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A perfectly cooked, juicy baked salmon fillet on a serving plate.

Classic Juicy Baked Salmon Recipe

This classic baked salmon recipe delivers juicy, flavorful fish with minimal effort. It's a healthy and quick meal perfect for any night of the week.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Calories: 400
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1.5 lbs Salmon Fillets skin-on or off, preferably wild-caught
  • 2 tbsp Olive Oil extra virgin
  • fresh Lemon for juice and optional slices
  • 2-3 cloves Garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp Fresh Herbs finely chopped, such as dill, parsley, or chives
  • Salt to taste
  • Black Pepper to taste
  • Optional Seasonings Paprika, onion powder, or a pinch of red pepper flakes

Equipment

  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Parchment Paper or Aluminum Foil
  • Small Bowl
  • Whisk
  • Paper Towels

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better seasoning adherence.
Seasoning & Baking
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh herbs, salt, pepper, and any optional seasonings.
  2. Place salmon on the baking sheet and spoon the oil mixture evenly over each fillet, coating them well.
  3. Bake for 12-18 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Serving
  1. Remove salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to redistribute juices.

Notes

Ensure not to overcook the salmon to maintain its juiciness. Resting the salmon after cooking is crucial for optimal moisture.