Description
This Easy Baked Salmon recipe is a simple and flavorful way to prepare tender, flaky salmon fillets or a large salmon piece. Seasoned with olive oil, butter, parsley, and fresh lemon juice, it bakes to perfection in just 20 minutes. Perfect for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner, this salmon dish combines minimal ingredients with maximum taste.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1-2 pounds salmon (large fillet or individual pieces)
Seasonings & Garnish
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped parsley
- Fresh lemon juice, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Prepare Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and position the oven rack in the top third of your oven. Allow the salmon to come to room temperature for about 15-20 minutes before cooking to ensure even baking.
- Melt Butter and Olive Oil: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and butter. Melt the mixture using a microwave until fully liquefied.
- Season the Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down on a baking dish or a foil-lined baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Drizzle the melted butter and olive oil mixture evenly over the salmon, then sprinkle the chopped parsley on top.
- Bake the Salmon: For a large, single fillet approximately 1 inch thick, bake uncovered for 18-20 minutes. Check if the salmon flakes easily with a fork; if not, return it to the oven for a few more minutes. For thinner pieces, start checking at 15 minutes. If using individual fillets about 1 inch thick, bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon flakes easily.
- Serve with Lemon Juice: Once done, remove the salmon from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top. To enjoy, you can slide the salmon off the skin using a metal spatula or knife if you prefer not to eat the skin. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Letting the salmon come to room temperature helps it cook more evenly.
- Using a foil-lined baking sheet makes cleanup easier.
- Check the salmon often near the end of baking to avoid overcooking.
- You can adjust the parsley and lemon juice quantities based on taste preferences.
- Salmon skin is edible and contains nutrients, but can be removed at serving if preferred.
