Baked Salmon
by Chungah
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With a simple and oh-so-flavorful spice rub, this comes together so fast in just 30 min! Quick, healthy and so easy!
Featured Comment
I don’t ever comment or review things online but I need to review this because I have made it at least 10x now! It’s so easy and tastes so good! It’s become my salmon go to. Absolutely love it.
Why you’ll love this baked salmon recipe
- Weeknight dinner, short ingredient list. With a simple spice rub of sweet paprika, garlic powder, and s+p, this really comes together lightening fast – about 5-10 min of prep time. Top it off with some fresh dill (or any other fresh herb of your choosing) and a healthy squeeze of lemon for that extra jazz.
- Minimal clean up. Thanks to the parchment paper, this salmon dinner requires the easiest clean up ever, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
- Heart-healthy omega-3s. Salmon is an exceptionally healthy high-quality protein dinner, packed with essential omega-3 fatty acids and various vitamins + nutrients.
- Fancy enough for date night. Serve with risotto, veggies, crusty bread, and extra lemon wedges. And don’t forget that bottle of wine for the table. It’s quick and effortless but we’re also super fancy here, perfect for weekend company.
How to pick good quality salmon for baking
What to avoid
- Brown spots and fishy odor
- Sofy, mushy fillets
- Gaping (white lines separating, indicating that the fish is pulling apart)
What to look for
- Vibrant, bright orange fillets
- Firm and elastic texture
- Alaskan salmon (sockeye or king), ideal for baking
Tips and tricks for perfect salmon every single time
- Prep the salmon. Allow the salmon to sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes prior to baking to allow for even cooking throughout.
- Use skin-on fillets. The skin will serve as a barrier to the sheet pan, keeping the salmon moist and preventing any kind of sticking. Ensure that the fillets are similar in size for consistent cook times.
- Fresh herbs are best. Although you can certainly substitute dried herbs, fresh herbs (dill) are ideal here, delivering the best kind of flavor.
- Avoid overcooking. Overcooking salmon will result in dry, rubbery fish. Remove the salmon from the oven just before it is completely cooked (slightly translucent in the center), allowing it to rest for 5-10 minutes to finish cooking. The internal temperature should reach 125-135°F for medium-cooked salmon.
- Parchment paper makes for easy clean up. Lining your sheet pan with parchment paper will allow for less mess and easier clean up.
Tools For This Recipe
Baking sheet
Baked Salmon: Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Absolutely! Vacuum-sealed frozen salmon can be used, thawing beforehand. But avoid frozen salmon when the packaging or seal is broken, or if large ice crystals are present (indicating that the fish has been thawed and refrozen).
I don’t like dill. Can I substitute something else?
Absolutely! You can substitute tarragon (dried or fresh!) or any other herb of your choosing. And because dried herbs are often more potent/concentrated than fresh herbs, you need less when using dry. The correct ratio is 1 tablespoon fresh herbs to 1 teaspoon dried herbs.
How can I store leftovers?
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for 1-2 days.
Baked (Healthy) Salmon
With a simple and oh-so-flavorful spice rub, this comes together so fast in just 30 min! Quick, healthy and so easy!
Video
Ingredients
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 1 ½ tablespoons olive oil
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a small bowl, combine paprika, garlic powder, 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper.
- Using paper towels, pat salmon dry. Drizzle with olive oil; season with paprika mixture, gently pressing to adhere.
- Place salmon onto the prepared baking sheet, skin side down. Place into oven and bake until the fish flakes easily with a fork, about 10-12 minutes. Sprinkle with dill.
- Serve immediately with lemon.
Equipment
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Simple, healthy, delicious! Now in my weekly rotation.
I don’t ever comment or review things online but I need to review this because I have made it at least 10x now! It’s so easy and tastes so good! It’s become my salmon go to. Absolutely love it.