How To Bake Salmon in the Oven

How To Bake Salmon in the Oven – Garlic butter baked salmon is possibly one of the simplest and most delicious ways to cook salmon. If you thought that pan-seared salmon is the only way for a guaranteed crisp exterior with a fork-tender, flaky interior, try this recipe for baked salmon! Our baked salmon recipe delivers soft, juicy, and tender salmon on the inside with golden crisp edges. A delicious restaurant-quality dinner everyone will love!

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Ingredients list for the oven-baked salmon recipe

• 1 to 2 pounds skin-on salmon fillets (8 ounces per person)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon fresh cracked pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon instant chicken bouillon
• 1/2 tablespoon butter, divided
• Lemon slices

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Baked salmon

You can prepare this garlic butter baked salmon recipe in just one pan. Perfect to get your sides dishes cooked alongside your main, especially when you need something quick to throw together for a weeknight dinner.

How to make garlic butter baked salmon

Baking salmon in the oven is super simple: Preheat your oven, and season the salmon with a mix of salt, pepper, garlic powder, instant bouillon cube, and olive oil. Arrange the salmon in a baking pan and top with butter. Bake in the oven, until cooked through and the salmon flesh is flaky. Serve immediately!

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Directions

1. To bake salmon in the oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200ºC) with a rack placed in the middle. Lightly oil a baking dish. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.

2. Rub the salmon fillets generously with oil, salt, garlic powder, instant bouillon, and pepper – on all sides.

3. Arrange the seasoned salmon fillets in the baking pan, skin-side down. Top each salmon fillet with one or two small dollops of butter.

4. Roast the salmon in the oven for 4 to 6 minutes per half-inch thickness of your salmon fillets. So if your salmon fillets are 1 1/2 inch thick, roast for 12 minutes for medium-rare or 18 minutes for well done. These baking times for salmon are approximate and will depend on your oven too.

5. Baked salmon is done when easily flaked with a fork. You can also use an instant-read thermometer to check the salmon for doneness. The USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F (63ºC), which you should measure at the thickest part of the salmon fillet. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for drizzling. Enjoy! ❤️

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Tips for the best baked salmon

• Make sure you don’t cook oven-baked salmon at too high or too low of a temperature or it’ll dry out.
• You can cover the salmon while it cooks to ensure it remains moist.
• Keep the salmon skin on to help make a natural barrier between the salmon flesh and the baking dish to keep the moisture inside.

How long to bake salmon

Salmon only needs 8-10 minutes of cooking time in a hot, preheated oven at 400°F (200°C). You can broil for the last 2 minutes if you like charred edges!

How to know when salmon is done baking

Salmon should be cooked until an instant-read thermometer reads 145°F (63ºC) when inserted in the thickest part of the salmon filet. If you don’t have a meat thermometer, here’s how you can check if your salmon is done cooking: Salmon flesh turns from red to pink as it cooks. You can check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the fish with a knife. It should still be slightly translucent in the center and beginning to flake.

How to store cooked salmon

Baked salmon will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container. Gently reheat in the microwave or use cold.

More baked salmon recipes

• 32 Easy Salmon Recipes You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
• Honey Garlic Salmon Baked in Foil
• 15-Minute Baked Teriyaki Salmon
• Garlic Butter Baked Salmon
• Baked Salmon in Foil with Asparagus and Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

Photo credit: © Eatwell101.com

Shop

The Editors of Eatwell101
30-Minute Meals Ebook - $2.99