Imagine sinking your fork into a perfectly cooked salmon fillet that's so moist and flavorful, it practically melts in your mouth. This Super Easy Oven Baked Salmon recipe is your ticket to restaurant-quality seafood without the hassle of complicated cooking techniques. Whether you're a busy home cook or a culinary novice, this foolproof method will transform your dinner game and have everyone thinking you've secretly trained as a professional chef!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt, to taste
- Pepper, to taste
- Fresh dill, for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that the salmon cooks evenly and retains its moisture.
- While the oven is preheating, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil and lemon juice. This mixture will add flavor and moisture to the salmon.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down if applicable. Make sure to leave some space between each fillet for even cooking.
- Brush the olive oil and lemon juice mixture generously over the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring they are well coated.
- Season the fillets with salt and pepper to taste. Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preference.
- If desired, you can sprinkle some fresh dill over the top of the fillets for added flavor and a touch of color.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for about 15-20 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Once cooked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute.
- Garnish with additional fresh dill if desired, and serve the salmon warm with your choice of sides, such as steamed vegetables or rice.
Tips
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Always select fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with a bright color and firm texture.
- Room Temperature Matters: Let your salmon sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even cooking.
- Don't Overcook: Salmon cooks quickly! Watch carefully and remove from the oven when it just begins to flake easily.
- Use a Meat Thermometer: For guaranteed perfect doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Experiment with Seasonings: While this recipe uses simple lemon and dill, feel free to try different herbs like rosemary, thyme, or add a sprinkle of garlic powder for extra flavor.
- Skin-On vs. Skinless: Both work great, but if using skin-on salmon, you can crisp the skin by broiling for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This salmon stores well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or next-day meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 0g
Protein: 30g
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 90mg
