Description
This Best Baked Salmon Recipe offers a simple yet flavorful way to prepare tender and flaky salmon fillets with a fresh herb and lemon marinade. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it requires minimal prep and bakes quickly for a delicious meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1 1/2 lb salmon fillet, cut into 4 filets
Marinade
- 2 Tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp extra light olive oil, or vegetable oil
- 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced, pressed, or grated
- 1/2 Tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp fine sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper, freshly cracked
- 1/2 lemon, sliced into 4 rings for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 450°F and line a rimmed baking sheet with a silicone liner, parchment paper, or foil for easy cleanup.
- Arrange Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, positioning them skin-side-down to ensure even cooking and crisping of the skin.
- Prepare Marinade: In a small bowl, combine fresh parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, Dijon mustard, sea salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
- Apply Marinade: Generously brush the marinade over the top and sides of each salmon fillet, making sure they are well coated. Then, top each filet with a slice of lemon for garnish and added flavor.
- Bake Salmon: Place the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake uncovered at 450°F for 15 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through, flaky, and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F at the thickest part as measured with an instant-read thermometer. Avoid overcooking to keep the salmon moist and tender.
Notes
- Apply the glaze and bake immediately; do not marinate the salmon for long periods as the lemon juice can start to ‘cook’ the fish, leading to a tough texture.
- Use an instant-read thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked salmon without drying it out.
- Substitute parsley with fresh dill or basil for a different herby flavor profile.
- Extra light olive oil can be swapped for any mild vegetable oil if preferred.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 filet (about 6 oz)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0.5 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
