Oven Baked Salmon Recipe (Easy Weeknight Dinner)

Fresh salmon fillet garnished with herbs. — Healthy, flavorful salmon dish with lemon and herbs for a nutritious meal.

If you are looking for an oven baked salmon recipe that feels special but takes almost no effort, this one is a favorite in my kitchen. This is the kind of dinner I make when I want something comforting, fast, and dependable. I started making this salmon on busy nights when I forgot to plan ahead, and now it shows up on our table way more often than I expected.

The sweet and savory garlic butter topping melts right into the fish, and the oven does all the work. No flipping. No stress. Just simple ingredients and really good results.

If you love easy dinners like my cream cheese chicken or apple cider chicken, this oven baked salmon fits right in.

Jump to:

Why I Love This Oven Baked Salmon
FAQs
📖 Recipe
Recipes You May Like
Final Thoughts
💬 Reviews

Why I Love This Oven Baked Salmon

This recipe saved me on nights when I stared into the fridge with no plan. I always keep salmon in the freezer, and everything else is already in my pantry. The oven baked method keeps the fish tender, and the brown sugar topping adds just enough sweetness without overpowering the salmon.

It also smells amazing while it bakes, which never hurts when you are trying to get everyone to the table.

Ingredients

4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons garlic butter, melted
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Fresh salmon with herbs, lemon slices, and olive oil, ideal for healthy meals. — Delicious grilled salmon fillet garnished with herbs, lemon, and olive oil for a tasty seafood dish.

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
In a small bowl, mix together the brown sugar, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Arrange the salmon fillets skin side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Brush the tops of the salmon with the melted garlic butter.
Sprinkle the brown sugar spice mixture evenly over each fillet.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque in the center.
Serve hot with fresh lemon wedges on the side.

Fresh salmon fillets seasoned with herbs, garlic, and lemon slices for a healthy meal. — Delicious baked salmon topped with herbs, garlic, and lemon served on a white plate with fresh greens.

Notes And Variations

If you do not have garlic butter, plain butter or olive oil works just fine.
Maple syrup can be used instead of brown sugar for a slightly different sweetness.
For extra flavor, drizzle any leftover garlic butter over the salmon right before serving.
Thicker fillets may need a few extra minutes in the oven, so keep an eye on them near the end.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 350
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 400mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg

FAQs

How Do I Know When Salmon Is Done?

The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and looks opaque all the way through. If it still looks shiny and translucent in the center, give it another minute or two.

Can I Use Frozen Salmon?

Yes, but thaw it fully first. Pat it dry with paper towels so the butter and seasoning stick properly.

What Temperature Is Best For Oven Baked Salmon?

I like 375°F because it cooks evenly without drying out. Higher temperatures cook faster but can be less forgiving.

Delicious baked salmon topped with herbs, garlic, and lemon served on a white plate with fresh greens.

📖 Recipe