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Oven-Baked Salmon

30-MinutesBakedClassicCoastalDinnerFishGluten-FreeHotLow-CarbMeal PrepOvenQuickSavorySeafoodSweet
Time :30 minutes
Yield :6 servings
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The Scoop

This is the salmon recipe to keep around when you want dinner to feel impressive without making it complicated.
A buttery garlic glaze meets brown sugar, paprika, and Italian seasoning for that perfect sweet-savory balance, while the foil boat catches all those delicious juices.
Minimal effort, maximum “I definitely know what I’m doing” energy!
Hack it:
Go citrusy: Add lemon or orange zest to the seasoning mix and finish the salmon with a generous squeeze of fresh juice.
Make it spicy: Add chili flakes, cayenne, or a little hot honey to the garlic butter for a sweet-heat version.
Switch the herbs: Swap the Italian seasoning for dill, parsley, rosemary, or a mix of fresh herbs.
Make it mustardy: Whisk a spoonful of Dijon mustard into the garlic butter for extra tang and a more savory glaze.
Add a crust: Mix panko with Parmesan, parsley, and a little melted butter, then press it over the salmon before baking.
Leftovers:
Salmon Cakes: Flake the salmon and mix with an egg, breadcrumbs, scallions, and a little Dijon. Shape into patties and pan-fry until golden.
Creamy Salmon Pasta: Flake the salmon into warm pasta with cream or crème fraîche, lemon, Parmesan, and spinach.
Salmon Rice Bowls: Serve over rice with cucumber, avocado, edamame, and a drizzle of soy-sesame dressing.
Loaded Salmon Toast: Flake the salmon over toasted sourdough with avocado, cucumber, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon.
 

Ingredients

  • 1 (2-pound) whole salmon, skin-on
  • 3 tablespoons butter, melted
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon ground paprika
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt

Directions

  • Preheat the oven to 375 degrees F.
  • Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
  • Place the salmon, skin-side down, on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Crimp the edges of the foil around the salmon to make what appears like a boat to catch the juices when baking.
  • In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and the minced garlic.
  • Brush 1/2 of the garlic-butter over the salmon.
  • In another small bowl, combine the brown sugar, the Italian seasoning, the paprika, the garlic powder, and the salt.
  • Evenly sprinkle the spice mixture over the salmon.
  • Drizzle the coated salmon with the remaining garlic-butter.
  • Bake the coated salmon until it reaches your preferred doneness, between 125-145 degrees F, about 15-22 minutes. If desired, carefully baste the salmon with the juices halfway through baking.
  • Allow the cooked salmon to rest for 5 minutes after baking.
  • Serve.
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