorful salmon dish that feels both cozy and elegant, you’ve landed in the right spot. This Oven Baked Salmon Recipe is seriously one of my all-time favorites — it’s so simple yet packed with flavor, and the baking method ensures perfectly moist salmon every time. Stick with me, and I’ll walk you through tips and tricks that make this recipe shine on your table as much as it does in my kitchen.

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Seasoning: Just a handful of everyday spices come together for a perfectly balanced flavor without overpowering the salmon.
Foil “Boat” Method: Baking salmon in a foil pouch locks in moisture and flavor, yielding tender, flaky fish every time.
Precise Cooking Time: With a range of bake times, you can customize your salmon’s doneness exactly the way you like it—from silky to fully cooked.
Versatility: This recipe embraces variations so you can swap ingredients or sides to suit your mood or pantry staples.

Oven Baked Salmon, baked salmon recipe, easy baked salmon, healthy oven salmon, flavorful salmon dish - A large piece of cooked salmon lies on crinkled aluminum foil in a baking pan, with a golden-brown seasoned crust on top sprinkled with green herbs. The salmon is flaked in the lower right area, showing moist, soft, pink layers inside with some parts breaking apart. A silver fork rests next to the flaked salmon on the right side. The baking pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

This Oven Baked Salmon Recipe uses ingredients that complement the rich, buttery texture of salmon without fuss. Each seasoning adds a layer of flavor, and a good quality salmon fillet is the base you can’t skimp on. Here’s a quick dive into what makes each essential.

Oven Baked Salmon, baked salmon recipe, easy baked salmon, healthy oven salmon, flavorful salmon dish - Flat lay of a large whole salmon fillet with skin on, a small white bowl of melted butter, two whole brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl of brown sugar, a small white bowl with a mix of Italian seasoning, ground paprika, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon fillet: I always use a whole skin-on side because the skin protects the fish during baking and helps keep it moist, plus it’s easier to handle than individual fillets.
Melted butter or olive oil: Butter adds richness and helps the garlic infuse throughout, but olive oil is a great dairy-free swap with fantastic flavor.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic offers a bright punch, but in a pinch, dried garlic powder works just fine.
Brown sugar: Just a touch balances the savoriness with subtle sweetness and helps create a beautiful glaze.
Italian seasoning: I love this blend for earthy, herby notes. If you’re not feeling Italian vibes, oregano or rosemary are also winners.
Paprika and garlic powder: These powders deepen the flavor, giving the salmon a mild smoky warmth without heat.
Salt and black pepper: Essentials that enhance and round out all the flavors perfectly.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I’m all about making recipes my own, and this Oven Baked Salmon Recipe is no exception. Sometimes I like it with a little zest of lemon or a smidge of heat, but you’ll have fun playing with it too. Feel free to customize and make this salmon truly your signature dish.

Lemon Butter Variation: I often add fresh lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice in the melted butter for a bright and fresh twist.
Herb Swap: Swapping Italian seasoning for fresh dill or tarragon gives a wonderful, fresh flavor that’s amazing in spring or summer.
Spicy Kick: If you like it spicy, sprinkle some cayenne pepper or red chili flakes over the top before baking.
Gluten-Free & Paleo Friendly: This recipe fits easily into gluten-free or paleo diets since it’s all whole ingredients; just avoid crusty bread sides.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven Baked Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prep your salmon and foil pouch

I start by preheating my oven to 375°F — it’s that sweet spot for cooking salmon evenly without drying it out. Lay a large piece of foil on a rimmed baking sheet and place the salmon skin side down right on the foil. Then, carefully fold and crimp the foil edges around the fish like a little cozy boat. This traps moisture and makes cleanup a breeze!

Step 2: Mix seasonings and apply

Next, I melt my butter and stir in fresh minced garlic, letting the flavors meld while the butter cools slightly so it’s easier to brush on without running. Brush half this garlic butter over the salmon. Then, mix brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small bowl and sprinkle evenly over the fish. Finally, drizzle the rest of your garlic butter on top, and your salmon is prepped and ready to bake.

Step 3: Bake to your perfect doneness

Bake your salmon for anywhere between 15 to 22 minutes depending on how you like it. I like to check the internal temperature with a food thermometer — 125°F feels silky and tender for me, and then I let it rest to about 130°F before serving. If you prefer the USDA recommended 145°F, just watch closely and pull it from the oven right when it hits. Halfway through baking, you can spoon some of the juices over the top for extra flavor and moisture if you like.

Step 4: Rest and serve

Once baked, I always let my salmon rest in the foil for about 5 minutes. This little pause makes a big difference — it helps the juices redistribute, so each bite is delectably juicy and flaky. Then, it’s ready to plate and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Oven Baked Salmon Recipe

Use a Food Thermometer: I swear by mine for getting salmon just right — no guesswork, no overcooked surprises.
Let Butter Cool Slightly: Hot melted butter can slide right off; waiting a few minutes makes it more spreadable and flavorful.
Foil Makes Clean-Up Easy: Even if you’re hesitant to use foil, trust me — it saves time and keeps all the garlicky goodness pooled around the fish.
Don’t Overbake: Removing the salmon right when it hits your target temp and letting it rest makes all the difference between juicy and dry.

How to Serve Oven Baked Salmon Recipe

Oven Baked Salmon, baked salmon recipe, easy baked salmon, healthy oven salmon, flavorful salmon dish - The image shows a close-up of cooked salmon with a crispy, browned spice crust on top. The salmon flakes are visible, showing soft, pink layers underneath the browned surface with some green herb bits scattered on top. The fish is placed on a piece of shiny foil inside a metal baking tray. To the right side, a fork is partially stuck into the salmon, lifting some flakes. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby, and a woman's hand is holding the tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I usually top my salmon with freshly chopped parsley or dill — it adds a lovely fresh pop and color. Sometimes I whisk up a quick lemon garlic aioli or dollop a bit of crème fraîche with lemon zest for creaminess. A few lemon wedges on the side are a must-have; your guests will love squeezing fresh lemon over their salmon.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs beautifully with roasted asparagus or green beans tossed in olive oil and garlic. I also love a simple quinoa salad or a creamy mashed potato to soak up those delicious juices. For a light option, a crisp arugula salad with shaved fennel and a lemon vinaigrette balances the richness perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve plated the salmon on a bed of colorful vegetable ribbons or wild rice, sprinkled edible flowers and microgreens on top for a restaurant vibe. Another fun idea is serving individual salmon portions wrapped in parchment paper (en papillote style) so everyone can unwrap their own flavorful parcel at the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge and eat it within 2 days for best flavor and texture. Keep the piece whole or in large chunks to prevent it from drying out too quickly.

Freezing

If I freeze leftovers, I wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil or freezer paper before placing it in a freezer bag. It’s not my favorite because the texture softens a bit, but it works well for adding to salads or reheated pasta dishes later.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm salmon in a 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covering it loosely with foil to avoid drying. Microwave is quick but can be hit or miss — low power with short bursts works best. Avoid reheating too hot or too long.

FAQs

Can I use salmon fillets instead of a whole side?

Absolutely! If you prefer individual fillets, this recipe still works beautifully. Just reduce the baking time to 10–15 minutes depending on thickness. Cooking times vary, so keep an eye on them or use a thermometer for accuracy.
Is it necessary to use foil when baking salmon?

Foil isn’t mandatory, but I highly recommend it to keep the salmon moist and make cleanup super easy. It traps steam and flavor, which keeps the fish tender and juicy. Without foil, you risk some drying out and extra mess in your pan.
What’s the best internal temperature to bake salmon?

USDA recommends 145°F, but I find salmon most delicious around 125°F to 130°F—flaky, moist, and tender. If you go for 145°F, pull it immediately when it hits that temp to avoid drying out. A food thermometer is your best friend here!
Can I prepare the salmon ahead and bake later?

Yes, you can prep the salmon with seasoning and garlic butter a few hours ahead, cover and refrigerate it. Just bring to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking so it cooks evenly.

Final Thoughts

This Oven Baked Salmon Recipe has truly become my go-to when I want something that’s fuss-free yet feels special. The combination of garlic butter, herb spices, and that tender flaky fish always gets compliments, and honestly, it’s just so satisfying to make at home with little effort. I hope you try it soon and find it as rewarding as I do on busy weeknights or weekend dinners with friends. Trust me, once you nail this, you’ll keep coming back for more!

Oven Baked Salmon Recipe