Salmon is a versatile and nutritious fish that can be cooked in a variety of ways, but baking it in the oven is one of the simplest and most delicious methods. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of know-how, you can have a restaurant-worthy salmon dish ready in no time.
Why Should I Cook Salmon in the Oven?
- Quick and easy
- Crispy exterior and moist interior
- Healthier option
- Cook multiple things at once
- Less clean up
Cooking salmon in the oven is a great method because it is easy, quick, and produces consistently delicious results. Baking salmon at a high temperature allows for a crispy exterior while keeping the inside moist and flaky.
Additionally, cooking salmon in the oven is a healthier option as it does not need to be fried in oil or butter, which also allows the natural flavors of the fish to shine through.
Another advantage of oven-baking salmon is that it can be cooked along with other ingredients, making it a great option for one-pan meals or sheet-pan dinners. This allows for easy meal preparation and minimal clean-up.
How do I Cook Salmon in the Oven?
To start, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper. This will make clean up a breeze and also prevent the salmon from sticking. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper and any other seasonings of your choice, such as lemon, herbs, honey, soy sauce or mustard. Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with a little olive oil or cooking spray.
Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillet. You can check if the salmon is cooked by flaking it with a fork, it should be cooked through but still moist. Once done, remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you tell when the salmon is done?
Gently press the flesh of the fish with a fork or your finger. If the fish flakes easily and is no longer translucent, it is likely done.
You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the fish. Salmon is considered fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
What temperature do I bake salmon at?
Bake your salmon at 400°F (200°C).
How long do I bake salmon for?
Bake your salmon for 12-15 minutes or until it flakes easily with a fork. Note that cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and personal preference.
Variations
There are many different ways to add flavor to oven-baked salmon. Here are a few popular options:
- Lemon and Herb: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and top with a mix of chopped fresh herbs such as parsley, dill, or basil.
- Maple Glaze: Mix maple syrup, Dijon mustard, and soy sauce together to make a glaze, brush it over the salmon before baking.
- Garlic and Herb Butter: Mix softened butter with minced garlic, chopped herbs like thyme and rosemary and a pinch of salt, spread this mixture over the salmon before baking.
- Teriyaki: Mix soy sauce, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and grated ginger together to make a teriyaki marinade, marinate the salmon for at least 30 minutes before baking.
- Cajun: Season the salmon with a Cajun spice blend, which typically includes paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Pesto: Spread basil pesto sauce over the salmon before baking.
- Curry: Mix curry powder and coconut milk together to make a curry sauce, brush it over the salmon before baking.
Oven-Baked Salmon
Oven-baked salmon is quick, easy and healthy meal. Serve with your choice of side dishes and sauces.
Ingredients
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin off
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or cooking spray
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet and brush them with a little olive oil or spray them with cooking spray.
- Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove the baking sheet from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving.
- Serve with roast vegetables and lemon wedges, if desired.
Notes
- Cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and personal preference.
- You can also use other seasonings like lemon, herbs, honey, soy sauce, or mustard.
- You could also put the salmon in a baking dish with a marinade for added flavor.
Nutrition Information:
Serving Size: 1 (6 oz) Salmon FilletAmount Per Serving: Calories: 330
Recipes That We Love
- Honey Garlic Butter Baked Salmon by Kitchen Sanctuary
- Roasted Salmon Glazed With Brown Sugar and Mustard by NYT Cooking
- Honey Mustard Baked Salmon by Simply Recipes
