Table of Contents: Best Oven-Baked Salmon
Best Oven-Baked Salmon
Are you looking for a foolproof, delicious, and healthy dinner that’s ready in under 30 minutes? Look no further than this Best Oven-Baked Salmon recipe! Perfect for busy weeknights, elegant dinner parties, or even meal prep, this dish is a crowd-pleaser that’s both easy oven baked salmon recipe and incredibly flavorful. With a crispy skin, tender flesh, and a mouthwatering honey-butter glaze, this perfect baked salmon will become your go-to recipe for family dinners or special occasions. Let’s dive into why this recipe stands out and how you can master it in your own kitchen.
Introduction: Why This Recipe Is a Must-Try
There’s something magical about a well-prepared salmon dish. It’s healthy, versatile, and always feels like a treat. But with so many recipes out there, how do you know which one truly delivers? That’s where this Best Oven-Baked Salmon recipe comes in. It’s not just another salmon dish—it’s the salmon dish you’ll want to make again and again.
This easy oven baked salmon recipe is designed for anyone who loves flavorful, tender fish with minimal effort. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just starting out, the steps are straightforward, and the ingredients are simple yet impactful. The combination of lemons, garlic, honey, and herbs creates a symphony of flavors that’s both bright and comforting.
Plus, this dish is incredibly versatile. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner when you’re short on time, yet elegant enough to serve at holiday gatherings or dinner parties. Imagine serving this perfect baked salmon alongside roasted vegetables, a fresh green salad, or even creamy mashed potatoes. It’s a recipe that adapts to any occasion, making it a staple in your culinary repertoire.
So, if you’ve ever wondered how to achieve restaurant-quality salmon at home, this is the recipe for you. Let’s get started and make your kitchen smell as incredible as the dish tastes!
Alternate Names & Variations
This recipe is often referred to as easy oven baked salmon recipe or perfect baked salmon. You might also find it under names like “Simple Baked Salmon,” “Garlic Butter Salmon,” or “Honey Herb Salmon.”
Feel free to customize it to your taste! Swap thyme for dill, add a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky touch, or use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile.
Ingredients: What You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Best Oven-Baked Salmon:
- – 2 lemons, thinly sliced
- – 1 large skin-on salmon fillet (about 3 lb.)
- – Kosher salt
- – Freshly ground black pepper
- – 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- – 6 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- – 2 Tbsp. honey
- – 1 tsp. dried oregano
- – 1 tsp. finely chopped fresh thyme
- – Finely chopped fresh parsley, for serving
These simple ingredients come together to create a dish that’s both fresh and indulgent. The lemon slices add a zesty brightness, while the honey-butter glaze ensures a perfect balance of sweetness and richness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures even cooking and a moist interior.
2. Prepare the Salmon: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place the salmon fillet skin-side down on the sheet. Season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
3. Make the Glaze: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, honey, garlic, oregano, and thyme. Stir well to combine.
4. Assemble the Dish: Arrange lemon slices over the salmon. Drizzle the honey-butter glaze evenly over the fillet.
5. Bake the Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
6. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.
Chef Tips:
– For extra flavor, marinate the salmon in the glaze for 30 minutes before baking.
– If you prefer crispy skin, start by searing the fillet skin-side down in a hot skillet before transferring it to the oven.
Recipe Card Block
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes | Servings: 6 | Calories: ~350 per serving
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
This Best Oven-Baked Salmon recipe is a winner because it balances simplicity and flavor. The honey-butter glaze keeps the fish moist, while the lemon slices add brightness. It’s also incredibly versatile—you can serve it with rice, veggies, or pasta for a complete meal.
Expert Tips:
– Use fresh herbs for the best flavor.
– Don’t overcook the salmon; it should be tender and flaky.
– For a smoky twist, add a pinch of smoked paprika to the glaze.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To freeze, wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Reheat in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through.
People Also Ask: Best Oven-Baked Salmon

What temperature yields the best oven-baked salmon?
375°F (190°C) is ideal for baking salmon. It ensures even cooking and prevents the fish from drying out. This temperature allows the salmon to cook through while retaining its moisture and tenderness.
How long should you bake salmon in the oven?
Bake salmon for 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. The fish is done when it flakes easily with a fork. Overcooking can dry it out, so keep an eye on it.
How do you keep oven-baked salmon moist?
Using a butter-based glaze, like the honey-butter mixture in this recipe, helps keep the salmon moist. Additionally, baking at the right temperature and not overcooking are key.
What seasoning works best for oven-baked salmon?
A simple combination of garlic, thyme, oregano, salt, and pepper works beautifully. For added flavor, consider paprika, dill, or lemon zest.
Conclusion
This Best Oven-Baked Salmon recipe is a game-changer for anyone who loves seafood. It’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or hosting a dinner party, this dish is sure to impress. Give it a try, and don’t forget to share your results with us!
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Best Oven-Baked Salmon
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Moist, flaky, and flavorful, this oven-baked salmon is the perfect healthy main dish for any weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle olive oil over the fillets.
- Sprinkle with garlic, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Top each fillet with lemon slices.
- Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
For best results, use fresh, high-quality salmon. Avoid overbaking to keep it moist and tender.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: salmon, oven-baked, healthy, fish, dinner, easy recipe