The Best Baked Salmon Recipe: A Flavorful Family Favorite

Salmon lovers rejoice as this delectable baked salmon recipe promises a culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds.

Perfectly seasoned and expertly prepared, the fish becomes a mouthwatering centerpiece for any meal.

Tender, flaky fillets emerge from the oven with a golden-brown exterior that hints at the deliciousness within.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques make this dish accessible to home cooks of all skill levels.

The blend of herbs and spices creates a harmonious flavor profile that elevates the natural richness of the salmon.

Each bite delivers a succulent experience that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Prepare to savor a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen.

Baked Salmon Ingredient Rundown

• Salmon Fillets: A delicate and flavorful fish that serves as the star of this baked dish.

• Olive Oil: A smooth and rich base that helps distribute flavors and keep the salmon moist.
• Garlic, Dried Basil, Parsley: Aromatic herbs and spices that add depth and complexity to the salmon's taste.
• Lemon Juice: A bright and tangy ingredient that enhances the fish's natural flavor and provides a fresh citrus note.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and elevate the overall taste of the salmon.

• Lemon Wedge: A fresh accompaniment that provides a zesty, citrusy finish to the baked salmon.

• Aluminum Foil: Used to create steam packets that help keep the salmon tender and juicy during baking.

How to Bake Salmon Just Right

Step 1: Craft Your Flavor Explosion

Grab a mixing bowl and whip up a tantalizing marinade.

• Olive oil
• Crushed garlic
• Fresh lemon juice
• Chopped parsley
• Dried basil
• Salt
• Black pepper

Whisk these ingredients until they create a harmonious blend that will make your taste buds dance with excitement.

Step 2: Let the Flavor Infusion Begin

Transfer salmon fillets to a baking dish, positioning them skin-side down.

Generously pour the marinade over the fish, ensuring every inch is coated with the magical mixture.

Cover the dish and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour.

Midway through marinating, flip the fillets to guarantee maximum flavor penetration.

Step 3: Prepare for Baking Brilliance

Fire up your oven to 375°F (190°C).

Create individual foil packets for each salmon fillet, drizzling any remaining marinade on top.

Seal the packets completely, creating a steamy environment that will lock in all the incredible flavors.

Step 4: Bake to Succulent Perfection

Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and slide them into the preheated oven.

Bake for 35-45 minutes.

At the 35-minute mark, perform the flake test by gently prodding the salmon with a fork.

The fish should effortlessly break apart and feel firm yet juicy.

Step 5: Unveil and Indulge

Carefully open the foil packets, being mindful of the hot steam.

Gently transfer the salmon to serving plates.

Add a fresh lemon wedge for an extra burst of citrusy brightness.

Your culinary masterpiece is now ready to be devoured and admired.

Tips for Moist and Flavorful Salmon

• Wrap salmon tightly in foil packets to keep the fish juicy and prevent drying out during baking.
• Marinate salmon for at least an hour, flipping halfway to ensure every inch absorbs the delicious herbs and seasonings.
• Use a fork to test doneness – the salmon should flake easily but remain tender and not become dry or tough.
• Sprinkle extra fresh parsley or chopped herbs just before serving to enhance the dish's aroma and add a bright, fresh finish.
• When possible, place salmon skin-side down during marinating and baking to help retain natural oils and prevent sticking.

How to Keep Baked Salmon Fresh

• Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal taste and safety. Keep refrigerated at 40°F or below to prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil, then place in a freezer-safe container. Frozen salmon maintains quality for up to 3 months. Label with the date to track freshness.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature until warmed through. Avoid overheating to prevent dryness.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon in a baking dish, add a splash of water or lemon juice. Cover with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-15 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.

What Goes Well With Baked Salmon

Perfectly Paired Flavor Companions: Salmon’s Best Mates

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Sauvignon Blanc cuts through the salmon's richness with its bright, zesty notes, creating a refreshing balance that dances on your palate.
• Herbal Roasted Vegetable Sidekick: Asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts complement the fish's delicate flavor, adding earthy undertones and nutritional depth to your meal.
• Citrus-Infused Quinoa Base: Prepare quinoa with lemon zest and fresh herbs to provide a light, protein-packed foundation that echoes the marinade's citrusy brightness.
• Creamy Dill Sauce Enhancer: Whip up a quick sauce with Greek yogurt, fresh dill, and a touch of lemon to drizzle over the salmon, amplifying its herbal and tangy profile.

Flavor Ideas for Your Next Salmon Dish

• Herb-Crusted Variation: Coat salmon with a mixture of fresh herbs like dill, chives, and thyme before baking for an aromatic upgrade.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all marinade ingredients are certified gluten-free and use tamari instead of traditional soy sauce if needed.
• Low-Sodium Version: Replace salt with fresh herb blends and lemon zest to maintain flavor while reducing sodium content.
• Keto-Friendly Adaptation: Swap olive oil with avocado oil, increase herb quantities, and serve with roasted low-carb vegetables like zucchini or asparagus.

FAQs

• Why marinate salmon before baking?

Marinating helps infuse the fish with incredible flavor, tenderizes the meat, and keeps it moist during cooking. The combination of olive oil, herbs, and lemon juice penetrates the salmon, creating a delicious and juicy result.

• Can I use fresh or dried herbs in this recipe?

Both fresh and dried herbs work well. Fresh parsley adds brightness, while dried basil provides a concentrated flavor. If using fresh herbs, you might want to use slightly more quantity compared to dried herbs to achieve the same intensity.

• How do I know if the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). When gently pressed, the fish should feel firm but still have a slight give, indicating it’s moist and not overcooked.

• Is it necessary to use foil when baking salmon?

Foil helps trap moisture, preventing the salmon from drying out and ensuring even cooking. It also makes cleanup easier and helps the fish cook in its own juices, creating a more tender and flavorful result.

What Makes This Baked Salmon So Reliable

• Marinating transforms ordinary salmon into a taste sensation, ensuring every bite bursts with zesty, herbal goodness without complicated techniques.
• Baking in foil packets guarantees tender, moist salmon with minimal cleanup, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive kitchen work.
• This recipe works beautifully for casual family dinners, elegant gatherings, or quick weeknight meals, appealing to both seafood lovers and those new to salmon cooking.
• With common pantry staples and just a few fresh ingredients, anyone can create a restaurant-quality dish that looks and tastes impressive without requiring advanced culinary skills.

Baked Salmon Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Succulent Baked Salmon invites home cooks on a delightful culinary journey through delicate flavors and simple preparation. Rich, flaky fish emerges from the oven with perfect seasoning, promising a memorable meal you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 6-ounce (170 grams) salmon fillets

Seasonings and Herbs:

• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Liquids and Oils:

• 6 tablespoons light olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by whisking olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, parsley, dried basil, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until thoroughly combined, releasing robust flavor profiles.
2. Gently nestle salmon fillets in a glass or ceramic baking dish, then lavishly coat with prepared marinade. Ensure complete coverage and refrigerate for approximately 60 minutes, flipping midway to maximize flavor absorption.
3. Heat oven to 375°F (190°C) during marination period, preparing for optimal cooking environment.
4. Transfer marinated salmon onto individual aluminum foil sheets, drizzling remaining marinade over each fillet. Carefully encase fish in foil packets, creating sealed flavor chambers.
5. Arrange foil-wrapped salmon on a baking sheet and slide into preheated oven. Bake for 35-45 minutes, monitoring closely to achieve perfect tenderness and easy fork-flaking.
6. Remove from oven with caution, carefully unwrapping foil packets to release aromatic steam. Plate immediately, garnishing with fresh lemon wedges to enhance the dish’s bright, citrusy notes.

Notes

• Marinate salmon for at least an hour to infuse deep, rich flavors throughout the fish, ensuring each bite is deliciously seasoned.
• Seal foil packets completely to lock in moisture, preventing the salmon from drying out and maintaining its tender, succulent texture.
• Use fresh herbs and high-quality olive oil for maximum flavor impact, as these ingredients significantly elevate the overall taste of the dish.
• For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, replace dried basil with fresh herbs and ensure all ingredients are free from added sugars.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 40 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 0g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 1g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg