If you’re looking for a simple, fuss-free dinner that feels both fresh and comforting, you’re in the right place. I want to share my go-to Baked Salmon with Lemon and Seasonings Recipe that always turns out moist, flavorful, and perfectly tender. Trust me, once you try this, it’ll quickly become a staple in your weeknight rotation—plus, it’s loaded with bright, zesty notes and just the right kick of seasoning.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Super Simple: Minimal ingredients and easy steps mean it’s perfect for busy nights.
- Bright & Zesty Flavor: Lemon juice and seasoning blend create a refreshing and savory combo.
- Moist & Tender Salmon: Baking and optional foil covering keeps the fish juicy every single time.
- Versatile & Customizable: You can easily swap or add your favorite herbs and spices.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients work wonderfully together to bring out the best of the salmon without overpowering its natural flavor. When I shop, I always look for fresh, firm salmon with a nice pink hue to guarantee the best taste and texture.
- Salmon fillets: Choose skin-on for extra flavor and texture; it crisps nicely if you broil at the end.
- Onion powder: Adds a subtle savory sweetness without the moisture raw onions bring.
- Garlic powder: A gentle garlic flavor that infuses the fish evenly without any chunks.
- Italian seasoning: A mix of herbs that complement the salmon perfectly and add a bit of earthiness.
- Paprika: Gives just the right smoky warmth and a beautiful color.
- Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Black pepper: Provides a mild heat and depth.
- Olive oil: Helps keep the salmon from sticking and adds richness.
- Lemon juice: Brightens and balances the savory seasonings with a fresh citrus punch.
Variations
I love how adaptable this Baked Salmon with Lemon and Seasonings Recipe is. You can make it your own by swapping out herbs or even adding new flavors. Feel free to experiment — you might find a favorite twist!
- Spicy Twist: When I wanted something with a kick, I added a pinch of cayenne pepper and it was loved by everyone at the table.
- Herbaceous Version: Fresh dill or thyme sprinkled before baking adds a lovely herbal freshness I adore in spring.
- Glazed Salmon: Brush with a little honey or maple syrup before baking for a slightly sweet contrast to the lemony tang.
- Low Sodium: Reduce the salt and boost flavor with garlic and lemon zest to keep it healthy but tasty.
How to Make Baked Salmon with Lemon and Seasonings Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Salmon and Oven
First, preheat your oven to 400°F. I like to line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or foil — it saves so much cleanup! Then, gently pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This little step is a game changer because removing excess moisture helps the seasoning stick better and the skin crisp up nicely if you decide to broil later.
Step 2: Mix and Season
In a small bowl, whisk together the onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Brush your baking sheet lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking, then place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Drizzle fresh lemon juice over each piece, then sprinkle your seasoning mix evenly on top. I always let the salmon sit at room temperature for about 10 minutes before baking so it cooks more evenly throughout.
Step 3: Bake and Optional Broil
Covering the baking sheet loosely with foil is an optional trick I discovered that really keeps the salmon tender and juicy. Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F at the thickest part. For an extra touch of texture, I like to broil it for 1-2 minutes at the end to get a crispy, golden crust — just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Pro Tips for Making Baked Salmon with Lemon and Seasonings Recipe
- Drying is Key: Patting salmon dry makes a huge difference in how well the seasoning sticks and also helps create a nice crust.
- Room Temp Matters: Letting the salmon rest out of the fridge before baking ensures even cooking and prevents a cold center.
- Adjust for Thickness: I always check my fillets—thicker ones need a slightly longer bake time, and thinner ones less.
- Broil With Caution: When broiling for a crispy top, keep the oven door slightly open and watch closely to avoid burning.
How to Serve Baked Salmon with Lemon and Seasonings Recipe
Garnishes
Personally, I love finishing the salmon with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or dill—the green pops beautifully and adds fresh flavor. A few lemon wedges on the side also look great and allow everyone to add just a bit more brightness if they want.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs perfectly with a handful of sides. I often serve it alongside roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, or a simple mixed green salad. Sometimes, I even go for a grain like quinoa or couscous to soak up all those delicious flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to plate the salmon over a bed of lemony risotto and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens. Another time, I wrapped the cooked salmon in butter lettuce leaves with fresh avocado slices for a light, elegant appetizer that wowed my guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover salmon stores beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge — I usually get up to 2 days. Just make sure the salmon cools completely before sealing to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
I’ve frozen cooked salmon before with decent results. To freeze, wrap fillets tightly in plastic wrap and then foil or place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
When reheating, I prefer to do it low and slow in the oven at 275°F for about 10-15 minutes covered loosely with foil. This helps keep the salmon moist and prevents it from drying out or overcooking.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, you can! Just be sure to fully thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight and pat it dry before seasoning and baking. This prevents excess moisture and ensures even cooking.
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Is it necessary to cover the salmon with foil while baking?
Covering with foil is optional but recommended if you want extra tender, juicy salmon. It traps steam and prevents the surface from drying out. If you prefer a crispier crust, bake uncovered and optionally broil at the end.
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How do I know when my salmon is fully cooked?
The easiest way is to check if it flakes easily with a fork at the thickest part and registers an internal temperature of 145°F. Avoid overcooking to keep it moist.
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Can I add other seasonings or herbs?
Absolutely! This recipe is versatile. Fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or thyme add great flavor. You can also experiment with spices like cumin or chili powder for a unique twist.
Final Thoughts
This Baked Salmon with Lemon and Seasonings Recipe holds a special spot in my kitchen because it’s reliably delicious and so forgiving for cooks at any skill level. Whether you’re rushing through a weeknight or hosting a cozy dinner, it delivers flavor and freshness every time. I hope you enjoy it as much as my family and I do—give it a try and let it bring a little sunshine to your table!
Print
Baked Salmon with Lemon and Seasonings Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Easy Baked Salmon Recipe delivers perfectly tender and flavorful salmon fillets with minimal effort. Seasoned with a blend of onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, salt, and pepper, then drizzled with lemon juice and olive oil, these salmon fillets bake in the oven until flaky and juicy. Optional broiling at the end adds a crispy crust. Ideal for a quick, healthy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Other Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F (204 degrees C). Optionally, line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easier cleanup.
- Prepare the salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels to remove excess moisture, ensuring crispier skin and better seasoning adherence.
- Mix the seasonings: In a small bowl, combine onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper to create the spice blend.
- Prepare the baking sheet: Brush the rimmed baking sheet with olive oil to prevent sticking and place the salmon fillets skin-side down on it.
- Season the salmon: Drizzle lemon juice over each salmon fillet, then evenly sprinkle the prepared spice mixture on top of each.
- Cover and bake: Optionally cover the pan with aluminum foil to create a more tender texture, then bake the salmon for 12 to 15 minutes, adjusting time based on fillet thickness. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F.
- Optional broil for crispiness: For a crispy crust, broil the salmon for 1 to 2 minutes after baking, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Rest before serving: Remove salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2 to 3 minutes to retain its juices before serving.
Notes
- Line the baking tray with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup!
- Always dry the salmon with paper towels before seasoning to remove excess moisture for a more crispy skin.
- Let the fish sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before baking so it cooks evenly.
- Cover the salmon with an additional layer of foil before baking for a more tender salmon.
- Check the thickness of the fish and adjust the baking time if the fish is thinner or thicker than 1 inch to avoid over or undercooking.
- Allow the fish to rest for 2 to 3 minutes before serving to keep it nice and juicy!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (approximately 6 oz)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
