Description
This Oven Baked Salmon recipe delivers a perfectly tender and flavorful salmon fillet with a simple garlic butter and spice rub. Baked in foil to lock in moisture and enhance flavor, it’s a healthy and easy main dish ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1 (2-pound) whole salmon fillet (skin-on preferred)
Seasoning & Sauce
- 3 tablespoons melted butter (or olive oil)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- Ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prep: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay a large piece of foil on a rimmed baking sheet and place the salmon fillet skin side down, pink side up. Fold and crimp the edges of the foil around the salmon to create a sealed ‘boat’ that will hold juices while baking.
- Season: In a small bowl, mix the melted butter with the minced garlic. Brush half of this garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the salmon. In another bowl, combine the brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the salmon fillet. Finally, drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top to coat.
- Bake: Place the foil ‘boat’ with the salmon onto the baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 22 minutes. The cooking time will depend on your preferred doneness; aim for an internal temperature of 125°F for medium-rare or 145°F for fully cooked. Optionally, baste the salmon with its juices halfway through baking to keep it moist. Once done, remove from oven and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- For medium-rare salmon, target an internal temperature of 125°F; for well-done, 145°F.
- Using foil helps keep the salmon moist and makes cleanup easy.
- Substitute olive oil for butter for a dairy-free version.
- Leftover salmon is great for salads or sandwiches the next day.
