Description
This Easy Baked Salmon recipe features tender, flaky salmon fillets baked to perfection with a simple butter, olive oil, and parsley seasoning. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a healthy and delicious meal perfect for any night of the week. The salmon is baked skin-side down and finished with a splash of fresh lemon juice for a bright, fresh finish.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1-2 pounds salmon fillet (large or individual pieces)
Seasoning and Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Fresh lemon juice, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and move the rack to the top third of the oven. Allow the salmon to come to room temperature for 15-20 minutes if possible to ensure even cooking.
- Melt Butter and Oil: In a small bowl, combine the olive oil and butter and melt it together in the microwave until fully combined and liquid.
- Prepare Salmon: Place the salmon skin-side down in a baking dish or on a foil-lined baking sheet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Pour the melted oil and butter mixture evenly over the salmon, then sprinkle the chopped parsley on top.
- Bake Salmon: If using a large single fillet about 1 inch thick, bake uncovered for 18-20 minutes. Check doneness by seeing if the salmon flakes easily with a fork. For thinner pieces, check after 15 minutes. If using individual fillets around 1 inch thick, bake for 12-15 minutes until flaky. Return to oven if it appears undercooked in the thickest part.
- Finish and Serve: Once cooked, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon. To serve, you can easily slide the flesh off the skin using a spatula or knife if you prefer not to eat the skin. Enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Letting the salmon rest at room temperature before baking ensures more even cooking.
- Use fresh parsley for the best flavor, but dried can be substituted if needed.
- If using a convection oven, reduce baking time slightly and keep a close eye to prevent overcooking.
- Do not overbake the salmon to keep it moist and flaky.
- You can use lemon wedges on the side for additional fresh lemon juice.
