This Easy Baked Salmon recipe is super easy to make and ready in 20 minutes! Seasoned with a simple flavored butter made with garlic, fresh dill and lemon, this baked salmon recipe always turns out flaky, tender and perfectly delicious.
If you love easy salmon recipes, don’t miss my Honey Miso Glazed Salmon, my Salmon in Foil Packets, and my Oven Baked Salmon with Honey Ginger Glaze.
I cook salmon at home quite often. Salmon is a healthy fish, readily available, incredibly versatile and quite affordable – compared to other types of fish. Salmon is very easy to make and can be served at a fancy dinner or special occasion as well as for a weeknight meal.
People always ask me how to cook salmon. Even some of my friends were a bit intimidated by the thought of cooking salmon. Let me assure you that this tasty fish is easy to prepare and oven baked salmon is by far one of the best ways to cook salmon, stress-free!
Simple Oven Baked Lemon Butter Salmon
Cooking salmon in the oven is the easiest way to cook salmon hands down. This baked salmon recipe is one I use quite often. This roasted salmon recipe is made with simple ingredients, in one baking dish and in very little time.
This simple baked salmon recipe always turns out perfectly moist, tender, flaky and full of flavor.
Is Salmon Healthy?
Protein rich salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids which can reduce the risk of heart disease, lower blood pressure and reduce inflammation among many other benefits. Salmon is among the healthiest fish and can help reduce the risk of certain types of cancer.
Lemon Herb Salmon Ingredients
- Salmon – Skin-on or skinless.
- Butter – Unsalted or salted. If using salted, season the fish very lightly with salt.
- Garlic – I prefer fresh garlic for this recipe.
- Lemon Juice – Fresh lemon juice is always best.
- Lemon Zest
- Fresh Dill
- Salt and Pepper
- Lemon Slices
What Type of Salmon Should I Buy?
To make this baked salmon recipe, you can buy wild salmon or farm-raised salmon with the skin-on or without the skin.
If you would like to read more about the different types of salmon, how to choose between farm-raised or wild salmon and if fresh salmon is better than frozen, check my Oven Baked Salmon recipe with Honey Ginger Glaze.
How Much Salmon Should I Buy?
For this simple salmon recipe you will need 2 pound of salmon. This is about 8 ounces of uncooked salmon per person.
You can use individually portioned salmon fillets or a big salmon piece (as shown in the photos)
How To Make Garlic Butter Sauce
Whether you call it Garlic Butter Sauce or Lemon Herb Butter is up to you! This flavored butter is absolutely delicious and so easy to make.
In a small bowl, melt the butter. Stir in the garlic, lemon juice, lemon zest and fresh dill. Let the flavored butter cool for a couple of minutes before pouring it over the fish.
How to Make Baked Salmon in Oven
- Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- While you preheat the oven, bring the salmon to room temperature.
- Spray a baking dish with cooking spray or coat the bottom with a little bit of melted butter or oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Place the salmon in the baking dish (skin side down if your fish has skin).
- Season the salmon on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Make the garlic butter sauce and allow it to cool for a couple of minutes. Pour the lemon herb butter over the salmon.
- Arrange the lemon slices on top of the fish.
- Bake for 12 to 15 minutes (depending on the size and thickness of the fish) or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
What Temperature for Baking Salmon?
Salmon baked at a high temperature for a short period of time results in moist and flaky salmon. I like to bake salmon at 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
How Long To Bake Lemon Butter Salmon?
- Exact baking times vary depending on the thickness of the salmon.
- In a pre-heated 400-degree oven, it takes about 12 to 15 minutes to cook a piece of salmon that is about 1-inch thick.
- Wild salmon usually takes a bit less time to bake as it has less fat.
How Can I Tell If The Salmon Is Fully Cooked?
- Baked salmon should be moist, flaky and have a bit of pink in the middle.
- The best way to check if your salmon is cooked perfectly is by checking the internal temperature with an instant-read thermometer. Always check the temperature in the thickest part of the fish.
- For a rare center, the salmon internal temperature should be 120°F, for medium-rare 130°F , for medium 135°F to 140°F and for well-done 145°F.
- Another way to tell when the roasted salmon is done is by gently separating the fish layers with a fork. This should be done in the thickest part of the fish. The middle should be a bit opaque but still have a pink hue. The layers should flake easily.
NOTE: The FDA recommends that fish reach an internal temperature of 145°F before is consumed.
Baked Salmon Seasoning Ideas
This recipe for baked salmon is so versatile and you can make it your own by adjusting some of the flavored butter ingredients to your taste. Instead of dill, you can use fresh thyme, tarragon, parsley, cilantro or a combination of herbs. Scallions and chives are also great additions when cooking fish. Instead of lemon juice and zest, use orange or lime. Feel free to add spices like ground ginger, ground mustard, smoked paprika or chili powder.
Is Salmon Skin Safe To Eat?
Yes, salmon skin is edible. Most places sell the salmon with the skin on. Although you can take the skin off the fillets before cooking, it is always best to cook fish with the skin on. The skin prevents the fish from drying out, keeping it juicy a. After the fish is fully cooked, it’s very easto remove
Will The Fish Stick To The Baking Dish?
One of the best things about oven roasting salmon with a flavored butter is that the butter prevents the fish from sticking to the pan.
How Long Does Cooked Salmon Keep In The Refrigerator?
If you have any leftover cooked fish, you can store it in the fridge in an airtight container for 2 to 3 days.
How Long To Store This Simple Salmon Recipe?
If you buy fresh salmon, it’s always a good idea to ask if it has previously been frozen. If this is the case, do not freeze it again.
You can store fresh fish in the refrigerator, in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Always smell the fish before cooking it. The fish should smell fresh with a light fishy smell.
Should salmon be covered or uncovered when baking?
Salmon should be baked uncovered.
Lemon Butter Salmon Tips
- Salmon can be cut into individual size portions. Baking times may be shorter.
- Before seasoning, check the salmon for pinbones and pat dry the fish. Although most of the time all pinbones have been removed, it is always a good idea to check by simply feeling along the length of the fish fillet with your fingertips.
- You can buy frozen salmon and thaw it out in the fridge overnight.
- This recipe is gluten free, low-carb and Keto friendly.
You Can Serve This Delicious Salmon Recipe With:
More Like This Baked Salmon Recipe:
Lemon Butter Baked Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 pounds salmon filet (skin-on or skinless)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice (about 1 tablespoon of juice)
- 2 teaspoons fresh dill, finely chopped plus more for garnishing (garnish is optional)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
Instructions
- Remove the salmon from the refrigerator and let it come to room temperature while you preheat the oven. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Spray a baking dish with cooking spray or coat the bottom with a little bit of melted butter or oil to prevent the fish from sticking.
- Place the salmon on the baking dish (skin side down if your fish has skin). Season the salmon on both sides with salt and black pepper.
- In a small bowl, melt the butter and stir in the garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice and fresh dill. Let the flavored butter cool for about a minute.
- Pour the lemon herb butter over the salmon. Arrange the lemon slices on top of the fish.
- Bake uncovered for 12 to 15 minutes (depending on the size and thickness of the fish) or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily (see notes). Remove from the oven and serve garnished with extra dill (optional).
Notes
- The FDA recommends that fish reach an internal temperature of 145°F before it is consumed.
- Fish Temperatures: For a rare center the internal temperature should be 120°F, for medium-rare 130°F , for medium 135°F to 140°F and for well-done 145°F.
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