Learn how to bake salmon that’s flaky and buttery every time! Salmon filets are lightly seasoned before going into the oven for less than 15 minutes. It’s the best foolproof and healthy weeknight dinner!
Table of Contents
There’s no argument here: salmon is the ultimate protein! It’s light, healthy, and the buttery flavor is out of this world.
Plus, it’s easy to cook in any way you can imagine. Season the salmon filets and finish them in the Instant Pot, sous vide, frying pan, or oven.
If you’re looking for one of the most foolproof methods, stick to oven baked salmon filets. All you need are enough salmon filets to feed the family, simple seasonings, and a little oil, then the oven works its magic for about 15 minutes.
In the end, the baked salmon turns out beautifully pink, flaky, and with a slightly crispy skin.
Drizzle a flavorful sauce on top, pour yourself a glass of wine, and pair the filets with more healthy sides. Once you learn how to bake salmon, you’ll be making it every week!
How to bake salmon in the oven
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
- Season Salmon: Season the flesh on each filet with olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper, or this salmon dry rub. Arrange them skin side down on a baking sheet.
- Bake: Arrange salmon on a baking sheet, skin side down, and bake for 12-15 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
FAQs
425ºF is the best temperature for baked salmon because it cooks the filets quickly and crisps the skin. You can lower the temperature to 400ºF if you’re worried about overcooking the salmon or even to 350ºF for 20 to 25 minutes for a more gentle approach.
You can also slow roast the salmon at 275ºF for about 30 minutes. It takes longer but produces the softest result according to Food52.
When baked at 425ºF, the filets should only take 12 to 15 minutes to cook. This time may depend on the thickness of your filets, so stick to this rule by The Kitchn: Bake for 4 to 6 minutes for every half-inch of thickness.
You can leave the salmon skin on or off. It doesn’t crisp in the oven as much as the pan-fried method but still has a nice flavor.
Salmon is safe to eat when it’s between 120ºF to 125ºF on a meat thermometer, which is a perfect medium. If you don’t have a thermometer, press the filet gently with a fork. The flesh should flake really easily if it’s done.
More ways to season salmon
You can season the filets with all kinds of simple, pantry-staple seasonings. Sprinkle any of these suggestions along with a little olive oil on the fish before it goes into the oven:
- Salt and pepper
- Grated or minced garlic
- Lemon slices and fresh dill or rosemary
- Honey and brown sugar
- Soy sauce and miso paste
Don’t forget about the sauce! Here’s 15+ delicious sauces for salmon.
Serving suggestions
Pair the baked salmon filets with these 45+ Sides for Salmon or use these suggestions instead:
Erin’s wine pairings
The best wines to pair with salmon will vary based on the way it’s cooked. Any of these pairings will compliment roasted salmon beautifully:
- Buttery baked salmon is extra delicious when paired with a bright and acidic wine like a Sauvignon Blanc.
- Did you dress the salmon in this lemon butter sauce? Then pair it with a rich Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio.
- And yes, red wine does pair well with salmon. Stick to a lighter-bodied red, like Pinot Noir.
More helpful how-to guides
More salmon recipes
Did you make this oven baked salmon recipe?
If you made this post on how to prepare salmon in the oven, I would appreciate it so much if you would give it a star review! Also, be sure to snap a picture of your finished dish and share it with me on Instagram using the hashtag #platingsandpairings and tagging me @platingsandpairings.
For more great Platings and Pairings recipes, be sure to follow me on Instagram, TikTok, Pinterest and Facebook.
Note: This recipe will also work with trout or steelhead. Learn more about trout vs. salmon and steelhead vs. salmon here.
Full Recipe
Baked Salmon
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 salmon filets (about 6 oz. each)
- 2 Tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Kosher salt + pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 425 degrees.
- Drizzle salmon filets with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
- Arrange salmon on a baking sheet, skin side down, and bake for 12-15 minutes, until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Leave a Reply