How To Bake Salmon in the Oven
Ingredients
- 1 to 3 pounds skin-on salmon fillets
8 ounces per person
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
- Lemon wedges
to serve
Directions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 425°F: Heat the oven to 425°F with a rack placed in the middle. Line a roasting pan or baking sheet with foil.
- 2
Pat the salmon dry: Pat the salmon dry with a paper towel.
- 3
Rub the salmon with oil, salt, and pepper: Drizzle some oil over the top of each salmon — just enough to coat the salmon — and rub it over the salmon with your fingers or a pastry brush. Sprinkle the salmon generously with salt and pepper.
- 4
Place the salmon in the roasting pan: Place the salmon in the roasting pan, skin-side down. Transfer to the oven.
- 5
Roast for 4 to 6 minutes per half-inch thickness of salmon: Roasting time depends on the thickness of your salmon, as determined by the thickest part of the salmon fillet. For every half-inch of salmon, roast 4 to 6 minutes — 4 minutes will give you salmon that is still a touch rare, 6 minutes will thoroughly cook it.
- 6
Salmon is done when easily flaked: You can also check the doneness of your salmon with a fork. When the salmon flakes easily with a fork, it's ready. If you like, you can use an instant read thermometer to check the fish for doneness. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, which should be measured at the thickest part of the fillet.
- 7
Serve immediately: Enjoy your salmon immediately. Leftovers will keep refrigerated for about 5 days, and can be gently reheated in the microwave or used cold.
How To Bake Salmon in the Oven
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About this Recipe
Looking for a simple, delicious way to cook perfect salmon every time? Baking salmon in the oven is the easiest path to a tender, flaky fillet with minimal fuss and only a few pantry staples.
This method celebrates the natural flavor of salmon, requiring just olive oil, salt, pepper, and a bright squeeze of lemon. By baking, you achieve a beautifully moist interior and a delicate texture, letting the fish shine without complex techniques, making it ideal for a healthy weeknight meal.
You can expect a beautifully cooked salmon fillet that is tender, flaky, and packed with savory flavor, subtly enhanced by a hint of salt, pepper, and bright lemon. The olive oil helps keep the fish succulent, ensuring every bite is moist and flavorful. This approach is all about ease and bringing out the best in fresh, quality salmon.
While delicious as is, you can easily customize your baked salmon. Consider adding a sprinkle of garlic powder or dried dill alongside the salt and pepper for a slight flavor variation. A different citrus, like orange or lime, could also offer a fresh twist instead of lemon for serving.
Baked salmon is a versatile main course, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Serve it alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or a simple grain for a complete and satisfying meal.