Description
This Oven Baked Salmon recipe delivers tender, flavorful salmon with a deliciously seasoned garlic butter glaze. Perfectly baked at 375°F, the salmon remains moist and flaky, enhanced by a blend of brown sugar, Italian seasoning, paprika, and garlic powder. It’s an easy, healthy, and impressive main dish for a weeknight dinner or special occasion, serving six.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 1 (2-pound) whole salmon fillet (skin-on preferred)
Seasoning and Marinade
- 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
- Preheat and Prepare: Preheat your oven to 375°F. Lay a large piece of aluminum foil onto a rimmed baking sheet. Place the whole salmon fillet skin-side down, pink side up, onto the foil. Crimp the edges of the foil to form a shallow “boat” that will hold the salmon and any cooking juices.
- Season the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter and minced garlic. Brush half of this garlic butter mixture evenly over the top of the salmon. In another bowl, mix together the brown sugar, Italian seasoning, ground paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Sprinkle this seasoning blend evenly over the salmon. Drizzle the remaining garlic butter over the top for extra moisture and flavor.
- Bake: Place the prepared salmon in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 to 22 minutes, depending on your desired doneness. For optimal results, baste the salmon with its own juices halfway through baking to keep it moist. When the salmon is cooked through—opaque and flaky with an internal temperature of about 125–130°F for medium or 140°F for well done—remove it from the oven.
- Rest and Serve: Let the salmon rest in the foil boat for 5 minutes after baking. This resting time allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender, flavorful fish. Serve warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Check internal temperature to avoid overcooking: 125-130°F for medium doneness, 140°F for well done.
- Basting halfway through cooking enhances moisture and flavor but is optional.
- Use skin-on salmon to help keep the fillet intact and moist during baking.
- Foil “boat” helps in easy cleanup and retaining flavorful juices.
- Substitute olive oil for melted butter for a dairy-free option.
