Description
This easy baked salmon recipe is a perfect weeknight dinner that is both flavorful and healthy. The salmon fillets are seasoned with a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then drizzled with lemon juice and baked to juicy perfection. Optional broiling at the end adds a crispy, caramelized crust. This simple method guarantees moist, tender salmon with minimal effort and cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Optionally, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil to facilitate easy cleanup.
- Prepare the Salmon: Pat each salmon fillet dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. This step helps achieve a slightly crispier skin.
- Mix Seasonings: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper uniformly.
- Prepare Baking Sheet: Brush the rimmed baking sheet lightly with olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Season the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle the lemon juice evenly over the fillets, then sprinkle the seasoning mixture uniformly on top.
- Bake the Salmon: Optionally cover the salmon with aluminum foil for a more tender result. Bake in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes, adjusting the time depending on the fillets’ thickness. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 degrees C).
- Broil for Crispy Crust: For a crispy top, broil the salmon for an additional 1 to 2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
- Rest the Salmon: Remove from the oven and allow the salmon to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to lock in juices and enhance flavor.
Notes
- Line the baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Dry salmon fillets thoroughly before seasoning to help the skin crisp up during baking.
- Allow the salmon to come to room temperature for 10 minutes prior to baking, which helps ensure even cooking.
- Covering the salmon with foil during baking results in a more tender texture.
- Adjust baking time based on the thickness of the fillets to avoid over or undercooking.
- Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after baking to retain moisture and juiciness.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (approximately 6 ounces)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 0.5 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3.2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 1 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 34 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
