Description
Oven Baked Salmon is a simple and flavorful seafood dish featuring a whole salmon fillet seasoned with a blend of butter, garlic, brown sugar, and spices. Baked at 375°F, the salmon is tender and moist with a lightly caramelized top, perfect for an easy yet elegant meal.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 (2-pound) whole salmon fillet (skin-on preferred)
Seasoning & Sauce
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay a large piece of aluminum foil on a rimmed baking sheet and place the salmon fillet on top, skin side down with the pink flesh facing up. Fold and crimp the foil edges around the salmon to create a loose foil “boat” to hold in moisture during baking.
- Season: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush half of this garlicky butter mixture evenly over the salmon. In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this spice blend evenly over the salmon. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top for extra flavor and moisture.
- Bake: Place the baking sheet with the salmon in the oven and bake for 15 to 22 minutes, depending on how done you prefer your fish. For guidance, an internal temperature of 125°F (52°C) yields medium-rare, and 145°F (63°C) is fully cooked. Halfway through baking, you can baste the salmon with the juices collected in the foil to keep it moist and flavorful. Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest inside the foil for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- The cooking time varies depending on the thickness of your fillet and desired doneness; always use a food-safe thermometer for best results.
- Using skin-on salmon helps keep the fish moist and intact during baking.
- You can substitute olive oil for melted butter for a lighter taste.
- Basting halfway through baking enhances flavor and moisture retention.
- Resting the salmon for 5 minutes after baking helps the juices redistribute for a better texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-22 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American