My favorite way to bake salmon is at a high temperature, locking in moisture, for the best baked salmon every time!
Learning how to bake salmon is one of those essential cooking skills! I always use this baked salmon trick. Whether you want to top your salmon with lemon and garlic, a pre-made marinade, or a Blackened Salmon rub, this method will never let you down!
Want to learn how long to bake salmon, at what temperature, and when the salmon is done? This recipe covers it all!
Looking for a different way of cooking salmon? Trying Poached Salmon!
Table of Contents
- Ingredients You’ll Need
- Is Salmon Healthy?
- How to Shop for Salmon
- Best Temperature for Baking Salmon
- How Long to Bake Salmon
- How to Know When Salmon Is Done Baking
- Tips for Baking Salmon
- How to Bake Salmon
- How to Store and Reheat Salmon
- Baked Salmon Topping Ideas
- What to Serve With Salmon
- More Salmon Recipes You’ll Love!
- How to Bake Salmon (Best Method) Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Salmon fillets – salmon fillets are the most common cut of salmon that you can get at pretty much any grocery store or fish market.
- Marinade or topping of choice – you can choose a premade marinade or make your own marinade or topping.
Is Salmon Healthy?
While I’m not a doctor and you should consult your doctor before making any health decisions, salmon is rich in omega-3s, protein, vitamins, and minerals! Plus, it’s delish!
How to Shop for Salmon
When shopping for salmon, you can usually buy either wild-caught or farmed-raised. Wild-caught salmon is typically more nutrient-dense and more sustainable, whereas farmed salmon is more affordable and available year-round. Look for vibrant, consistent color and firm, moist flesh, avoiding any fish with discoloration, slimy texture, or a strong fishy smell. Fresh salmon should have a mild sea smell. Frozen salmon is also a good option if you don’t plan on using the fish in a day or two from purchase!
Best Temperature for Baking Salmon
450°F is the magic number for moist, tender baked salmon every time.
How Long to Bake Salmon
Bake salmon for 14-18 minutes, depending on how thick your salmon fillets are. If you’re adding a topping, add it with about 5 minutes left of the bake time!
How to Know When Salmon Is Done Baking
You can test salmon in the thickest part with a thermometer, or use a fork to test whether the salmon is starting to flake and is opaque (not translucent). The internal temperature should be between 135-145°F (the USDA recommends 145°F).
Tips for Baking Salmon
- Baking salmon at a high temp (450°F) locks in the moisture of the salmon.
- If you marinated your salmon ahead of time, add the marinated salmon right to your pan, and bake!
- If you did not marinate your salmon but have a topping that you’d like to add, add it towards the end of the baking process depending on how caramelized you’d like the topping to be.
- I recommend about 1/4 pound of salmon per person for a side dish, and about a 1/2 pound per person for a main dish.
How to Bake Salmon
Baking salmon is as easy as 1-2-3!
- Prep.
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Place salmon in a dry pan or baking sheet.
- Bake.
Bake salmon for 14-18 minutes, depending on how thick your salmon fillets are. If you’re adding a topping, add it with about 5 minutes left of the bake time. Salmon is done when the center starts to flake, or the internal temp reaches 135-145 degrees.
- Serve.
Remove salmon from pan right away and serve.
How to Store and Reheat Salmon
Once cooled, cover salmon in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy it chilled or reheated. Salmon keeps very well in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat salmon in a 300°F oven, wrapped in foil, until warm (about 10-15 minutes).
Baked Salmon Topping Ideas
- Plain, seasoned with salt and pepper
- Lemon Garlic Salmon with herbs (as seen in the photo)
- Asian glazed salmon, as shown in this Salmon Rice Bowl
- Blackened Salmon with Cajun spices
- Using a premade marinade or sauce like teriyaki or sweet chili sauce
- Add Tzatziki, Muhammara, Peanut Sauce, Corn Salsa, or Gremolata to the salmon AFTER it’s baked.
What to Serve With Salmon
Serve baked salmon with any of the sauces and toppings mentioned in the section above. Salmon can be served as a main dish, side dish or protein on top of a salad or pasta dish! Here are some ideas:
- On top of a beautiful bed of Eggplant Caponata
- With Garlic Naan Bread
- With Crispy Brussels Sprouts
- With Mashed Sweet Potatoes
- On top of a Green Goddess Salad
- On top of Lemon Pasta
More Salmon Recipes You’ll Love!
- Smoked Salmon Avocado Toast
- Salmon Burgers
- Pan Seared Salmon
- Honey Garlic Glazed Salmon
- Fresh Salmon Croquettes
- Salmon Salad
How to Bake Salmon (Best Method)
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets
- Marinade or topping of choice
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 450°F. Place salmon in a dry pan or baking sheet.
- Bake salmon for 14-18 minutes, depending on how thick your salmon fillets are. If you’re adding a topping, add it with about 5 minutes left of the bake time. Salmon is done when the center starts to flake, or the internal temp reaches 135-145°F.
- Remove salmon from pan right away and serve.
Video
Notes
- Here’s the lemon garlic salmon with herbs (shown in the photo) if you’re looking for a topping idea! More topping and marinade ideas in the post above.
- Nutrition information reflects 1 pound of salmon cut into 4 servings without any toppings/marinades.
- If you marinated your salmon ahead of time, add the marinated salmon right to your pan, and bake!
- If you did not marinate your salmon but have a topping that you’d like to add, add it towards the end of the baking process depending on how caramelized you’d like the topping to be.
- I recommend about 1/4 pound of salmon per person for a side dish, and about a 1/2 pound per person for a main dish.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
