With lemon and Italian seasoning, this Oven Baked Salmon Recipe is tender, flaky, and super flavorful. The best part? It’s ready in just 25 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights and special occasions!
Easy Oven Baked Salmon Recipe
This recipe for baked salmon in the oven is the perfect recipe to have on hand for every occasion. Ready in just 25 minutes with minimal ingredients, it’s easy enough to whip up on busy weeknights. But it’s also elegant enough when plated to work for nicer dinners too.
One reason I love this oven baked salmon recipe is the simplicity of the ingredients. Salmon, lemon, olive oil, salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. That’s it. I like to use frozen salmon just because I tend to have some in the freezer so all I need to do is thaw it overnight and I have everything on hand for this recipe.
Serve it up with some air fryer brussels sprouts or asparagus and you have a stunning and healthy dinner in under 30 minutes!
Looking for more salmon recipes? Try my Honey Glazed Salmon or my lemon pepper air fryer salmon!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Baked Salmon in the Oven
Here are a few reasons why this will likely become your favorite oven baked salmon recipe.
- Perfect for all occasions. Salmon always feels a bit fancy and this recipe is definitely appropriate for serving guests – but it’s also ready in just 25 minutes and perfect for busy weeknights too.
- Only a handful of ingredients. All you need is salmon, oil, lemon, and a few basic spices. Frozen salmon works perfectly, so you don’t even have to worry about having fresh salmon on hand.
- Tender, flaky salmon. Baking salmon in the oven results in tender, flaky salmon and the lemon juice helps to add a bright citrus flavor with minimal effort.
What You’ll Need
This easy oven baked salmon recipe requires just a handful of very basic ingredients. The focus is truly on the salmon, so few other ingredients are needed. See the recipe card below for measurements.
- Salmon – You can use skin on or skin off salmon fillets – your preference!
- Olive oil
- Seasonings – Salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and minced garlic give this oven baked salmon recipe lots of flavor.
- Lemon – You’ll want freshly squeezed lemon juice and lemon slices to add a bright citrus flavor to the salmon.
Choosing Salmon at the Store
Here are a few things to keep in mind when selecting types of salmon for this recipe.
- Skin on vs skin off. This is entirely up to you and your personal preference! You can make salmon in the oven with both types of filets, so it really just depends on whether you like the skin or not.
- Fresh vs frozen salmon. Either will work for this recipe. In most cases, frozen salmon is actually better than fresh salmon, as it’s frozen at peak freshness. But if you live somewhere with access to fresh salmon, go for it!
- How to tell when salmon is bad? Note that you should use frozen salmon within 24 hours of thawing it and fresh salmon within a day as well. If you notice any super “fishy” smell or the color has turned more gray than pink, it’s time to toss it!
How to Make Oven Baked Salmon
This recipe for baked salmon in the oven is quick and easy, with just a few minutes of prep.
- Season the salmon. Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel. Drizzle each one with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Make the seasoning mixture. In a separate bowl, combine the remaining olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice.
- Bake. Place the seasoned salmon on a baking sheet, spoon the oil mixture over each filet, and top with a lemon slice. Bake for 12 to 15 minutes.
- Enjoy. Let the salmon rest for a few minutes on the baking sheet then enjoy!
How Do You Know When Baked Salmon is Cooked?
The exact time this oven baked salmon recipe needs will depend on the thickness of the filets. Salmon does cook quickly so most filets are done in 12 to 15 minutes. You definitely want to keep an eye on it to prevent overbaking and drying out the salmon.
To test when your salmon is fully cooked, you can use an instant-read thermometer. It should have an internal temperature of 145°F and flake easily with a fork.
Tips for Success
Here are a few tips for the best oven baked salmon.
- You can use skin on or off salmon depending on your preference. If leaving the skin on, cook the salmon skin side down on the baking sheet.
- Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your taste. Add a pinch of paprika, or herbs like dill or thyme for additional flavor.
- Line the baking sheet. To prevent the salmon from sticking to the pan, line the baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. This makes clean up a breeze too!
Serving Suggestions
Oven baked salmon makes a healthy and elegant meal when served with sides like asparagus, brussels sprouts, or a simple side salad.
You can also add some rice, quinoa, or potatoes for a heartier meal. I’m a fan of air fryer smashed potatoes and creamy mashed potatoes!
How to Store Baked Salmon
- Fridge. Allow the salmon to cool completely then refrigerate in an airtight container. It’ll last for 3-4 days.
- Reheat. The oven will be best for reheating salmon, though the microwave works in a pinch too. Note that you want to reheat it just until it’s heated through again, as reheating salmon does dry it out.
More Easy Salmon Recipes
Oven Baked Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 Salmon Filets Skin On or Off (6-Ounce)
- 2 Tablespoons Olive Oil Divided
- 1 Teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 Teaspoon Black Pepper
- 2 Garlic Cloves Minced
- 1 Teaspoon Italian Seasoning
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 4 Lemon Slices
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or foil.
- Pat dry the salmon filets using a paper towel. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of the olive oil over each salmon filet and season them with salt and pepper.
- In a small mixing bowl, combine the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, and lemon juice and whisk until fully incorporated.
- Place the salmon filets on the prepared baking sheet and spoon the olive oil mixture over each.
- Top each salmon with a lemon slice.
- Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the filets.
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy!
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1 thought on “Oven Baked Salmon”
This was easy and delish.. Had all the ingredients on hand. . Will be making this again. .