Oven Baked Salmon – moist and flaky highly seasoned salmon fillets with a lemony and spicy kick. A perfect easy weeknight meal for busy folks or as a low-carb go-to Lenten meal. Spicy, lemony, and moist – everything you want a salmon dinner to be!
This quick and easy salmon dish is just in time for the Lenten season. I can’t think of a better dish during this season for Christians like me, than my all-time fave fish – salmon – which is a very good source of protein. This blog certainly has a wide array of salmon recipes that you can choose from. You can start browsing some salmon recipes through HERE. (You’re welcome! 🙂 )
The closest recipe that I can think of other than this one is this popular Paprika Salmon and Green Beans, but it’s better than that. Oh yesss! Let me tell you why.
Oven Baked Salmon Ingredients
Aside from the herbs and spices like paprika, cayenne pepper, thyme and basil, among others, this Oven Baked Salmon is doused with butter and also the vibrant tang of lemon. Oh I’d never leave my lemons out of this recipe especially now that they’re in season.
That lemony kick is a must on most of my savory dishes especially when dealing with meat and even with my sweet treats. I’m down for anything with lemons. Seriously!
If that already convince you, here’s what you need to make this easy low-carb dinner:
- salmon fillets
- unsalted butter
- garlic
- onion powder
- paprika
- cayenne pepper
- basil
- salt and pepper
- lemons
The thing with using lemons is that they also help achieve a moist flaky salmon inside and out. A beautiful and easy perfect weeknight go-to meal or midweek fancy date night protein.
How Long to Bake Salmon in Oven?
This easy dish doesn’t take that long in the oven. Simply bake these salmon here in a preheated oven at 400 F for about 10-15 minutes. Tasty and healthy dinner in no time!
Take note though that cooking times must be adjusted depending on the thickness of the salmon cut. The US Food and Drug Administration recommends an internal temperature of 145 F to determine that a salmon fillet is cooked enough. You can use a thermometer to check the salmon or use fork testing. Insert a fork into the center of the fillet and slightly twist it. If it comes out flaky, opaque and moist, then you’re all set.
What to Serve with Oven Baked Salmon?
There is so much flavor sitting on top of these salmon fillets that you can serve it with other veggies (like some roasted Brussel sprouts) or simply enjoy it as it is. Below are some of my favorite sides to go along with this easy dinner:
More Low-Carb Fish Dinner Recipes
Watch How to Make It
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How to Bake Salmon in the Oven
Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil or baking paper, like I did, then spray with cooking spray or lightly oil. Set aside. Using a sharp knife, make about 4-5 slits on salmon OR you can slice it through after cooking. Dab both sides of salmon dry with paper towels, season both sides with salt and pepper.
In a small pan set over medium low heat butter, minced garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, cayenne pepper, parsley or basil.
Stir for about 30 seconds or 1 minute. Let this mixture sit for a bit, about 5 minutes. Add lemon juice to mixture.
Brush salmon with butter mixture. Bake until cooked through, about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish and your preference of doneness.
When the thickest part of the salmon is easily flaked with a fork, the salmon is perfectly cooked. Garnish immediately with lemon slices.
Oven Baked Salmon – moist and flaky highly seasoned salmon fillets with a lemony and spicy kick. A perfect easy weeknight meal for busy folks or as a low-carb go-to Lenten meal. Spicy, lemony, and moist – everything you want a salmon dinner to be!
- 2 pounds (907.18 g) Salmon fillets
- 3-4 tablespoons (42.53 - 56.70 g) unsalted butter
- 2-3 teaspoons (5.60 - 8.40 g) minced garlic
- 1 tablespoon (6.90 g) onion powder
- 1 tablespoon (6.80 g) paprika
- 1/2 -1 teaspoon (1.80 g) cayenne pepper (optional)
- 2-3 tablespoon (5.30 - 15.90 g) fresh parsley, basil
- salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon (15 g) or more lemon juice
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Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat the oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with foil or baking paper, like I did, spray with cooking spray or lightly oil. Set aside.
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Using a sharp knife, make about 4-5 slits on salmon. Dab both sides of salmon dry with paper towels, season both sides with salt and pepper.
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In a small pan set over medium low heat butter, minced garlic, Paprika, onion powder cayenne pepper and parsley or basil. Stir for about 30 seconds or 1 minute. Let this mixture sit for a little bit about 5 minute. Add lemon juice to mixture.
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Brush salmon with spice mixture, making sure every inch is covered with spice .
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Bake until cooked through, about 10-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fish and your preference of doneness. When the thickest part of the salmon is easily flaked with a fork, the salmon is perfectly cooked.
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Garnish immediately with lemon slices.
Loved the recipe! I kept the ingredients for the sauce the same for only 1 lb of salmon and caked on more of the sauce on the fish. Using about 3/4 tsp cayenne it was a little spicy for our young kids, but giving them pieces beneath the sauce worked for them. The sauce was delish, though we live in the Pacific NW with wonderful fresh salmon, and the sauce masked most of the fish flavor. Great for people who don’t like fish, and great for mixing up our usual fish-cooking methods. Next time, I may try
on some chicken.
Yummy! We have never had salmon like this before, everyone loved it!
Awesome!! I am so glad you got to try something new and that it was a hit for you. Thank you for the feedback, Emily!
This is such a great recipe. Everyone in my family loves it and so we make it at least once a month.
Glad to hear this . Thanks
This sounds delish! Have you made this in either an air fryer or instant pot? Was wondering about your success.
Hi Gabrielle! It tastes delish too :).
I haven’t tried making this in an air fryer or instant pot yet. Do let me know how it works out for you :).
Great recipe! I made it according to your recipe and the taste is great! Everyone in the family likes it, it makes me happy. Thank you
And now I am happy too :)! I am so glad this was a hit with your family, Lisa. Thanks for stopping by!
Amazing! Served with mango/black bean quinoa!
Sounds delish!! Thanks for stopping by, Tabbatha!
Just looking at it makes me drool, it looks delicious and beautiful. I definitely have to cook this dish right now. Thank you for sharing!
It tastes delicious too!! 🙂 Do let me know how it works out for you!
I made this recipe and it came out wonderful it reminds of of when I was in Africa and our cook made something like this with barracuda he made a thick paste for it in Sierra Leone!!!
Love it! Comes out so delicious and became a top favorite for my husband. He has requested it numerous times. Thank you!
This was delicious. I have baked salmon numerous ways and this out shinded them all. Definentlya keer.
Thank you
Awesome and a refreshing change! Will definitely make again.
Thanks for the feedback.
Do you slice the skin off the salmon or do you leave the skin on through cooking?
Hi, Rick. I left the skin on for this salmon.
Always love my salmon,will definitely try your recipe.
Second time to make this. I love your recipes and am so happy you share them!
Aww.. thanks Carol. I love cooking!!!
Quick and dumb question, it says about the fresh parsley, then in quotation marks, it says, basil … which is it or are they the same thing?
Hi Donald,
They both work just fine .Basil adds strong, pungent, sweet smell. While parsley is more mellow. Add one or both .
I put 2 parsley and 1 basil worked out fine
Can I use olive oil instead of butter?
Yes you can.
I just made your recipe and it was easy but most of all the taste was amazing. Even my husband, whom is not a big fan of fish, asked for seconds. Definitely, will keep this recipe. Thank you!
Awesome! I am so glad this was a hit with your family, Mercedes. Thank you for the review :)!
Mmm hmmm…that’s good sauce! Love this recipe — thank you!!
So easy and good. I used frozen salmon from Aldi’s. Will make again !
Awesome!Thanks so much.
Really delicious, eating mine now. I only had about 1 1/2 lbs of salmon, but made the full amount of seasoning mix, including 1 tsp Cayenne. The resulting thick covering is wonderful! Thanks for this!
The salmon was delicious and I will be making it again. Thanks for recipe.
That is so good to know! Thanks for stopping by!
Really easy and tasty and I was out of the thyme and onion powder ( I just added chopped onion and sautéed it with the other ingredients).
I’ll be checking out your other recipes!
what is the purpose of cayenne pepper? Why should we use it?
You sholdn’t. It’s just a suggestion. You can use whatever you want.
This recipe is excellent. My family loved it. Thank you for your simple lucid style of explaining the recipe. Great job!
This salmon was fantastic! I accidentally added garlic salt instead of onion powder, then realized my mistake. I threw out half the butter mix and started over with onion powder, so it was saltier than called for but I loved it anyhow! Added a dash of smoked paprika too. Mmmm. Went perfect with fluffy white rice and sauteed bok choy. Will make again for sure!
Salmon perfection! Follow this recipe to a tee and it your salmon will be delicious! I added one tsp of cayenne and it gives it just the right amount of heat. Even my three year old granddaughter loved it! We all loved it!
Awesome!So happy to hear that your grand daughter enjoyed it too- Thanks for taking the out to share this with us kristine.
Came out great! I added some pepper flakes and mixed melted butter from the microwave with the dry ingredients instead of cooking over a stove. Popped it in the grill and it was exceptional, going to try it on the bbq next time.
I have made this several times and always a winner!
I don’t know where to buy cayenne pepper? So much lemonade for what? Thank you
Hi Melissa! Ground cayenne pepper should be at most grocery stores but if you can’t find it you can substitute with red pepper flakes or something of that source if you’re a heat seeker! The lemon adds a tang complements the salmon well but if you don’t like it you can certainly omit!
Dollar Store.
Thank you so much , it’s great I will give you a 5star
This recipe is great! I’ve prepared it twice now and it’s our new family favorite. I’ve added some capers for an extra pop of flavor and my kids use the leftover butter mix on steamed veggies. I’m willing to bet it’s great on chicken too. Thank you for such a yummy recipe 🙂
Interesting way to cook the salmon, I’ll try.
Thanks for sharing.
This recipe is easy and fantastic. Even my hard to impress sister said it was the best salmon she’s ever had! I’m so happy to have come across this.
Awesome! Happy to hear it worked out well for you Alicia. Thanks for taking time out to share your thoughts with us .