If you’re looking for a foolproof way to get perfectly tender, flavorful salmon without a fuss, then this Oven Baked Salmon Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Trust me, it’s simple, super tasty, and bakes up beautifully every time — no fancy pan-searing or grill skills required. I’ll share all the little tricks I’ve picked up to make sure your salmon comes out tender, flaky, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious every single time. Ready to impress yourself with an easy weeknight dinner or a no-stress dinner party centerpiece? Let’s dive in!

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Why This Recipe Works

Simple Prep: Using foil “boats” keeps your salmon moist and makes cleanup a breeze.
Balanced Seasoning: The combo of garlic, paprika, and Italian seasoning gives robust flavor without overpowering the fish.
Perfect Temperature Control: Baking at 375°F delivers tender, flaky salmon while preserving moisture.
Flexible Cooking Times: Whether you like your salmon medium-rare or fully cooked, the baking time guidelines have you covered.

Oven Baked Salmon, baked salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner, healthy salmon dish, flaky salmon fillet - A large piece of cooked salmon lies on crinkled aluminum foil in a baking pan, with a golden-brown seasoned crust on top sprinkled with green herbs. The salmon is flaked in the lower right area, showing moist, soft, pink layers inside with some parts breaking apart. A silver fork rests next to the flaked salmon on the right side. The baking pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

Every ingredient in this oven baked salmon recipe pulls its weight, blending together to elevate the salmon without stealing the show. I recommend grabbing the freshest salmon skin-on for juiciness and flavor, and keep your garlic fresh for that bright, aromatic pop that dried just can’t match.

Oven Baked Salmon, baked salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner, healthy salmon dish, flaky salmon fillet - Flat lay of a large whole salmon fillet with skin on, a small white bowl of melted butter, two whole brown garlic cloves, a small white bowl of brown sugar, a small white bowl with a mix of Italian seasoning, ground paprika, garlic powder, salt, and ground black pepper, all arranged with perfect symmetry on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Salmon fillet (skin-on): The skin helps lock in moisture and makes it easier to cook evenly without drying out.
Melted butter or olive oil: Butter adds richness and helps those spices stick; olive oil works well if you’re looking for a lighter touch.
Garlic (fresh minced): Fresh garlic offers vibrant flavor that mellows and sweetens perfectly during baking.
Brown sugar: Just a little sweetness balances the savory spices and develops a nice caramelized glaze.
Italian seasoning: A blend of herbs like oregano and basil adds depth without needing separate spices.
Ground paprika: Adds a mild smokiness and beautiful color.
Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor and helps seasoning blend uniformly.
Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the salmon’s natural flavors.

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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

I love that this oven baked salmon recipe is like a blank canvas—you can easily adjust the spices, swap out herbs, or change up the fats used according to your mood or diet. You’ll find that small tweaks make it suit any occasion perfectly.

Variation: If I want a smoky twist, I swap paprika for smoked paprika and toss in a tiny pinch of cayenne for heat — it’s a game changer without overpowering the salmon.
Dietary swap: For a dairy-free version, I love using olive oil instead of butter; it still keeps the fish moist and flavorful.
Seasonal herbs: When fresh herbs are in season, I sometimes sprinkle chopped dill or parsley on top just before serving for that fresh zip.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Oven Baked Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Pan and Salmon

First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F. Then lay out a large piece of foil on a rimmed baking sheet—trust me, this is the secret to easy cleanup later! Place your salmon fillet skin side down, meat side up, right on the foil. I like to crimp the edges of the foil around the salmon gently, creating a little boat to hold all those delicious juices.

Step 2: Mix and Spread the Garlic Butter

While the oven warms up, melt your butter and stir in freshly minced garlic. I like to let this sit for about 5 minutes after melting so it cools slightly and thickens up a bit, making it way easier to brush evenly over the salmon. Use about half of this butter mixture to coat the top of the fish—this will infuse it with wonderful garlicky richness as it bakes.

Step 3: Sprinkle the Seasoning Blend

In a small bowl, combine brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Evenly sprinkle this magic dust over your buttered salmon. Then drizzle the rest of the garlic butter on top. Now your salmon is ready to go into the oven!

Step 4: Bake Until Perfect

Bake the salmon for 15 to 22 minutes depending on how you like it. I like to check mine around 15 minutes when it usually reaches about 125°F – perfect for tender, slightly pink, flaky salmon. For a more well-done option, aim closer to 145°F. Use a food thermometer—this is a tip I swear by since it helps take all the guessing out of cooking salmon right. Halfway through baking, I sometimes baste with the juices pooled around the fish to boost moisture and flavor.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once out of the oven, let your salmon rest for 5 minutes so the juices redistribute. This resting step is key to keeping it moist and tender when you serve. Then slice, plate, and get ready for some happy smiles at the table.

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Pro Tips for Making Oven Baked Salmon Recipe

Use Skin-On Salmon: It keeps the fish juicy and protects the fillet during baking, making it almost foolproof.
Let Butter Cool Slightly: Brushing thickened (not hot) butter helps seasonings stick better without running off.
Don’t Skip the Foil “Boat”: It traps steam and juices for moist salmon and saves you from scrubbing pans after!
Invest in a Food Thermometer: It guarantees perfect doneness every time, which turned me from nervous baker to confident salmon queen.

How to Serve Oven Baked Salmon Recipe

Oven Baked Salmon, baked salmon recipe, easy salmon dinner, healthy salmon dish, flaky salmon fillet - The image shows a close-up of cooked salmon with a crispy, browned spice crust on top. The salmon flakes are visible, showing soft, pink layers underneath the browned surface with some green herb bits scattered on top. The fish is placed on a piece of shiny foil inside a metal baking tray. To the right side, a fork is partially stuck into the salmon, lifting some flakes. The whole scene is set on a white marbled surface with a white cloth nearby, and a woman's hand is holding the tray. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I love adding a few lemon wedges alongside the salmon for a bright fresh squeeze right at the table. A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill instantly lifts the flavor and makes the plate look inviting. Sometimes I add a light drizzle of a garlic-yogurt sauce or a dollop of crusty pesto—it’s like an extra pop of freshness.

Side Dishes

To keep things cozy and classic, I often pair this salmon with roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a crisp green salad. Grilled veggies or a quinoa pilaf also complement the richness of the salmon beautifully. For a casual weeknight, steamed broccoli and some lemon rice never disappoint.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to impress, I’ll plate this oven baked salmon recipe over a bed of herbed couscous or wild rice mixed with toasted almonds and dried cranberries for a festive touch. For gatherings, serving individual portions wrapped in parchment paper (en papillote) sprinkled with fresh herbs feels fancy but is surprisingly easy to do.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, place the cooled salmon in an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. I like to gently flake the salmon and store with a little bit of its juices to keep it moist—reheating with moisture helps prevent drying out.

Freezing

This oven baked salmon recipe freezes well. Wrap your cooked salmon tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or a freezer-safe bag, then freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently to preserve texture and flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I recommend warming gently in a 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered loosely with foil. This keeps the salmon moist and flaky without drying it out like microwaving can. A splash of lemon juice or a light brush of olive oil before reheating refreshes the flavors brilliantly.

FAQs

Can I use salmon fillets instead of a whole side for this Oven Baked Salmon Recipe?

Absolutely! You can use 4 individual fillets instead. They’ll cook a bit faster—about 10 to 15 minutes at 375°F. Just keep an eye on the internal temperature or flakiness to avoid overcooking.
Is it safe to eat salmon slightly under the USDA recommended temperature?

The USDA recommends 145°F, but many chefs and home cooks prefer salmon cooked to 125-130°F for optimal moisture and texture. Just be sure you trust your source and handle the fish properly. Using a food thermometer helps you hit your preferred doneness safely.
Can I skip the foil and bake directly on a baking sheet?

You can, but I don’t recommend it unless you’re okay with a tougher cleanup and possibly losing some buttery garlic sauce. The foil “boat” traps steam and juices, giving you a moister salmon and easy cleanup. If avoiding foil, consider using parchment paper or a non-stick baking mat.
How do I get crispy skin on oven baked salmon?

This recipe focuses on moist, tender salmon rather than crispy skin. For crispy skin, you’d want to sear the salmon skin side down in a hot pan first, then finish baking. But if you prefer baking only, lay the salmon skin side down on foil and bake without covering the top to help the skin dry out a bit.

Final Thoughts

This oven baked salmon recipe is one of those dishes I keep coming back to again and again because it delivers consistent, delicious results with minimal effort. It’s a fantastic way to bring a touch of elegance and hearty nourishment to your table—even on the busiest of nights. I can’t wait for you to try it and see how easy it is to elevate your salmon game. Promise me you’ll keep a food thermometer handy, test out a few tweaks, and most importantly, enjoy every bite!