Salmon is a fantastic choice for a healthy and flavorful meal, and oven baking is one of the easiest and most effective ways to cook it. The key to truly delicious oven-baked salmon lies in proper seasoning. This guide will show you How To Season Salmon to perfection, ensuring a tender, flaky, and flavorful dish every time, using simple ingredients you likely already have in your kitchen.
Salmon’s versatility makes it a global culinary favorite. While chefs experiment with countless preparations, sometimes simplicity reigns supreme. This recipe focuses on foundational seasoning techniques to unlock amazing flavor in your salmon with minimal fuss and readily available pantry staples. We’ll skip the searing and broiling and head straight to the oven for easy, flavorful results.
The Magic of Simple Seasoning for Salmon
For this recipe, we’re using two fresh salmon fillets, each around 6 ounces. This is a standard size you’ll find easily at most grocery stores. Whether you choose skin-on or skinless fillets is up to you – the seasoning method remains the same. Our approach starts with a light brush of melted butter on the salmon, creating a perfect base for our simple yet impactful seasoning blend: garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. That’s all it takes! The aroma as it bakes is just a hint of the incredible taste experience to come. You’ll be amazed at how such basic seasonings can elevate salmon to a restaurant-quality dish.
Effortless Salmon Seasoning and Preparation
One of the best things about this recipe is its speed and simplicity, making it ideal for weeknight meals. Preparation is truly just about 5 minutes. Begin by lining a baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup and spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Place your salmon fillets on the prepared sheet pan, brush them evenly with melted butter, and then generously sprinkle our seasoning mix over the top. That’s it! From start to oven, you’re looking at mere minutes of prep time to achieve perfectly seasoned salmon.
Oven Baking Salmon: Time and Temperature
We opt for a high oven temperature – 450°F (232°C) – and a relatively short cooking time of 12-16 minutes for optimal results. This method quickly cooks the salmon, sealing in the moisture and flavor, ensuring a tender and flaky interior. The combination of butter and seasonings creates a truly delightful flavor crust. Always ensure your oven is fully preheated before placing the salmon inside to guarantee even cooking.
The salmon is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C), measured with an instant-read thermometer at the thickest part of the fillet. You’ll also know it’s done when the fish easily flakes apart when gently pressed with a fork.
Serving Suggestions for Seasoned Salmon
Your beautifully seasoned oven-baked salmon is ready to serve immediately. For a complete and balanced meal, consider pairing it with a medley of roasted vegetables. You can even roast vegetables on the same baking sheet as the salmon; they’ll be perfectly cooked around the same time. Alternatively, air frying vegetables is another quick and efficient side dish option, ready in about 10 minutes.
A squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of fresh dill are classic and complementary additions to salmon, enhancing its natural flavors. Prepare to be amazed by the depth of flavor achieved with such simple seasoning!
For delicious side dish pairings, explore recipes like Air Fryer Zucchini and Peppers, Air Fryer Asparagus, or Baked Asparagus with Parmesan and Garlic. For a vibrant flavor contrast, try serving this salmon with fresh Mango Salsa. The sweet and tangy salsa provides a wonderful textural and taste counterpoint to the savory salmon.
Frequently Asked Questions about Seasoning and Baking Salmon
Question: Can I easily double this salmon recipe for more servings?
Answer: Yes, doubling the recipe is straightforward. Simply double all the ingredient quantities. The oven cooking time remains the same, even with more fillets.
Question: Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Answer: Fresh salmon fillets deliver the best texture and flavor, but frozen fillets can be used. Just ensure they are fully thawed before seasoning and baking. Cooking time will likely increase by 5-10 minutes when using frozen salmon.
Question: How should I store leftover oven-baked salmon?
Answer: Oven-baked salmon is great for meal prepping or enjoying leftovers. Store cooled salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently in the microwave, air fryer, or oven until warmed through.
Exploring Other Salmon Cooking Methods
If you’re interested in another quick and easy cooking method, consider air frying your salmon! Check out this recipe for Best Damn Air Fryer Salmon for perfectly cooked salmon in your air fryer.
You Might Also Enjoy
Oven Baked Mediterranean Cod: For another flavorful and easy oven-baked fish recipe, try this Mediterranean cod. It features fresh, vibrant ingredients and flaky cod fillets for a taste of the Mediterranean. It’s simple to prepare and sure to impress.
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Description
This recipe provides a quick and easy method for oven-baking salmon fillets that are incredibly flavorful, tender, and moist, thanks to simple yet effective seasoning.
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets, 6oz each
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbs melted butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F (232°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray.
- Place salmon fillets on the baking sheet, skin-side down, and brush with melted butter. (Melt butter in a microwave-safe dish for about 30 seconds).
- Generously sprinkle paprika, garlic powder, kosher salt, and black pepper over the salmon fillets.
- Bake at 450°F (232°C) for 12-16 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part of the salmon, measured with an instant-read thermometer.
- Garnish with lemon slices and fresh dill and serve immediately.
- Prep Time: 5 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Oven
- Cuisine: American
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