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Crisp on the outside and tender and buttery on the inside, this Baked Salmon Fillet is the most delicious way to prepare fish at home! With just a few pantry staples, you can create an easy dinner recipe in just 15 minutes!
One of the recipes on this site that continually receives rave reviews is my 15-minute Perfect Grilled Salmon dish. That popular recipe is ideal for the warm-weather months when we can be outside grilling; however, outdoor cooking isn’t always convenient year-round. That’s why I’ve taken the same flavors that y’all love from my favorite grilled fish and created an equally tasty and easy baked salmon fillet recipe. This will soon become a staple in your weeknight routine!
How to make a Baked Salmon Fillet:
This easy dinner recipe will be on your table in about 15 minutes. Let’s get started!
Ingredients:
- Salmon fillet
- Garlic powder
- Kosher salt
- Parsley flakes
- Minced onion
- Basil
- Butter
First, place the salmon fillets on a foil-lined baking sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray. If you’re using salmon with skin, place the fish skin-side down. Pat dry with paper towels.
How to season Baked Salmon Fillet:
Season the fish with a combination of garlic powder, kosher salt, dried parsley flakes, dried minced onion and dried basil.
I always have this “house seasoning” blend on hand in bulk, which I use to prepare fish, chicken, burgers, salad and more. It’s incredibly versatile and incredibly delicious! Simply combine equal parts of each seasoning and keep it in an airtight container in your pantry.
Top the salmon with thin pats of butter and then it’s ready for the oven.
How long to bake a salmon fillet at 400 degrees F:
Bake the salmon fillet at 400 degrees F for 8-11 minutes. The total cooking time may vary depending on the size and thickness of your fish.
What temp should salmon be cooked to?
You know the salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. If you’re using an instant read thermometer, the USDA recommends a minimum internal temperature of 145°F, which should be measured at the thickest part of the fillet.
What goes with baked salmon?
This basic baked salmon fillet recipe pairs nicely with just about any of your favorite sides. Here are a few easy options to get you started:
- Pasta tossed in pesto or dressed with butter and Parmesan
- Rice
- Crusty French baguette or dinner rolls
- Baked potatoes
- Green beans
- Broccoli
- A simple green salad
How can salmon be cooked?
Salmon is a really sturdy, versatile fish, which can be prepared in a variety of ways. This is obviously an oven-baked version, but you can also grill salmon, poach salmon, bake salmon in foil, or pan-sear the salmon.
Cook’s Tips and Recipe Variations:
- Pat the fish dry before adding the seasoning. This will help the herbs stick to the salmon.
- You don’t need to use all of the seasoning mixture on your fish. Adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your taste, and add salt and pepper, if necessary.
- For an even crispier exterior, place the salmon under the broiler during the final 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Just make sure that you keep a close eye on the fish so that the herbs on top don’t burn quickly.
- Can you bake salmon from frozen? Yes, you can. You’ll need to extend the baking time to account for the frozen fish. The extra moisture in the fish may prevent the final dish from becoming quite as crispy on the outside, too.
- Can cooked salmon be frozen? Yes! Cooked salmon can be frozen for four to six months, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Thaw cooked salmon in the refrigerator or immersed in cold water. Use cooked, thawed salmon in salads or as a substitution for canned salmon in casseroles, pasta dishes, sandwiches or wraps.
- Is baked salmon fillet healthy? Absolutely! Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, B vitamins, potassium and selenium. If you want to decrease the calories in this recipe, just use less butter on top of your fish. The butter adds flavor and helps the exterior get nice and crispy, though, so I don’t recommend omitting this ingredient altogether. This low-carb recipe is also Keto-friendly if you’re on the Keto diet!
More healthy baked salmon recipes that you might enjoy:
- 4-Ingredient Baked Salmon Recipe
- How to bake salmon in foil
- Sheet Pan Dinner: Maple Glazed Salmon with Sweet Potatoes
- Parmesan Herb Baked Salmon Fillet
- Honey Soy Glazed Salmon
Baked Salmon Fillet
Ingredients
- 1 (20 ounce) salmon fillet (or as many smaller fillets as needed)
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried parsley flakes
- ¼ teaspoon dried minced onion
- ¼ teaspoon dried basil
- 2-3 tablespoons butter
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Spray a baking dish (or a rimmed baking sheet lined with foil) with cooking spray.
- Place the salmon (skin-side down) in the prepared dish. Pat dry with paper towels.
- In a small bowl, stir together garlic powder, salt, parsley flakes, minced onion and basil. Sprinkle seasoning blend on the salmon.
- Place thin pats of butter all over the salmon. Bake for 8-11 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- Pat the fish dry before adding the seasoning. This will help the herbs stick to the salmon.
- You don’t need to use all of the seasoning mixture on your fish. Adjust the amount of seasoning to suit your taste, and add salt and pepper, if necessary.
- For an even crispier exterior, place the salmon under the broiler during the final 1-2 minutes of cooking time. Just make sure that you keep a close eye on the fish so that the herbs on top don’t burn quickly.
- Can you bake salmon from frozen? Yes, you can. You’ll need to extend the baking time to account for the frozen fish. The extra moisture in the fish may prevent the final dish from becoming quite as crispy on the outside, too.
- Can cooked salmon be frozen? Yes! Cooked salmon can be frozen for four to six months, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Thaw cooked salmon in the refrigerator or immersed in cold water. Use cooked, thawed salmon in salads or as a substitution for canned salmon in casseroles, pasta dishes, sandwiches or wraps.
