Hey everyone, Jason Griffith here from Chef Maniac! When it comes to healthy, delicious, and incredibly quick dinners, baked salmon is an absolute superstar. It’s a powerhouse of omega-3s, incredibly versatile, and perhaps best of all, notoriously easy to cook. Forget dry or bland fish; today, I’m sharing my foolproof method for Perfect Baked Salmonthat results in tender, flaky fillets bursting with flavor every single time. It’s so simple, you’ll wonder why you ever made it any other way!

Why I Love This Recipe

I absolutely adore baked salmon because it delivers gourmet results with minimal effort. It’s perfect for busy weeknightswhen you want something healthy and satisfying in a flash. The oven does most of the work, leaving you free to prep sides or simply relax. It’s a fantastic source of lean protein and healthy fats, making it a staple in my healthy eating rotation. Plus, the ease of cleanup is always a win! This method consistently yields juicy, flaky salmon that even seafood skeptics will love.

List of Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this fantastic Perfect Baked Salmon:

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (about 1-inch thick)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped)
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped, for garnish (optional)

Swaps and Notes

• Salmon Fillets: Wild-caught salmon often has a richer flavor. Ensure your fillets are roughly the same thickness for even cooking.
• Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds great flavor. You can also use avocado oil.
• Herbs & Spices: Feel free to adjust the seasonings to your preference. Rosemary, thyme, or even a lemon-pepper blend can be used. For a spicy kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Citrus: Fresh lemon juice is key for brightening the flavors. Lime wedges also work well.
• Foil vs. Parchment: Both work well for easy cleanup. Foil can provide a slightly more “steamed” environment, while parchment can lead to a slightly crispier edge.

List of Steps for the Recipe

1. Preheat Oven & Prep Pan: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
2. Prepare Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets thoroughly dry with paper towels. This helps the seasonings adhere and promotes a nice texture. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.
3. Season Salmon: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, garlic powder, dried dill, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush this mixture generously over the top and sides of each salmon fillet.
4. Bake: Bake for 12-18 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon and your desired level of doneness.
   • For a 1-inch thick fillet, aim for 12-15 minutes for medium-rare to medium (flaky but still moist).
   • The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at its thickest part.
5. Rest & Serve: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the salmon rest on the pan for 2-3 minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring maximum tenderness and flavor. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of chopped parsley or dill.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook! This is the single most important tip for juicy salmon. Salmon cooks very quickly, and overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough. Use an instant-read thermometer if you’re unsure.
• Pat Dry: A dry surface promotes better seasoning adhesion and helps the salmon cook more evenly.
• Even Thickness: If your fillets vary greatly in thickness, you can fold the thinner ends under, or bake them on separate pans and remove the thinner ones earlier.
• Resting Time: Don’t skip the short resting period. It makes a noticeable difference in the juiciness of the fish.
• Skin On or Off: Cooking with the skin on can help keep the flesh moist and provides an easy way to transfer the fish from the pan once cooked (the skin often sticks to the parchment).

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Baked salmon is incredibly versatile and makes a fantastic centerpiece for any meal:

• Roasted Vegetables: Pair with roasted asparagus, broccoli, green beans, or cherry tomatoes for a complete and healthy sheet pan-style meal.
• Grains: Serve alongside quinoa, brown rice, couscous, or a light pasta for a more substantial dinner.
• Simple Side Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast.
• Sauce: A simple lemon-dill sauce, a light yogurt sauce, or even a pesto drizzle can elevate the dish.
• Refreshing Drink: A cool, invigorating beverage like my Blueberry Lemonade is the perfect complement to the fresh flavors. For a sweet ending, consider “The Slippery Drank,” my favorite dessert-inspired sipper.

Storage and Leftover Tips

Leftover baked salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. It’s excellent flaked and added to salads, wraps, or even cold in a light pasta salad. To reheat, gently warm in an oven at 275°F (135°C) for 5-10 minutes until just warmed through, or microwave very briefly on a lower power setting to avoid drying it out.

More Recipes You Will Love

If you loved the ease and healthy deliciousness of this Baked Salmon, you’ll definitely want to explore some of my other popular healthy and satisfying dishes:

• For a quick and satisfying dinner packed with Southern goodness, my Tomato Skillet with Okra and Sausage is a go-to.
• If you’re a fan of convenient, all-in-one dinners, my Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole is a lifesaver.
• And for an easy way to feed a crowd with cheesy goodness, these Sheet Pan Quesadillas are always a winner!

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Final Thoughts

Perfect Baked Salmon is a true weeknight champion. It’s healthy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to achieve, proving that elegant meals don’t have to be complicated. Master this simple technique, and you’ll have a go-to dinner that everyone will love.

What are your favorite ways to season baked salmon? Share your ideas in the comments below! And for more delicious, easy recipes that bring joy to your kitchen, be sure to follow Chef Maniac.