Description
This Easy Baked Salmon Recipe delivers perfectly tender, flaky salmon fillets seasoned with a flavorful blend of spices and finished with a zesty lemon drizzle. Simple to prepare and baked in the oven, this dish is ideal for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a crispy crust with optional broiling for added texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasonings
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Optionally line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat each salmon fillet dry carefully with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a crispier skin.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to create the spice blend.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Brush the rimmed baking sheet with the olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking during baking.
- Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the lemon juice evenly over the fillets, then sprinkle the prepared spice mixture uniformly over each salmon piece.
- Bake the Salmon: Optionally cover the pan with aluminum foil to yield more tender salmon. Bake the fillets for 12 to 15 minutes, adjusting time based on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 degrees C) at the thickest part.
- Broil for Crispiness (Optional): For a crispy crust, broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes after baking, watching closely to avoid burning.
- Rest the Salmon: Let the salmon rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to retain its juices and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Line the baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- Always dry the salmon with paper towels before seasoning to achieve a more crispy skin.
- Allow the fish to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking to promote even cooking.
- Covering the salmon with foil before baking results in a more tender texture.
- Adjust baking time based on the thickness of the fish to prevent under or overcooking.
- Resting the salmon after baking allows it to stay juicy and flavorful.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (approx. 6 oz)
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 16 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
