Easy Baked Salmon You Can Make Any Night

This easy baked salmon is the no-fail dinner you can make any night of the week. With simple ingredients and a quick oven bake, this baked salmon recipe delivers tender, flaky results every time. If you’re looking for an easy salmon dinner that’s wholesome and satisfying, this one fits perfectly. It doubles as a dependable healthy salmon recipe and a fast salmon oven recipe when schedules are packed. Whether you need a quick salmon meal after work or fresh inspiration for weeknight dinners, this recipe keeps things simple while still tasting amazing.

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Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 12–15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Servings: 2–4

Ingredients List

  • 4 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • ½ tsp dried thyme or oregano
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Lemon slices (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or dill (optional)

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Baking sheet
  • Parchment paper or foil
  • Small bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Knife and cutting board

Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven
    Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
  2. Prepare the salmon
    Place salmon fillets skin-side down and brush with olive oil.
  3. Season
    Sprinkle garlic, paprika, herbs, salt, and pepper evenly over each fillet.
  4. Bake
    Bake for 12–15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork 🍋
  5. Finish & serve
    Drizzle with lemon juice and garnish with fresh herbs before serving.

Pro Tips

  • Don’t overbake—salmon stays juiciest when just cooked through
  • Use a thermometer (145°F internal temp) for perfect doneness
  • Swap spices to match your mood (chili flakes, garlic butter)
  • Serve with roasted veggies, rice, or salad
  • Leftovers make great salmon bowls or wraps

Nutrition Table (Estimated)

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 fillet35034g2g21g0g0g

Disclaimer

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes. Please consult a nutrition professional for personalized dietary advice.

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Easy Baked Salmon You Can Make Any Night

This easy baked salmon is flaky, healthy, and perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4 fillets
Course: Dinner, Main
Cuisine: American, Healthy
Calories: 310

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried herbs (e.g. thyme or parsley)
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice

Equipment

  • oven
  • baking sheet
  • small bowl
  • brush or spoon

Method
 

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
  2. Season salmon fillets.
  3. Bake for 12–15 minutes.
  4. Finish with lemon and herbs.

Nutrition

Calories: 310kcalCarbohydrates: 1gProtein: 33gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 8gCholesterol: 85mgSodium: 330mgPotassium: 740mgVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 4mgCalcium: 25mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Nutrition values are approximate and may vary.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!

Conclusion

This easy baked salmon proves that weeknight dinners can be healthy, fast, and delicious. Simple ingredients, reliable results, and minimal cleanup this recipe earns a permanent spot in your rotation.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes thaw completely and pat dry before bakin

How do I know salmon is done?

It should flake easily and reach 145°F internally.