To bake salmon perfectly, follow these general steps based on expert recipes:
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets (fresh or properly thawed frozen)
- Olive oil or melted butter
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: minced garlic, lemon juice, herbs (such as parsley, dill, Italian seasoning), Dijon mustard, honey, or pesto
Basic Method
- Preheat the oven to between 375°F and 450°F, depending on the recipe (375°F is common for gentle cooking, while 400-450°F yields a nicely browned top)
- Prepare the salmon by placing fillets skin-side down on a greased or foil-lined baking sheet or dish
- Season the salmon generously with salt and pepper. Brush or spoon olive oil or melted butter mixed with garlic, lemon juice, and herbs over the fillets to add flavor and keep them moist
- Add lemon slices on top if desired for extra brightness
- Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or about 5 minutes per half-inch thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork and is opaque but still moist inside. Thicker fillets may require up to 20 minutes
- Optional finishing step: Broil the salmon for 1-3 minutes at the end to get a golden, slightly crisp top, watching carefully to avoid burning
- Serve immediately , garnished with fresh herbs or an extra squeeze of lemon
Tips
- Let salmon come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes before baking for even cooking
- Baking uncovered helps avoid steaming and keeps the texture firm
- Avoid overcooking to prevent dryness; salmon is done when it flakes easily but still looks shiny and moist
- Low-temperature baking (around 300°F) can yield very tender salmon but takes longer (15-20 minutes)
This approach yields moist, flavorful, and flaky baked salmon suitable for a simple healthy meal or a more dressed-up dish with herbs and sauces
