Best Baked Salmon Recipe

Name: Best Baked Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 35 min
Total time: 110 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 6 tablespoons light olive oil; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon dried basil; 1 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon ground black pepper; 2 (6 ounce) fillets salmon

Cook Time: 35 minutes

This simple, yet flavorful, salmon recipe is perfect for a quick and delicious meal. With a zesty marinade and easy preparation, its sure to become a favorite!

Ingredients

6 tablespoons light olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
1 teaspoon dried basil (or to taste)
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
2 (6 ounce) fillets of salmon

Directions

Step 1: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped parsley, dried basil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well combined.

Step 2: Place the salmon fillets into a small glass or ceramic baking dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the salmon, ensuring the fillets are fully coated. Cover the dish and refrigerate for about 1 hour, turning the fillets occasionally to allow the flavors to soak in.

Step 3: Preheat your oven to 375F (190C).

Step 4: After marinating, transfer the salmon fillets to a large sheet of aluminum foil. Spoon some of the remaining marinade on top of the fillets and then fold the foil over to create a sealed packet.

Step 5: Place the sealed foil packet on a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for about 20 to 25 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily when tested with a fork.

Step 6: Carefully open the foil packet and serve the salmon hot. Enjoy your flavorful, tender salmon!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

Nutrition	Amount	% Daily Value
Calories	613	-
Total Fat	52g	67%
Saturated Fat	8g	41%
Cholesterol	75mg	25%
Sodium	1235mg	54%
Total Carbohydrate	3g	1%
Dietary Fiber	1g	3%
Total Sugars	0g	-
Protein	36g	73%
Vitamin C	9mg	10%
Calcium	89mg	7%
Iron	2mg	9%
Potassium	665mg	14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs. ** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

Best Baked Salmon Recipe

This baked salmon recipe is a delicious and simple way to prepare a healthy and flavorful meal. The combination of lemon, garlic, parsley, and basil creates a marinade that complements the rich taste of the salmon perfectly. This dish is quick and easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner.

Origin and History of Baked Salmon

Salmon has been a beloved fish in many cultures, particularly in regions near the Northern Pacific Ocean. Native American tribes along the Pacific Northwest have long relied on salmon as a staple food. The fish has been central to their diet, often smoked or grilled, and salmon continues to be a cultural symbol in these areas. Over time, baked salmon recipes have evolved into one of the most popular ways to prepare this fish, as baking it allows for a tender texture and a healthy cooking method.

Regional Variations of Baked Salmon

Salmon dishes vary significantly depending on the region. In Scandinavian countries, salmon is often cured or smoked, sometimes served as gravlax. In Japan, salmon is commonly grilled or enjoyed raw in sushi. In the United States, baked salmon recipes like this one have become a mainstay in home kitchens, with various adaptations depending on available ingredients and personal preferences. The use of herbs like parsley and basil is common in American recipes, which contrasts with the heavy use of mustard and dill in Northern European versions.

Differences From Similar Dishes

What sets baked salmon apart from other fish dishes is its simplicity and focus on the natural flavor of the fish. While many seafood dishes involve heavy sauces or complex preparation techniques, baked salmon emphasizes minimal ingredients that highlight the fish itself. Unlike fried fish, which can be greasy and heavy, baked salmon retains moisture and offers a lighter, more nutritious alternative. Additionally, the foil-wrapping method used in this recipe helps steam the fish, keeping it moist and tender without adding excess fat.

Where to Serve Baked Salmon

Baked salmon is versatile and can be served at a variety of occasions, from casual family dinners to more formal gatherings. It pairs beautifully with sides such as roasted vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. The dish is popular in restaurants that specialize in healthy cuisine or seafood, but it's equally at home in a cozy kitchen. It is especially ideal for those looking for a quick, nutritious meal that doesnt sacrifice flavor or quality.

Interesting Facts About Salmon

Did you know that salmon are born in freshwater rivers but migrate to the ocean as they mature? They can travel thousands of miles before returning to their birthplace to spawn. This incredible journey is one of nature's greatest feats, and salmons life cycle plays an important role in many ecosystems. Moreover, salmon are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and brain function. Including salmon in your diet can provide numerous health benefits, in addition to being a tasty and satisfying meal.

FAQ about Best Baked Salmon Recipe

Leftover baked salmon should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can last for up to 2-3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the salmon tightly in foil or plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Yes, you can prepare the marinade ahead of time. In fact, marinating the salmon for several hours or overnight can enhance the flavor. Store the marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you're ready to use it.

The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can also check the texture by gently pressing the fish with a fork – it should be firm and separate into flakes.

Yes, there are several substitutions you can make. For example, you can use any type of olive oil instead of light olive oil, fresh basil instead of dried basil, or lemon zest instead of lemon juice. You can also adjust the herbs according to your taste preferences, like using thyme or dill instead of parsley.

If you find the recipe too oily, you can reduce the amount of olive oil in the marinade. You can also choose a lighter oil or skip the oil entirely for a lower-fat version. Another option is to bake the salmon without covering it in foil so that excess oil can evaporate.

Yes, you can use frozen salmon. However, make sure to fully thaw it before marinating or baking. To thaw, place the salmon in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave for a quicker option.

Yes, you can try grilling or pan-searing the salmon instead of baking it in foil. If grilling, consider using a fish basket to keep the salmon intact. Pan-searing will give you a crispy exterior, but you may need to adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of your fillets.

This baked salmon pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with rice, roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a fresh salad. For a low-carb option, you could pair it with steamed broccoli or cauliflower rice.

Yes, this baked salmon recipe is great for meal prep. You can cook multiple fillets and store them in the fridge for 2-3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or warm in the oven at a low temperature to avoid overcooking.

Comments

GAYLAF

10/06/2025 01:52:54 PM

I would like to give this one at least 6 stars. It was very good. I did decrease the olive oil to 1 (one) tablespoon and decreased the salt to 1/2 teaspoon and I can not imagine it tasting any better. I marinated it in a plastic bag and kind of massaged the oil mixture into the salmon and then left it for an hour. I may decrease the pepper a wee bit next time. For you fellow Weight Watchers I calculated the points for a 6 ounce fillet to be 8.5. ***That is the points using 1 tblsp. of oil for the 2 fillets. Enjoy! Thanks Norma.

ROUVER

12/17/2002 10:14:33 AM

Excellent recipe. As recommended, made the following changes, and it turned out wonderfully: 2 T. olive oil, 1 T. melted butter, 3/4 tsp basil, 1/2 tsp salt, 3 T lemon juice, 1 tsp dried parsley, dash of dill weed. Instead of wrapping fillets individually, I just put the foil on top of the baking dish. I also skin fish before marinading (CRUCIAL for lessening fishy taste). Overall VERY easy. I make it with rice & serve the remaining marinade to drizzle on rice & fish.

Holly Z

08/14/2019 11:18:29 PM

My whole fam including the picky eater loves and asks for this! I use 2 lbs salmon filet. 4 -5 cloves garlic, 1 -2 tbsp evo, usually forget about the salt. I use 1tbsp basil & parsley + 2tsp dill. I don't " marinade" but just pop it all on top of the salmon. Wrap tight in foil n bake in the oven about 35 minutes. I tuck the thin skinny ends of the filets under if you have them for more even cooking. Feeds 5-6

Karen Jo

10/22/2020 10:37:54 AM

I loved it. I used fresh dill instead of fresh parsley, because that's what I had and knew that it goes great with fish. I put the salmon in a glass casserole, poured the marinade over it and put on the lid. Then I just baked it in the same casserole, marinade and all. I guess it wasn't "steamed", per say, but it was delicious.

busycook

03/02/2020 09:19:47 PM

Great flavor. I doubled everything for 5 fillets. Didn’t use light oil. Just a good quality EVOO. I Always chop the garlic fresh. I mariinate in glass dish and put straight into oven as is covered Cooks in about 40 min at 400. Family fave!

Cooking Mama

04/15/2021 10:06:33 PM

Very good! I used less olive oil and let it marinate in the foil on baking sheet. I did not have lemons so used lemon pepper seasoning. Also like to make salmon patties using this recipe for the salmon!

Danielle Stadelman RDN

12/15/2023 03:13:51 AM

This recipe turned out so delicious with the addition of lemon and parsley. I usually cook fish on the stove but wrapping it to steam created the most perfect texture. The clean up was so easy too!

Meyer

02/21/2020 06:32:26 AM

I have been using this recipe constantly . Perfect My family and friends use phrases like "Excellent" to "Best Salmon I ever tasted!". When possible I marinate the salmon for at least 6 hours. Definitively makes it even more tasty.

jreynolds24

12/07/2020 08:27:49 PM

This has become a go-to marinade for me. I subbed out dried parsley (1 tsp) for the fresh parsley. I put the baked fish with the cooked marinade over linguini and garnish with some fresh grated parmesan cheese. It's been a hit with many friends and family members!

Taylor

03/04/2021 01:05:54 AM

So this was extremely good and very very easy. I only made a couple of adjustments to the recipe. I used extra virgin olive oil (I was out of regular), and after reading through the reviews I decided to add a little bit extra lemon juice. I only did a couple of dashes, but the taste of salt and pepper were so overwhelming that I can’t even tell if that was a good call or not lol. It did create a lot of liquid with the 6 T, but I love that as I put it over jasmine rice. Next time I will DEFINITELY cut back the salt and pepper as it was extremely overpowering to the dish. I used 4oz fillets, and after I cooked them for 20 minutes they were completely done (165F). I think next time I will temp that after 12 minutes and see how they are. I personally love the tin foil method for cooking them, it makes them very moist and flaky. The ease of this well worth it, especially if you are trying to quickly get dinner together after work. Unless you are a SUPER fan of salt and pepper, I would 100% half it at least. This is definitely going in my recipe box. :)

TERRYLYNB

02/25/2020 07:25:13 PM

45 minutes is way too long to cook salmon.. I took it out after 15 minutes and it was done perfectly..

FlashySoy4562

09/19/2025 09:29:45 PM

Good flavor with a bit of added spices. Messy with the foil! I prefer the ease of serving and cleanup just baking in an uncovered glass pan with drippings/oil remaining in the pan when served instead of the mess opening the foil and then removing the filet.

angivan

09/01/2025 03:58:42 AM

Perfect just the way it is, no adjustments needed. Even marinating for just 15 minutes is enough. And with a jar of minced garlic on hand, I have everything I need whenever I want make it. Quick and easy.

Christina Maria Norris

08/09/2025 06:51:58 PM

I made it as the recipes is and my whole family loves it

megg

06/26/2025 01:52:08 AM

Too oily and the it came out a bit dry.

Haven Ward

03/19/2025 09:24:48 PM

Easy and delicious!

Gary Gomez

03/16/2025 12:35:50 AM

Wow, this is really good.

TIMBER_W28

02/05/2025 03:03:05 AM

Did not make any changes….made with baked asparagus and mashed potatoes

TwistyIce3772

01/06/2025 11:41:11 PM

My personal preference, I added a little bit more lemon juice. The flavor was a delicious choice to change up my salmon.

Kevin

12/12/2024 10:12:12 PM

We had 23 people for dinner, every bit of salmon was devoured! Could have had more. A lot of people wanted the recipe, was happy to pass it on.

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