The Best Baked Salmon Recipe
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
314 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
American
The Best Baked Salmon Recipe
Description
The Best Baked Salmon Recipe uses fresh salmon fillets seasoned with a simple mixture of parsley, garlic, extra light olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper. The salmon is arranged skin-side down on a lined baking sheet and generously coated with the herb and mustard glaze. A round of lemon is placed atop each piece to impart a subtle brightness during cooking. Baking at 450°F allows the fish to cook through quickly, resulting in a tender, flaky texture while preserving moisture.
The flavor is centered on the fresh herbs and a mild tang from the lemon and mustard, balanced by the richness of the salmon and olive oil. The glaze adds aromatic garlic notes and a hint of sharpness from mustard, enhancing the natural flavor of the fish without overpowering it. The recipe advises baking immediately after applying the glaze to avoid the lemon juice "cooking" the salmon prematurely.
Serving suggestions are not specified, but the simplicity of the preparation makes the salmon adaptable for pairing with vegetables, grains, or salads. The method is straightforward and does not require marinating or complex preparation, making it approachable for a home cook looking for a reliable baked salmon dish.
The notes clarify that the glaze should be applied right before baking to avoid toughness caused by lemon juice starting to cook the fish. No lengthy marination is needed, which keeps the flesh tender and flavorful.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb salmon cut into 4 filets, fillet
- 2 Tbsp parsley finely chopped, fresh
- 2 Tbsp extra light olive oil or vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice fresh
- 3 garlic minced, pressed, or grated, cloves
- 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp salt fine sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper freshly cracked
- 1/2 lemon sliced into 4 rings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone liner, parchment, or foil. Arrange salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side-down.
- In a small bowl, add the marinade ingredients: parsley, garlic, oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Generously spread the marinade, brushing over the top and sides of the salmon then top each piece with a slice of lemon.*
- Bake uncovered at 450°F for 12-15 min or until just cooked through, flaky, and the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145˚F at the thickest portion on an instant-read thermometer. Do not over-cook.
Notes
- Apply the glaze and bake immediately to prevent the lemon juice from toughening the salmon.
- There is no need to marinate the salmon for a long time before baking.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 314 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 314kcal | 16% |
| Carbs | 3g | |
| Protein | 34g | 68% |
| Fat | 18g | 28% |
| Saturated Fat | 3g | 15% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 5g | 29% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 9g | 45% |
| Cholesterol | 94mg | 31% |
| Sodium | 388mg | 16% |
| Potassium | 884mg | 19% |
| Fiber | 1g | 4% |
| Sugar | 1g | 2% |
| Vitamin A | 242IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 13mg | 14% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.